Author: PlastEurope
German company Werner & Mertz (W&M, Mainz; www.werner-mertz.com), a manufacturer of laundry detergents and cleaning products, is regarded as a pioneer in circular economy in the country. Since 2012, the PET bottles used by the company have been made of 100% post-consumer recyclate. “As far as plastics are concerned, Germany is steering politically against a circular economy,” said managing partner Reinhard Schneider in a recent interview with German newspaper, Handelsblatt. “Unlike for example heating oil or petrol, virgin plastic is exempt from mineral oil tax. That is a concealed subsidy,” added Schneider.