The European cleantech market is being hampered from growth because of poor quality communication from suppliers according to a new study.

Cleantech companies offer services that improve operational performance, productivity, or efficiency while reducing costs, energy consumption and waste.

In a study conducted by Weber Shandwick and KRC Research found a lack of information from suppliers to help customers rationalise making cleantech choices, despite the fact that eight out of ten large organisations in Europe have specific cleantech purchasing policies in place.

High quality information enabling customers to properly evaluate cleantech products and services is critical says Weber Shandwick.

Half of the organisations surveyed perceived cost to be a barrier to making cleantech investments.

Nearly a third of the 400 senior purchasing decision-makers surveyed across France, Germany, Spain and the UK currently receive no information at all from cleantech companies.

A quarter of respondents who do get information feel it is lacking, while one in ten feel the information is too complicated.

Almost two-thirds of European organisations are placing the same amount of importance on green procurement since before the economic downturn, while 25% of organisations expect to put more emphasis on environmentally-friendly buying. Only 14 per cent of businesses plan to make cleantech a lower priority.

European Technology Practice chair Michelle McGlocklin said. "Our research shows there's a strong and growing intention to purchase cleantech products and services. Central to this is the need to overcome the perceived price barrier around cleantech products and services by demonstrating how solutions can create savings and other business benefits."

ShareThis