The circular economy requires rethinking the entire production system. In the Lake Geneva region, the support organization 'La Fabrique Circulaire' is dedicated to helping SMEs tackle this major challenge. We interviewed its technical coordinator, Benjamin Herbreteau, who is also an expert in industrial ecology.
Only 6.9% of materials exchanged within the national economy are reintroduced into the economic cycle after use, according to the inaugural "Circularity Gap Report" for Switzerland, published by Deloitte and the Dutch organization Circle Economy. However, the report’s authors, in their March 2023 release, suggest that the country could double its circularity potential (to 12.2%) by leveraging key sectors, particularly transportation and industrial manufacturing.
Since 2021, the sustainable development consultancy dss+ has been running "La Fabrique Circulaire" in the cantons of Geneva and Vaud, a support program that has already engaged around twenty SMEs. We had the opportunity to speak with its technical coordinator, Benjamin Herbreteau.
How would you define the circular economy?
Benjamin Herbreteau: The circular economy aims to optimise the use of energy, materials and water by moving away from the extract-produce-consume-discard logic of the linear economy. When implemented, it helps to reduce the pressure exerted by economic activity on the environment and to limit waste. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not merely about waste recycling; it's a comprehensive, systemic strategy designed to rethink the entire life cycle of a product, ultimately reducing its ecological footprint.
Why should an SME embrace a circular approach?
Herbreteau: A circular economy is crucial for SMEs. Large corporations are facing growing pressures to minimize their environmental impact, and these demands inevitably trickle down through their supply chains, impacting many Swiss SMEs. For instance, we’ve worked with vegetable producers whose clients now require a complete shift to renewable energy. This shift forces some companies to make substantial investments and engage in comprehensive, long-term strategic planning.
The circular economy also enhances SME competitiveness by optimizing resource use. One of the companies we supported produced repairable products in Switzerland, but their prices were higher than those of competitors sourcing from abroad and prefer disposable products. By concentrating on eco-design, we managed to reduce the material required for production. As a result, the manufacturer could continue offering repairable "Swiss Made" products at more competitive prices.
Finally, these initiatives help companies improve their image not only with consumers but also with potential employees. They also strengthen local ties by building a robust local network, which promotes resilience and fosters collaboration with local stakeholders.
What are the main challenges SMEs face in adopting the circular economy?
Herbreteau: It varies significantly. Some SMEs position the circular economy as a key strategic priority but often lack the structure to measure their impact and prioritize their initiatives. Others have a clear grasp of their environmental impact but struggle to take meaningful action due to financial constraints or a lack of technical expertise. The reality is that it can be difficult for an SME to make the necessary investments, even when they are likely to be profitable in the long term.
What methodology do you use to evaluate an SME's circularity potential?
Herbreteau: Our approach at dss+ is carried out in two phases. The first phase involves a thorough diagnosis to understand the company's strategy, medium-term challenges, operational context, and the flexibility it has. We then explore different circular economy models that could be applied to the business. This helps us identify its circularity potential across areas such as design, production, sourcing, and distribution. In the second phase, we present our findings and offer several customized solutions. Together, we collaboratively decide which projects to prioritize.
The circular economy engages a relatively small group of economic players. How can an SME build a local network and establish partnerships?
Herbreteau: Initiatives like La Fabrique Circulaire are meant to catalyze these synergies. For instance, we recently assessed the potential for CO2 capture and reuse for a company. We then connected them with a startup that could repurpose the CO2 and supported their collaboration all the way to submitting a concrete project eligible for cantonal subsidies.
Additionally, we can direct companies to more responsible suppliers or encourage the adoption of more sustainable practices. There are also various initiatives designed to support and motivate SMEs in this regard. The Swiss Confederation, for instance, offers support through its Reffnet tool, helping businesses reduce their resource consumption.
Biography
Benjamin Herbreteau is an environmental engineer with a master’s degree in sustainable development applied to industrial processes from Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, Sweden. He spent 10 years working in the research and development department of the French company Veolia before shifting his focus to sustainability consulting. In 2017, he joined the Geneva-based consultancy Sofies SA (acquired by dss+ in 2021), where he has been involved in "La Fabrique Circulaire" projects in the cantons of Geneva (2021) and Vaud (2023), serving as the coordinator for technical studies.
Link
Last modification 21.08.2024
