The Mainz-based cleaning products manufacturer Werner & Mertz - known for the Frosch brand - and the pan-European environmental services provider PreZero are expanding their alliance for recyclable packaging. The aim is to produce even more new packaging from used materials from the Yellow Bag collections, both companies announced. Werner & Mertz is considered a pioneer for recyclable products and has already set several standards for ecological feasibility in the use of material from the Yellow Bag. "We are pleased to have found a strong partner in PreZero for the continuation of our recyclate initiative," emphasised Timothy Glaz, Head of Corporate Affairs.

One billion recycled bottles

Werner & Mertz launched a recyclate initiative with cooperation partners back in 2012 to promote the reuse of plastic from household collections with mechanical recycling. In 2014, the first Frosch dishwashing detergents with rPET bottles made from 100 per cent post-consumer recyclate (PCR) were launched on the market - initially 20 per cent of which came from the Yellow Bag. Since then, its use has been increased to 75 per cent. The eco-pioneer has now set a world record and brought one billion rPET bottles made from 100 per cent post-consumer recyclate onto the market. PreZero has now promised larger quantities of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) recyclate in order to further expand its product portfolio. HDPE is a thermoplastic material that is characterised by its high density and strength and is frequently used in the packaging industry.

More exchange for closed circuits

The PreZero Group employs 30,000 people at 460 locations in Europe. The partnership ensures the continuous availability of the material for the production of further plastic bottles. "For us, a secure supply of raw materials does not begin with production, but with a shared understanding of closed loops," said Dietmar Böhm, CEO of PreZero International. Werner & Mertz also plans to record recycling data using the PreZero digitalisation tool. The transfer of knowledge within the industry should offer all participants a better exchange.