Merck Enters Into Strategic Alliance With GTZ

Merck KGaA (Merck) has entered into a strategic alliance with the Deutsche Gesellschaft fur technische Zusammenarbeit (German Technical Cooperation – GTZ). It is intended to improve laboratory chemicals waste management in Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines.

Reportedly, within the scope of a public private partnership (PPP) with the GTZ, Merck will be introducing environmentally friendly, safe waste disposal systems for used packaging and chemicals from laboratory customers. These systems will be based on Merck’s Retrologistik expertise in waste management.

The companies said that the joint venture aims both to promote the development policy goals of the GTZ and to facilitate the transfer of Merck know-how and technology.

The closed-loop systems established in Europe for used chemicals, in particular the international Merck standard known as Retrologistik, constitute the master plan for introducing a safe disposal alternative into these three Southeast Asian countries.

Tools are being developed to suit the regional circumstances and to provide a foundation to determine optimal disposal and recycling methods. The project will be launched in 2010 and will continue over a three-year period. Plans include on-site training on how to safely handle, store and dispose of laboratory chemicals, with the success of these measures being reviewed as well.

Bernd Lunkenheimer, responsible at GTZ for the co-operation with Merck, said: “The strategic alliance between GTZ and Merck is an important step in protecting people and the environment in Southeast Asia. Due to its broad impact, the transfer of technology and know-how is of particular importance in terms of development policy. The public private partnership between GTZ and Merck was also initiated by Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).”

Andreas Rauh, senior vice president of laboratory business at Merck, said: “At Merck, product stewardship starts with research and doesn’t end with sales. Because of this, the principle of Retrologistik, the return and eco-friendly disposal of waste, is an important aspect of our corporate responsibility. I am all the more pleased that we can contribute Merck know-how to this project.

“It conforms with the development policy goals of the GTZ for environmental protection while simultaneously promoting sustainable development in these important countries.”