This pilot project, as part of the realCYCLE project enabled by the Migros Pioneer Fund, is being designed and implemented jointly with stakeholders in the plastics value chain. The overarching theme of realCYCLE is to understand and align the entire value chain of plastic packaging as a closed loop. The systemic requirements and framework conditions for scalability are being investigated, and concrete opportunities are being identified to enable a comprehensive and sustainable plastics circular economy in Switzerland.
Objective of the pilot project
An initiative by the polystyrene industry has been advocating for the recycling of food-grade polystyrene (PS) for some time now. The goal is to collect, process, and recycle PS from food applications, enabling its reuse in food packaging.
At a round table in July 2021, with 16 representatives from the entire value chain, realCYCLE (by REDILO) was proposed and appointed as an independent coordination center.
What we are currently working on
The Round Table PS Kreislaufschliessung Schweiz brings all stakeholders along the value chain together. The stakeholders involved in the PS cycle are currently organizing themselves into 4 working groups on the topic of:
- Collection: How can PS food packaging be collected as comprehensively as possible and sent for recycling?
- Technology: Which technologies enable the sorting, processing, and regranulation of food packaging, and is it possible to use the regranulate in the food sector?
- Financing: How can a closed-loop system for PS be financed in Switzerland?
- Approval: Preparation of the necessary documents for applying for food approval for regranulate made from PS (from post-consumer collections).