(26.04.2023) The country's carbon footprint remains too high, while resources are being used inefficiently. Only 6.9% of the raw materials used in Switzerland are recycled, according to the Circularity Gap Report launched by Circular Economy Switzerland and Deloitte Switzerland.
Written by the Circle Economy association, the report indicates that the manufacturing industry is the most resource-intensive, accounting for nearly 40% of the country's raw materials and over a third of greenhouse gas emissions (36%). Additionally, almost three-quarters (73%) of Switzerland's material footprint comes from the manufacturing industry, construction, and agri-food sectors.
The study identifies five main areas where the country should optimize circularity: industrial production, transportation and mobility, real estate, the food system, and lifestyle. These developments could enable Switzerland to almost double its circularity rate, which could reach 12.1%. The report's authors also expect a reduction of more than a third in resource consumption (-33%) and nearly half of greenhouse gas emissions (-43%).
However, it would be technically impossible to achieve a circularity rate of 100%, as the quality of raw materials and processed materials degrades progressively the more they are recycled. The interdependence of Switzerland, which has few raw materials, in global trade also makes it difficult to fully control production and trade conditions.
Globally, nearly 70% of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are linked to the extraction and processing of raw materials. In light of this, the circular economy, which includes best practices for recycling, reusing, refurbishing, and repairing, among others, appears as one of the essential solutions to limit the impact of human activity on the environment.
Last modification 26.04.2023
