Modern life is unimaginable without plastics, but the environmental impact of plastic waste must be drastically reduced. Currently, only about 8% of the plastics used in Switzerland are recycled. However, there is enormous potential in material recycling: increased material recycling is the key to conserving resources, reducing CO2 emissions and strengthening Switzerland's security of supply of polymeric materials.
The requirements of the Swiss waste management industry
In order to increase the recycling rate and the use of recycled materials, the development of improved and innovative recycling technologies is necessary. Above all, high-quality applications in closed loops require state-of-the-art plants and new technological equipment.
However, the Swiss plastic waste management industry faces specific structural hurdles:
- Low collection volumes of plastic waste
- High diversity of polymers (e.g. PET-A, PET-G, PP, PE, PS), which would require their own recycling line today
- Small individual fractions, which make economic recovery more difficult
These factors prevent the development of efficient, specialized recycling capacities. This means that the goal of a net-zero plastic strategy remains out of reach.
Our vision: An all-in-one recycling solution
Together with InnoPlastics AG and ITEM-HSG (Institute for Technology Management at the University of St. Gallen), we are investigating the possibility of an all-in-one recycling solution that can process several types of plastic in series on a single extrusion plant. The project focuses on the decontamination and extrusion step and examines the technical feasibility of such a multi-polymer plant. The aim is to close local plastic cycles for various types of plastic.
Three central research questions
Our project is divided into three main areas:
- Technical Feasibility: Is it possible to use a single extrusion system for different polymers in series? Considering technological aspects and the desired quality of the secondary plastic, which specific polymers can be processed in a single recycling plant?
- Economic Viability: While plastic waste from households is often the primary focus, alternative material streams may need to be considered to increase overall volumes and improve financial performance. What other promising material streams are there, and what quantities can be achieved in an optimal scenario?
- Long-Term Perspective: What longer-term changes in waste composition or the market environment could make the operation of such multi-polymer plants more difficult or financially disadvantageous in the future?
Our Goal: A New Standard for Plastics Recycling
The project aims to pave the way for an 'All-in-One' recycling solution – one that integrates multiple polymers in a single facility. The development of a multi-polymer recycling system is intended to set new standards for plastics recycling in Switzerland:
- Highest Recycling Quality of individual plastic fractions despite small quantities
- Local Cycles and shorter transport routes
- Strengthening Swiss innovation
- Reduction of import dependency
- Contribution to national sustainability goals
This all-in-one solution has the potential to fundamentally transform plastics recycling in Switzerland – ecologically, economically, and technologically.