With the aim of strengthening the circular economy, Swiss Recycling has created the "Swiss Circular Economy Platform". Today, recycling experts from Switzerland and the EU met for the first time. Swiss PET recycling was hailed as an example of best practice for a successful circular economy.
The EU presented its very ambitious "EU Circular Economy 2030 Package". It outlines various measures to avoid waste, improve product recyclability and promote the development of collection and recycling systems. The objective is the transition to a circular economy. While Switzerland’s main trading partner is undergoing a major transformation of its economic space, Switzerland is also facing these changes. On the first Technical Day of the "Swiss Circular Economy Platform", Swiss and EU recycling experts discussed the challenges and consequences that this new European strategy will have for the Swiss industry. Patrik Geisselhardt, Director of Swiss Recycling, welcomed the successful launch: "The’EU Circular Economy 2030 Package’ will have a greater impact on our economy than we generally imagine. I am very pleased to see that we can engage in dialogue at an early stage to enable the exchange of ideas and knowledge. »
Switzerland is in a good starting position Switzerland also aims to move to a circular economy. To achieve this, it is certainly better placed than many EU countries. For example, Switzerland already collects many materials separately and recycles them at a high quality. In this context, the guiding principles of the resource trialogue are applied. In addition, good collaboration has been established between governments, the recycling industry, product manufacturers and the retail trade. But to move even further forward in the circular economy, the design of products for recycling is also of paramount importance. More precisely, products and their packaging must be designed in such a way that once they reach the end of their life, they can best be reintegrated into the circuit.
Mutual learning through examples of best practice Plastics are nowadays a topical issue. PET recycling proves that these materials are a valuable resource. PET beverage bottles have been circulating for many years in a closed bottle cycle. On April 3, the most modern PET recovery facility in Europe opened in Bilten (GL). This opening further optimizes the PET recycling cycle and provides long-term security. PET recycling is thus an example of best practice for other plastic fractions. The PET-Recycling Schweiz association also shares its know-how on cycle closure within the "Swiss Circular Economy Platform". The lessons learned are expected to help other companies, organizations and countries to better complete their own material cycles.
