Rethinking plastics: Circular solutions for prosperity
Plastics have become synonymous with environmental problems—pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and waste. At the same time, they are an integral part of our everyday lives. They protect food, facilitate mobility, and support healthcare and construction. The challenge lies in how we manufacture, use, and reuse them.
At the 13th cycletalk, we will examine how plastics can become part of a climate-neutral future. The focus will be on circular, climate-friendly plastic use based on scientific findings. We will review existing measures and discuss what else is needed to establish a functioning circular economy. With keynotes, discussions, practical examples, and political and academic perspectives, we will highlight solutions that transform plastics, reduce CO₂ emissions, reduce waste, and keep materials in circulation. An aperitif afterwards will provide an opportunity to deepen discussions, exchange ideas, and make valuable contacts.
cycletalk at Climate Week Zurich
We are hosting the 13th cycletalk during Climate Week Zurich (May 4-9, 2026). Climate Week Zurich is a platform that brings together many stakeholders to drive sustainable change in business, politics, and society. With over 150 curated events, it connects key players to develop solutions for climate innovation, resilience, and sustainable growth at the local and global levels. As part of the first Climate Week Zurich, we are pleased to host the 13th cycletalk together with B Lab Switzerland.
Participation fee
Regular: CHF 150.00
Reduced: CHF 100.00 (for students and employees of NGOs, please indicate «reduced rate» as a comment)
Table exhibition: Places on request to hello@realcycle.ch
Event language: German
Registration
For registration for cycletalk, additional information will be collected from visitors during Climate Week Zurich (CWZ). Please complete the questionnaire in full to participate.
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Provisional program
| From 1:15 p.m. | Arrival of guests, coffee, snacks, networking | all |
| 14:00 | Welcome and Introduction | Dr. Melanie Haupt, realcycle |
| 14:15 | Rethinking plastics: Sustainable solutions for a climate-friendly future | Prof. Dr. Stefanie Hellweg, ETH Zurich |
| Block 1: Solutions and new challenges | ||
| 2:40 p.m. | Provisional title: Rethinking plastics globally: International steps toward a global plastics agreement | H. E. Amb Felix Wertli, FOEN |
| 2:55 p.m. | Bio-based materials as a sustainable alternative: Scalable solutions between innovation and reality | Prof. Dr. Selçuk Yildirim, ZHAW |
| 15:10 | Recyclable packaging in the food industry, using yogurt cups as an example | Birte Dorenkamp, Emmi Switzerland Ltd. |
| 3:25 p.m. | Recyclable materials – how V-ZUG is establishing plastic recycling loops in the household appliance industry | Marc Vetterli, V-Zug AG |
| 15:40 | Break | all |
| Block 2: Joint action | ||
| 16:10 | Secondary raw materials instead of disposal: the industry initiative for mattress recycling. | Corin Gemperle, Mattress Alliance |
| 4:25 p.m. | Shaping circularity together: The SIPI approach from B Lab Switzerland—and concrete examples with plastics | Luca de Giovanetti, B Lab Switzerland Patrick Semadeni, Semadeni Industry Group AG |
| 4:45 p.m. | Plastics meets cooperation: Paths into the cycle | Dr. Maja Wiprächtiger, realcycle |
| 17:00 | What's next? | Dr. Melanie Haupt, realcycle |
| 17:10 | completion | Dr. Melanie Haupt, realcycle Luca de Giovanetti, B Lab Switzerland |
| From 5:15 p.m. drinks reception | all | |
The event is taking place as part of Climate Week Zurich.
