In Switzerland, significant quantities of biogenic byproducts and waste are generated by agriculture, industry, households, and municipalities. Today, these material flows are reused as raw materials or converted into energy to varying degrees, or they remain in part as residual materials within the respective systems. However, a reliable assessment of their contribution to the circular economy and to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions requires that quantities, qualities, spatial and temporal availability, and existing utilization pathways be systematically recorded and presented in a comparable manner.
The “Bioeconomy Potential in Switzerland” project is being carried out on behalf of the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) and the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE). It provides a consolidated, methodologically transparent basis for decision-making regarding the assessment and further development of the use of biogenic by-products and waste in Switzerland.
Our Approach: Consolidating Data and Evaluating It Systematically
The starting point of the project is the systematic collection and harmonization of existing data sets. Existing data on biogenic waste and by-products are consolidated, structured, and supplemented as needed. The data collected includes, among other things, quantities, dry and fresh matter, material qualities, origin, temporal availability, regional distribution, and current utilization and recovery pathways. The analysis takes into account both material and energy uses, thereby forming the basis for a consolidated overview of biogenic material flows in Switzerland. At the same time, data gaps are identified and the reliability of the available information is assessed. This results in a consolidated picture of biogenic material flows in Switzerland, which serves as the basis for all further analyses and discussions.
Compare Technologies and Materials in a Targeted Manner
Building on this data set, we analyze existing and novel technologies for the use of biogenic resources. We take into account the respective input materials, the resulting products, technological capacities, the maturity of the technologies, and relevant legal frameworks. Where available, existing life cycle assessments are compiled and presented in a comparable format. This allows us to compare bio-based materials with conventional—particularly fossil-based—materials in terms of their potential applications, functional properties, and environmental impacts. In this way, we specifically identify applications with high environmental benefits.
Clearly identify opportunities for substitution
One focus of the project is on assessing the potential for substitution: We are investigating in which application areas biogenic by-products and materials produced from them can serve as technically and environmentally sound substitutes for conventional—and in particular fossil-based—materials. To this end, we systematically analyze material properties, functional requirements, availability in terms of quantity, geographic and temporal availability, market demand, and environmental impacts. The goal is to identify realistic and prioritizable application pathways while transparently illustrating conflicting objectives between material use, energy recovery, environmental impacts, and regulatory requirements.
Future Scenarios Through 2050
To assess the long-term potential, we develop prospective scenarios. A business-as-usual scenario describes the trajectory without increased use of biogenic byproducts and waste, while a bioeconomy scenario depicts an ambitious, improved utilization of these material flows. The scenarios are evaluated in terms of the quantities used, potential greenhouse gas reductions, contributions to the circular economy, and impacts on the Swiss energy system. In particular, the analysis takes into account that increased material utilization of biogenic resources can influence existing energy recovery pathways.
Contribution to the Circular Economy and Climate Policy
The project makes a scientifically sound contribution to the further development of the circular economy and to assessing the potential of the bioeconomy within the context of Swiss climate and energy policy. It provides transparency regarding available material flows, technological options, environmental impacts, and key trade-offs. In this way, we support policymakers, government agencies, and the private sector in making informed decisions—and in using biogenic resources in a more targeted and efficient manner in the future.
On behalf of
