The industry organization RecyPac wants to increase plastic recycling in Switzerland.
From October 1, municipalities can introduce the new system with standardized collection bags. The newly founded RecyPac association has set itself the goal of collecting and recycling plastic packaging and beverage cartons in Switzerland.
The project is a non-profit industry solution that has been approved by the Competition Commission, as detailed in a press release.
According to RecyPac, around 195,000 tons of plastic packaging and beverage cartons are generated as waste in Swiss households every year.
However, despite the efforts of several providers, the nationwide recycling rate is only around 3%.
New approaches are therefore needed.
Packaging manufacturers, retailers, municipalities and recyclers have jointly founded RecyPac.
The aim is to better coordinate packaging design and recycling in order to produce high-quality recyclate for the Swiss market.
RecyPac plans to offer standardized collection bags throughout Switzerland and establish a nationwide return infrastructure.
In addition, financial and material flows are to be disclosed transparently.
RecyPac has been working on the preparations since April 2024.
As plastic packaging and beverage cartons are subject to the public sector’s waste monopoly, RecyPac requires a concession from the municipalities to carry out collection activities.
Interested municipalities can offer the new service to their citizens from October 1.