The circular economy is a smarter and more sustainable way of consuming: instead of throwing things away, we repair, reuse, recycle and repurpose what we already have. As in the past, we avoid waste and make things last longer. The aim is to preserve natural resources, limit our impact on the planet and build an economy that creates value over time. In this article, we present projects based on this approach.
What if a bottle of wine could be used more than once?
With BottleBack, Swiss winemakers have decided to change the game: reuse the bottle rather than throw it away. A simple but powerful idea: up to 85% less CO₂ emissions than a new bottle.
This is the circular economy in its most concrete form:
- Less waste,
- Less energy,
- More common sense… and good wine!
Well done to the pioneers of this collective project, who show that tradition and innovation can go hand in hand.
Did you know that the Swiss invented a spread… made from beer?
Well, almost 😉: Cenovis, created in 1931 in Basel, is made from brewer’s yeast, vegetables and spices.
Brewery waste transformed into a Swiss culinary icon: that’s circular economy with taste!
It just goes to show that even what remains at the bottom of the barrel can write a lasting story.
Did you know that satellite dishes can be reused to generate energy?
The first rule of the circular economy? Reuse before recycling.
Why melt down metal structures that are still sturdy when they can be given a new lease of life? In Leuk,
💡 Sometimes you just need to change your perspective to turn waste into a resource.
💡 Sometimes you just need to change your perspective to turn waste into a resource.
Did you know that the Holcim cement plant in Eclépens is one of the largest waste treatment sites in French-speaking Switzerland?
Holcim recycles 200,000 tons of waste every year, half of which is used as alternative raw materials and the other half as fuel.
From building a school in Pompaples with recyclable Airium insulation to renovating the TP2 viaduct on the A9 highway with high-performance Ductal fiber-reinforced concrete, Holcim is proving that sustainable construction is possible today.
Result: 220 Olympic swimming pools worth of waste avoided since 2020!
What about you? What are you doing to extend the life of materials and avoid landfilling?
Did you know that it is possible to recycle old soap to make new soap?
In Switzerland, the hotel industry throws away up to 150 tons of soap per year.
Such avoidable waste!
The Sapocycle Foundation collects these soaps and transforms them into essential products, which are then distributed to families in need.
Did you know that concrete can become an unexpected savior of the climate?
A team from EMPA has developed a process for integrating vegetable charcoal into concrete in a practical way. This makes it possible to develop concrete that is CO2 neutral or even negative. They received the “Building Award” for this potentially revolutionary discovery.
Let’s build the future together!
Cradle to Cradle could be translated into French as “from birth to rebirth.”
It is much more than a concept: it is a revolution in the way we produce. Unlike the traditional linear model—where we extract, manufacture, consume, and then throw away—Cradle to Cradle is inspired by living organisms: each product is designed to return to a cycle, without becoming waste.
This short video perfectly illustrates how a printing company can integrate this principle.
The Swiss company Vögeli AG Marketingproduktion & Druck proves that it is possible to print while meeting the most demanding criteria of the circular economy.
✅ Less waste
✅ Healthy and recyclable materials
✅ Reduced environmental impact without compromising quality
👏 Bravo to this pioneering company for showing that sustainable innovation is not a utopia, but a reality.
🔁 And you, do you know of other examples of companies that apply Cradle to Cradle?
Did you know that our urine can be a valuable resource?
Aurin, the natural fertilizer developed by Vuna, is made from human urine. Yes, you read that right!
✔️ 100% natural
✔️ Odorless
✔️ Approved for organic farming in Switzerland
✔️ Rich in essential plant nutrients
Why waste nutrients by sending them down the drain when they can be recycled locally to nourish our soil?
🌱 A concrete solution for a circular economy that is local, sustainable, and scientifically validated.
Congratulations to the Vuna team for this innovation that transforms “waste” into added value for our agriculture.
Did you know that our solar panels can be recycled up to 95%?
In Switzerland, used photovoltaic panels can be returned free of charge to any sales outlet or collection center affiliated with SENS eRecycling or Swico. This system is financed by an advance recycling fee (ARF) paid at the time of purchase.
Once collected, the panels are transported to specialized centers where up to 95% of the materials—such as glass, aluminum, and copper—are recovered and reintegrated into production.
🌞 Solar panels do more than just produce CO₂-free electricity: they are fully in line with the circular economy, with a controlled and valuable end of life.
