Despite a high recycling rate in Switzerland, Swiss Recycling wants to take it further by connecting stakeholders from the whole value chain in order to spiral upward in knowledge-sharing and in implementing environment-oriented solutions.

Although Switzerland can sometimes be considered a recycling leader, it still consumes nearly three planets’ worth of natural resources. Indeed, the linear economic model we are in takes resources, makes goods, and quickly wastes them. This results in steep levels of pollution and wasteful greenhouse gas emissions, which can be avoided, partially by recycling and in the bigger picture by a circular economy.

In this regard, Swiss recycling has launched a circular economy platform in collaboration with partners from the whole value chain (from manufacturers to retailers to recycling organisations). The platform offers tangible solutions geared toward the environment, created by actors from the relevant sectors and which consider the “10 R” framework. The platform implements the different priorities, makes important information available, and promotes knowledge-sharing between the different stakeholders. Different sections are dedicated to raising awareness, recyclability, repairing, reusing, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and different sets of best practices. Bound for consumers, Swiss recycling also developed a recycled products market. As for companies, Swiss Recycling offers specialized guidance and easy measures to implement to improve waste management. In addition, the organisation provides education and workshops for municipalities to accelerate their recycling and circular actions. Finally, they accompany event organisers in their waste management through the development and the launching of their events.

Swiss recycling systems have proven to benefit 790 000 people’s housing energy needs, thus representing the cities of Zürich, Basel, Bern, and Lucerne united. More specifically, for municipalities and companies, recycling can preserve the environment and can save costs.

Photo by Pawel Czerwinski on Unsplash