Mattress recycling for the circular economy
For the Mattress Alliance, founded in 2021, realcycle is working on various sub-projects as part of a BAFU environmental technology promotion project to increase the circularity of mattresses in Switzerland: Eco-design sub-project Design is the starting point for a sustainable circular economy. Only through appropriate design can resource consumption be minimized, durability ensured, and the service life extended [...].
Circular Economy for Polypropylene (CE4PP)
Polypropylene (PP) is one of the most important types of plastic used today. However, it has not yet been possible to establish a closed loop for PP food packaging. The latest research by realcycle GmbH (formerly REDILO GmbH) and the KATZ Plastics Training and Technology Center shows promising results in terms of technical possibilities. This allows clear requirements for a future collection and recycling system to be derived. In the […]
Circoplast – Circular Construction Plastics
Over one million tons of plastics are consumed in Switzerland every year - around 22% of which are used by the construction industry. The Circoplast project was launched to extend the service life of these 220,000 tons of plastics and close the material cycle. In collaboration with players from the construction and plastics industry, recycling companies and the support of [...]
Creating cycles for flexible packaging (films)
This pilot project, part of the realCYCLE project made possible by the Migros Pioneer Fund, was designed and implemented in collaboration with stakeholders in the plastics value chain. The overarching theme of realCYCLE was to understand and align the entire value chain of plastic packaging as a cycle. The systemic requirements and framework conditions for scalability were examined and concrete possibilities were identified that would enable comprehensive and [...]
Innovative logistics for plastics
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 comprehensive and [...]
Is Polystyrene the new PET?
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 comprehensive and [...]
realCYCLE Project
Whether we like it or not, plastic packaging will remain an integral part of our daily lives for a long time to come. However, the enormous consumption devours raw materials and energy – and leaves behind huge mountains of waste. The realCYCLE project aims to change this. Made possible by the Migros Pioneer Fund, it aims to understand and align the entire value chain of plastic packaging as a circular economy. A prerequisite for a […]
Quality for Circular Economy
Changing regulations, increasing environmental burdens, and national/international crises are forcing companies to act flexibly. This flexibility can be achieved by integrating circular economy strategies into quality management. In collaboration with the Swiss Association for Quality (SAQ), realcycle GmbH (formerly REDILO GmbH) conducted interviews with stakeholders from various industries (food, textiles, watches, construction, tech, MedTech, and packaging) […]
Approval of recycled polystyrene (rPS) in applications involving food contact materials
Since the beginning of 2021, stakeholders along the entire value chain have been committed to a closed loop for polystyrene (PS) food packaging. PS exhibits a similarly low diffusion capacity to PET and therefore hardly absorbs any pollutants. In addition, PS in the field of food packaging is primarily used for dairy products such as yogurts, which facilitates the identification of food contact materials. Therefore, […]
Design for Recycling Plastics
Most plastic packaging currently in circulation cannot be recycled or can only be recycled with great effort. Under constant observation and consideration of relevant activities in Europe, harmonized guidelines for the environmentally sound development and production of plastic products and packaging (Design for Recycling) are being developed and discussed. The goal is to ensure high-quality plastics with minimized pollutants. […]