

Since 2003 Tana-Chemie GmbH at its Mainz site and since 2005 Werner & Mertz Professional Vertriebs GmbH in Hallein, Austria, have voluntarily had their environmental management system validated against EMAS criteria. The EMAS validation stands as proof of our exemplary ecological orientation and our integrally sustainable corporate philosophy. Every year an independent auditor examines our sites' fulfillment of requirements from the EMAS regulations. EMAS, the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme of the European Union, is recognized as the world's most demanding system for sustainable environmental management. Successes are communicated as transparently as areas requiring further action. EMAS-validated companies provide strong impetus toward a sustainable, legally compliant economy.
Werner & Mertz was the first medium-sized enterprise to sign the A.I.S.E. Charter for Sustainable Cleaning in 2005. The seal tells consumers at a glance that the product in hand was developed and manufactured in accordance with sustainability guidelines. Special attention is paid to consumer-friendly and safe use. In the pursuit of sustainability, a balance is struck among ecological, economic and social aspects such as consumer safety, environmental protection and innovation. Companies that have signed the A.I.S.E. Charter for Sustainable Cleaning are examined by an independent expert who determines whether they consider sustainability criteria throughout the entire life cycle of their products.
Products + Production
The Cradle to Cradle® principle was devised by Prof. Dr. Michael Braungart and William McDonough and further developed by the EPEA (Environmental Protection Encouragement Agency) in Hamburg. Werner & Mertz has selected products and product groups certified in accordance with this holistic procedure. The Cradle to Cradle® Design encompasses a detailed evaluation key to assess the materials used, their recyclability, use of energy and water and the social impact of product cycles and methods of production. Werner & Mertz has successfully completed this demanding certification procedure. At the end of 2013, Tana Chemie GmbH, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Werner & Mertz GmbH, celebrated a world premiere. For the first time since the creation of Cradle to Cradle® certification, an entire professional cleaning and care assortment – the green care PROFESSIONAL series of eight eco-effective cleaners – received the highest award known as "Cradle to Cradle Certified Gold".
For many years Tana-Chemie in Mainz and Werner & Mertz Professional Vertriebs GmbH in Hallein have been ISO 14001 certified. The ISO 14001 is the globally accepted and applied standard for environmental management systems. By satisfying the requirements of the international norm, our Environmental Management System ensures that we improve our environmental performance, fulfill legal obligations and achieve our environmental goals. Compliance with standard requirements is examined annually by an independent auditor.
Tana-Chemie GmbH in Mainz and Werner & Mertz Professional Vertriebs GmbH in Hallein have been ISO 50001 certified for several years. The ISO 50001 is the globally accepted and applied standard for energy management systems. The international norm stipulates the requirements for our Energy Management system with which we increase our energy efficiency and continuously improve our energy performance. Every year an independent auditor examines our compliance with the standard requirements.
Products
The European Ecolabel (environmental daisy) is the driving force for particularly environmentally friendly formulas for cleaning products. The EU daisy logo was created in the mid-1990s to serve as the European symbol for the environment. It incorporates all national environmental seals and sets strict requirements for environmentally friendly products. Many of our cleaning products for Europe now have Ecolabel-certified formulas. Since its voluntary adoption by manufacturers in 1992, the Ecolabel has become a reference for consumers who are interested in purchasing products that protect the environment.
Products
The Nordic Swan is the Nordic ecolabel. It certifies products, including chemical cleaners, for their environmental compatibility. Green Care Professional products that bear the Nordic ecolabel comply with its strict eco-toxicological requirements. Originally, the Nordic Swan was intended for use in Scandinavia. In the meantime, the seal also can be found on products marketed outside the Nordic region. The Nordic Swan is granted in some categories in which the EU ecolabel is not given to chemical cleaning products, e.g., dishwasher detergents.
Products