Our Story

Since our company was founded more than 30 years ago, our main strategic goal has never changed: creating a more sustainable environment by turning waste into raw materials.

Where we come from

From Waste to Raw Material

In 1990, after spending several years in the chemical trade, Helena and Winfried Friedel founded their own company in the basement of their house with a simple idea: turning waste into raw materials.

While sustainability is on everybody’s mind in today’s world, back in the day it was a unique idea. Chemical companies were focusing their attention on finished products and neglected the opportunities that come with side streams and waste materials. Given the fact that some of these materials were toxic, hazardous or/and pollutant, the cost of disposal was quite staggering.

Thanks to their chemical expertise and extensive network in the industry, they developed new applications for these materials and gave them a second life. 30 years later, the roots of our heritage are the key drivers of our aspirations for creating a more sustainable environment.

How we create synergies

More than a distributor

We are a problem solver with in-depth knowledge of our suppliers' products, side streams and production processes. On this basis, our well-trained technical team finds creative solutions to challenges of all kinds. Our extensive network and partnerships help us explore the latest treatment options such as distillation, depolymerization, and mechanical and chemical recycling.

Taking these resources into account, we develop comprehensive waste management concepts that cover the entire supply chain, including packaging, storage, transportation, notification, customs clearance, REACH and safety protocols. Our goal is to provide the best solutions by taking care of everything around our customers' core business.

What drives us

"Together, we grow stronger."

We are striving for closed loops, circular economy, and decarbonization. With our knowledge and experience, we support the chemical industry in its transformation to a more sustainable future by recovering, reusing and recycling secondary products, industrial waste streams, off-spec materials, and by-products – our WISTEMA DNA.

Wistema Forest

For more than 30 years, we have been diversifying our product portfolio and increasing our international reach. Today, we offer our customized services in more than 60 countries.

Our success is rooted in the passion and dedication of our employees to develop creative solutions to complex challenges. Read our story to learn more about our roots.

Milestones

2023
Chemicals distributor Galvachem GmbH becomes part of the WISTEMA Group. Click here for more information.
2023
WISTEMA continues to be a family business: After a successful 32 years, the founders Helena and Winfried Friedel pass the company on to the 2nd generation. As a result, WISTEMA can strategically plan for a successful future.
2022
WISTEMA opens a branch office in the historic city of Florence, Italy, to further expand growth in the Mediterranean region. Would you like to learn more about our Italian activities? Click here.
Photo warehouse Kerpen
In August 2021, WISTEMA acquired a 10.000 m² warehouse and logistics centre for our polymer business in Kerpen, Germany. This allows us to offer our partners additional services for non-dangerous goods such as repackaging, blending, and mixing.
2021
First participation as exhibitor at the annual Chemspec Europe Fair in Basel together with our long-term Indian partner MEHK Chemicals
2016
WISTEMA celebrates its 25th anniversary at the Palatin Kongress Hotel in Wiesloch with close family friends and business partners.
2015
Inauguration of our state-of-the-art laboratory in our headquarters in Dielheim, Germany.
2011
Branch opening in Cochin, India, to support our increased activities in Asia
2011
Branch opening in Kerpen, Germany, and foundation of our polymer business unit
2003
Foundation of a subsidiary in Gouda, Netherlands
2001
Inauguration of new headquarters in Dielheim, Germany
1995
Foundation of WISTEMA by Helena & Winfried Friedel with focus on turning by-products into value
1990

Locations

Germany
Spain
Italy
Netherlands

Curious to find out more?

Please feel free to get in touch with us for more information. Our team is looking forward to helping you.

Contact us.