About Mercurius

Mercurius continues to be the leading supplier of independent and public Waldorf schools as well as early childhood programs. With over 30 years of serving educators around the world, we have developed a unique selection of products especially tailored to the needs of Waldorf schools and teachers. Increasingly other school programs recognise the unique qualities and pedagogical value of what our vast range of products has to offer, making them more sought after and appreciated.

We supply sustainably-produced products for art and music instruction, classic school supplies, toys, imaginative play, as well as candles, and high-quality school furniture. Our art supply offerings include: painting, drawing, modelling, fine and fibre arts and other handicrafts, as well as movement.

From the beginning, Mercurius has developed an unmatched degree of knowledge and expertise that customers have come to expect. While proud of our history, we eagerly embrace the future by working every day with our customers to refine our offerings for our customers’ changing needs. Our commitment to schools, therapists, and retailers ensures our products are always accessible, appropriate and affordable.

Social inclusion and collaboration

Social inclusion is a key principle at Mercurius. Accordingly, we strive to source products and services from organisations that employ people with disabilities. Many of these products are hand-made and imbued with especially high levels of quality and unique character. Our support makes a real difference for these organisations, and therefore you as well are a part of this meaningful work toward inclusion.

Mercurius association

The relationships Mercurius has established and cultivated with sheltered workshops, partners, suppliers and organisations illustrate the work done toward social inclusion, cooperation and collaboration. These are not mere catchphrases but guiding principles. Mercurius strives to be a model for this kind of work by operating as a nexus for likeminded groups for the benefit of all.

Mercurius International partners

We believe in the positive power of collaboration in the supply chain. Not only on the production and purchase of our products, but also when selling our products. We have a worldwide network of Mercurius partners whom we work with in about 50 countries. These Mercurius partners work together locally with the Waldorf organisations and customers within their own country.

In our Mercurius association we share our experiences and suggestions for product improvements, new products and help each other with advice. This way we serve our customers per country in their own language and culture and with a personal touch. Based on mutual trust, Mercurius has been working together with most of our partners for many years.

Find all local Mercurius partners on page 282 of this catalogue or by visiting us at www.mercurius-international.com.

Collaboration with sheltered workshops in cooperation with preferred suppliers

Mercurius collaborates with various sheltered workshops. Everyone is unique and can contribute and feel involved in society. These social initiatives range from learning environments to residential communities for people with disabilities or care needs. The mentors and caregivers within these organizations recognize people's talents. Together, they work on an approach that involves everyone, identifying and utilizing opportunities for the personal development of each individual. The sheltered workshops we partner with create musical instruments, notebooks, toys, candles, etc., and also assist with packaging and labeling many products that Mercurius sells. They feel, and are, an important part of the process that leads to a high-quality product.

Organizational structure

Mercurius is owned by the Neuguss Foundation. This not for profit foundation offers a space or a platform, respectively, for the consolidation of different ventures in both service-oriented and sales branches. Inspired by anthroposophy, Neuguss follows the idea: Economy can achieve so much more than just striving for earnings. There is much more. There is the well-being of present and future generations.

Neuguss supports the realisation of the above-mentioned approach. The neutralisation of capital and a cooperative joint venture organisation and culture are two essential aspects. Both, the ideal of an esthetical leadership as well as the consideration of the ecological and social sustainability are taken into consideration. This includes a worthwhile use of the earnings.

Our goal – together with our partners - is to depict that a different economical approach is possible. An approach which refers to human beings and which creates a balance between economic constraints and needs of the companies as well as the needs of the involved human beings and sustainability.

Responsible ownership by stewardship

Neuguss and its companies “belong” to the foundation. It is the umbrella for all the companies and watches over the capital and assets. Entrepreneurial responsibility for day-to-day operations resides with the companies. Ownership and succession issues are no longer an issue. This radiates peace and security - the basis for successful work.