Knowledge fuels our cycles
We stand for open access and share our knowledge with you.
Knowledge enables
Knowledge is the driving force behind change, progress, and the foundation for innovation, social and technical developments, and social justice. Knowledge enables us to solve problems and generate new ideas to make tomorrow's world circular and fit for future generations. We see the imparting of knowledge, the passing on of know-how, and the sharing of experience as the core of our mission to teach and anchor sustainable cycles in the economy. The insights into sustainable cycles, recyclability, system optimizations, material flows and many other topics that we have developed with our clients should also be available to you.
Would you like to have a topic analyzed scientifically? Contact us!
Our knowledge - quickly accessible for you!
Plastic Flows in Switzerland
In which product segment is the most plastic consumed? Which types of plastic are most popular? Our overview paper provides information on the largest usage segments, the most commonly used types of plastic, recycling rates, and the use of recyclates in Switzerland. It is a summary of the study «A high-resolution dataset on the plastic material flows in Switzerland» by Klotz and Haupt (2022) of ETH Zurich.
Paper and cardboard - a general overview
Which paper and cardboard packaging is recyclable in Switzerland? The white paper, developed jointly with Swiss Recycle, provides an overview of international standards and national criteria for the recyclability of paper and cardboard packaging in Switzerland. The status quo, gaps and possible developments are highlighted. The common understanding should form the basis for further white papers and guidelines.
The Potential of Recycled Polypropylene
The "FCMrPP" project analyzed the feasibility of a closed polypropylene cycle (rPP) for food packaging in Switzerland. High levels of purity were achieved using AI-supported sorting and innovative cleaning processes. A successful closed loop was achieved in industrial tests. KunststoffXtra reported on this important step for resource conservation and the circular economy.
Analysis of the recyclability of food packaging
How recyclable is food packaging really? Which packaging causes the least environmental impact and how does the picture change if food waste is also included? Lea Schneider's bachelor's thesis at the ZHAW examines the recyclability and life cycle assessment of fiber-based and other food packaging in Switzerland.
Material recycling for EPS insulation materials
The recycling of deconstructed EPS insulation materials, which currently contain banned flame retardants, is a major challenge, both logistically and financially. A legal requirement for the recycling of EPS insulation materials could lead to previous hurdles being removed. In a VOBU study, we examined the ecological and economic effects of a legal requirement as well as existing and necessary technologies and dismantling methods.
Volume of commercial and industrial packaging
Commercial and industrial packaging accounts for more than half of all packaging used in Switzerland. Nevertheless, they are not recorded in detail in any statistics or surveys.
In our study, we modeled the material flows of commercial and industrial packaging in Switzerland. We differentiated between materials and, where possible, areas of use.
Overview of recycling options for plastics in construction
After the packaging industry, plastics are used the most in the construction industry. However, pipes, windows, floor coverings and insulation are not usually collected separately and sent for recycling, but are instead sent for energy recovery. The overview we have compiled of recycling options for plastics from the construction industry supports planners, dismantlers and other interested parties in their search for recycling solutions for dismantled or plastic sections and packaging in new buildings.
Alternative Recycling Methods for Plastics
Currently, plastics are primarily recycled mechanically. Alternative methods include chemical or solvent-based recycling. This scientific article analyzes the potential of these methods for different types of plastics using life cycle assessments. The application and possible effects of the newer processes are examined using Switzerland as an example. (Study in English)
Final report Project Circoplast
Plastics in the construction industry are mostly incinerated today. The aim of the Circoplast project was therefore to find out what the material flows of plastics in the construction industry look like, what options exist for REDUCE, REUSE and RECYCLE of these plastics and what the ecological potentials of the strategies are.
Nachhaltige Kreislaufwirtschaft as a key element to net-zero
Will the circular economy save the climate? A recent ETH study as part of the NFP73 examined this question in detail. The new white paper from REDILO and CES explains the results in a simple and clear manner.
Circular economy and quality management for start-ups
Investor requirements, quality problems, production increases and external factors are reasons for the short life of start-ups. The white paper from REDILO provides an insight into how the combination of circular economy and quality management can enable the long-term sustainable establishment of start-ups.
Implementation of the circular economy in the structures of established companies
Increasing environmental pollution and the introduction of new regulations regarding the circular economy are forcing companies to adapt. The white paper by REDILO discusses the implementation of the circular economy in a quality management system and how this link can enable flexible adaptation to new circumstances.
Overview of the circular economy for integration into companies
A lack of knowledge about the circular economy in general, as well as about circular business models and their profitability, has been identified as an obstacle to implementing the circular economy. In addition, there is a particular lack of strategies for anchoring sustainability in companies. All of this makes it difficult to integrate the circular economy into a quality management system and thus also to continuously improve sustainable circularity.
Creating cycles for polypropylene
Polypropylene (PP) is one of the most important types of plastic used today. Unfortunately, a closed loop has not yet been established for PP food packaging. The article in KunststoffXtra magazine summarizes the results of our projects in this area up to 2022 - click here for the article.
Plastic Recycling Switzerland: Diagram
Modules 1 and 2 of the "Plastic Recycling Switzerland" project comprised a gap analysis (status determination) as well as the updating and verification of plastic quantity flows and the corresponding recycling potentials in Switzerland.
Plastic Recycling Switzerland: Report
Modules 1 and 2 of the "Plastic Recycling Switzerland" project comprised a gap analysis (status determination) as well as the updating and verification of plastic quantity flows and the corresponding recycling potentials in Switzerland.
The future of separate collections
The aim of the study "The future of separate collections of recyclable materials in Switzerland" was to show how waste material collections in Switzerland should be structured in the future. Is there still ecological and economic potential in Switzerland for further (separate) collections?