Rising energy and raw material prices, as well as fragile supply chains, are bringing the circular economy into focus as a forward-looking strategy for energy sovereignty and security. For decades, Werner & Mertz has been demonstrating how sustainable practices can be not only ecologically but also economically advantageous. The detergent manufacturer has relied on plant-based ingredients and packaging made from recycled plastic since 1986. This strategy has helped the company reduce its dependence on fossil oil sources and protect itself against price shocks.
In the ZDF today news broadcast on April 16th, Werner & Mertz was presented as a positive example of a company that has successfully restructured its business model. The report highlights that the circular economy is no longer perceived merely as a green environmental issue, but as an essential strategy for ensuring national security and economic independence. Reinhard Schneider, owner of Werner & Mertz, emphasises that the timely switch to renewable raw materials and recycling was crucial for meeting current economic challenges.
Experts call for political support
Professor Klaus Helling, an environmental economist at Trier University, highlights that Germany is well-positioned regarding the energy transition and circular economy, but requires political frameworks to promote these approaches more widely. This demand is also addressed in the discussion series „The Optimists,“ which was initiated by Werner & Mertz.
On 19 May, Reinhard Schneider will discuss Germany's enhanced capacity to act in an unstable world with CDU politician Roderich Kiesewetter and climate expert Dr. Kira Vinke. The focus will not only be on defence and crisis resilience, but also on the role of the circular economy and the ability to actively shape change. The panel discussions of the format aim not only to describe challenges but also to highlight feasible solutions.
Sustainability as a resilience strategy
The circular economy is increasingly being considered as applied resilience, particularly in times of problematic resource dependencies and hybrid threats. Werner & Mertz demonstrates that sustainable practices are not only ecologically sensible but can also offer economic stability and security. With over one billion bottles made from 100 percent recycled plastic on the market, the company has made a significant contribution to reducing plastic waste and has set an example for other industries on how the circular economy can be successfully implemented.
Source: Werner & Mertz
