Background Plastics in Construction
Plastics have become indispensable in the construction industry. Their technical properties enable a wide range of applications, through which they can make an important contribution to reducing the environmental impact. Approx. 23% of the annual Swiss plastic consumption of 1 million tonnes is used in the construction industry. But what happens to these materials after use?
As part of the Circular Building Industry Innovation Booster project , we analyzed material flows and investigated measures for reducing, reusing, and recycling plastics in construction. In doing so, we identified significant potential for sustainability in the expansion of the circular economy. It also became clear that increased exchange between the various stakeholders is considered expedient and is therefore desirable (final report). And that's where cycleworks came in.
cycleworks
cycleworks serves as an exchange platform to create a deeper and more focused understanding of a topic together with various stakeholders, to identify problems, and to actively consider concrete solutions and their implementation.
The aim was to involve stakeholders along the entire value chain: builders, planners, manufacturers, contractors, demolition and recycling companies, as well as consultants and regulators – everyone was welcome, because only by working together can we find viable solutions.
Format
The two meetings in 2024 were made possible by KUNSTSTOFF.swiss, swisspor, and the Migros Pioneer Fund:
1st Exchange: Wednesday, March 13, 2024, has taken place
2. Exchange: Wednesday, May 22, 2024, has taken place
Content
We started in the cycleworks – Plastics in Construction with a focus on the following topics:
Recycling:
- What collection, sorting, and recycling systems already exist in the construction sector, and which are under construction or in development?
- What possibilities exist for expanding / merging existing systems?
- What challenges (technical, logistical, financial, regulatory, etc.) currently hinder the optimal closing of the loop for plastics in the construction industry?
Regulations / Enforcement:
- What regulations are known? Where/when are they used (and where not)?
- Which existing regulations hinder or support the recycling of plastics from the construction industry?
- How can enforcement help promote plastics recycling in construction?
Based on the discussions during the first exchange, the following ideas were further developed jointly during the second exchange:
- Develop a factsheet «Recycling potential of materials / components»,
- Address the implementation of separate collection for deconstruction NOW,
- set up a pilot project / test site,
- Develop Guidelines for Design for Recycling / Circularity
- formulate a «wish list» to the authorities at the national and cantonal level
In addition, there was time for personal exchanges with the other participants.
Output
These two exchanges gave rise to two follow-up projects:
- Overview of collection systems for plastics in the construction industry: This serves as an aid for planners, builders, and other players in the construction industry by summarizing key information such as collection containers, delivery criteria, etc. for existing and developing collection systems for plastic products. Information on contact persons is also listed (downloadoverview of recycling options for plastics in the construction industry, as of May 2025).
- Plastic recycling in the construction industry: Acting together: As part of this project, which was funded by the Federal Office for Spatial Development, stakeholders were brought together directly during implementation at test construction sites so that solutions could be developed not only based on theoretical concepts, but also with the help of real-world experience. The aim was to overcome or reduce barriers and prejudices against plastic recycling in the construction industry.