Overview of collection systems for plastics in the construction industry
Plastics in the construction industry have received little attention in terms of circular economy to date. This is despite the fact that a large proportion of plastics are used in the construction industry today (kunststoff.swiss 2023) and that they also contribute significantly to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the construction industry (Heeren & Hellweg 2019). Most GHG emissions come from the production and incineration of plastic products [...].
Plastic Recycling in the Construction Industry: Acting Together
Background Plastics play an important role in the construction industry due to their wide range of applications (see figure below). Around a quarter of Switzerland's annual plastic consumption is used in construction. However, little attention is currently paid to the plastics used in construction when it comes to sustainability in the construction industry, even though recycling plastics contributes to reducing the environmental impact […]
SWIRCULAR: A Swiss Digital Circular Construction Ecosystem
As part of the Innosuisse Flagship Call 2023, the SWIRCULAR project aims to revolutionize the Swiss construction industry. It addresses the urgent need for a transition to a circular economy in the built environment. The project focuses on the collaborative development of legal, economic, and technical innovations. With this comprehensive approach, SWIRCULAR aims to bring about a shift [...]
cycleworks – Closing the Loop PS Switzerland
Plastics have become indispensable in our everyday lives, but their use also leads to massive environmental pollution. A promising solution to mitigate these impacts is material recycling. Our exchange starts right here: Since 2020, stakeholders along the entire value chain have been committed to a closed loop for polystyrene (PS) food packaging. At the “Closing the Loop” round table […]
Reffnet case study: Sustainable Climbing Holds
Climbing holds from Resetter Climbing As part of a Reffnet consultation, we supported Resetter Climbing in their efforts to develop sustainable climbing holds. Today, most climbing holds are made of polyurethane or polyester. After heavy wear, damage or when the climbing holds become "out", the old holds are burned. Resetter Climbing has now developed [...]
ScreenFood research project – for safe food and packaging
For three years, we will be supporting the European research project "Metrology for Food Safety in the Circular Economy: Targeting and Screening Methods for Contaminants in Food and Recycled Packaging," or "ScreenFood" for short, as an associated partner. The project aims to make food and food contact materials safe in the long term. To this end, measurement methods for detecting contaminants in food and [...]
Workshop on the Made in Zurich Initiative for Circular Packaging
As part of the event «KLW konkret – Verpackungen optimieren», we shared our expertise in circular economy and packaging optimization with members of the «Made in Zürich Initiative». While the participants developed creative solutions, we supported them with technical expertise. Keynote speech on the concrete implementation of the circular economy for packaging With a keynote speech, Melanie Haupt introduced the attendees to the […]
Circular economy training for the STS2030 initiative
As part of the Sustainable Textiles Switzerland 2030 (STS2030) initiative, participating stakeholders commit to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions by 50%, promoting fair wages and decent work for all, promoting innovative business models for the circular economy, and disclosing social and environmental sustainability information. To promote the circular economy, 30% […]
Achieving a Sustainable Shopping Basket with Life Cycle Assessments
Project Background: Weita AG, part of the internationally operating Bunzl Group, distributes consumables in Switzerland. Their product range includes approximately 100,000 products in the categories of Foodservices, Cleaning, General, Safety & Hygiene, and Healthcare. Sustainability is becoming increasingly important, and there is a growing demand for sustainable product alternatives. Various sustainability indicators can be used in this context [...]
Life cycle assessment and evaluation of the recyclability of food packaging
As part of her bachelor's thesis in environmental engineering at the ZHAW, Lea Schneider examined the recyclability and life cycle assessment of food packaging. Problem statement: The substitution of plastic packaging with paper, cardboard, or other fiber packaging (fiber-based packaging) in the food sector is a growing trend. Packaging should be recyclable, as resource-efficient as possible, and environmentally friendly while simultaneously protecting the contents. Considered […]