Circular and recycling economy, where does Switzerland stand?
In order to strengthen the circular and recycling economy and to further optimize the environmental benefits of recycling, Swiss Recycling has launched the "Swiss Circular Economy Hub". The platform aims to improve coordination between the industry, the distributor and the recycling organizations and to promote dialog.
On April 2, 2019, the first meeting of circular economy and recycling experts from Switzerland and the EU took place. The EU has presented the ambitious "Circular Economy Package 2030". It includes various measures to prevent waste, improve the recyclability of products and promote the development of collection and recycling systems. The goal is for the economy to transition to a circular economy. If Switzerland's most important trading partner makes such fundamental changes to its economic area, Switzerland will also have to deal with these changes.
Recycling experts from the EU and Switzerland debated the challenges and consequences of this new EU strategy on the Swiss industry at the first expert meeting of the "Turntable Circular Economy Switzerland" platform. Patrik Geisselhardt, Managing Director of Swiss Recycling, was pleased with the successful start: "The 'Circular Economy Package 2030' will change our economy more than many think. I am very happy that we can start the dialogue at this early stage to promote the exchange of knowledge and ideas."
Switzerland in a good starting position
Switzerland is also striving for the circular economy. However, it is starting from a better position than many EU countries. For example, many recyclable materials are already collected separately in Switzerland and recycled to a high standard. The guiding principles of the Resource Dialogue provide a framework. Cooperation between the public sector, the recycling industry, product manufacturers and retailers is also working. Product design, or design for recycling, is essential for further steps towards a circular economy. This means that products and packaging must be designed in such a way that they can be recycled as optimally as possible at the end of their life cycle.
Swiss Recycling and Drehscheibe Kreislaufwirtschaft Schweiz:
Swiss Recycling is the umbrella organization of Swiss recycling systems. With the "Drehscheibe Kreislaufwirtschaft Schweiz" (Swiss Circular Economy Hub), Swiss Recycling creates a platform for committed organizations that develop concrete solutions for more circular economy. Among other things, sustainable recycling indicators are being developed instead of simple collection quotas, so that the circular economy can be measured holistically. Design-for-recycling will be optimized by means of sector recommendations from the industries concerned, which will also enable the use of recyclates to be further improved. Finally, the necessary knowledge is presented and shared in a way that is appropriate for the target group.
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