Switzerland consumes more natural resources than the global average, mainly due to its high levels of prosperity. Public bodies, research institutes, companies and citizens are taking action to reduce their impact on the environment and society. Businesses are innovating and developing technologies for resource management, refuse collection and recycling more effectively with a view to creating a more circular economy.
Global population growth is inevitably putting greater pressure on natural resources. It is therefore essential to find a balance between society’s economic needs and the needs of the global ecosystem so that we can fully transition to a system of sustainable development encompassing the environment, the economy and society.
With greater energy efficiency needed in future, recycled waste is becoming an important source of raw materials. With this in mind, traditional waste treatment plants are now being converted into thermal recycling facilities. This is clearly the shape of things to come, with towns and cities ultimately being exploited as urban mines. Through recycling, urban areas will generate the metals and other materials needed for society to function.
Although its consumption of natural resources is higher than the global average, Switzerland is often cited as a model for recycling because of the refuse collection, waste separation and waste recovery methods deployed. Businesses also need to keep innovating to repurpose refuse that is generated on a daily basis. Switzerland has developed expertise in this area which may be beneficial to other countries. Discover a few Swiss innovations that are helping to address waste management challenges.
