Therefore,
Switzerland: glass polluted being recycled:
Ecological paradox –
Swiss glass polluted by being recycled abroad – Switzerland: glass polluted being recycled
Our bottles travel up to 650 km to be transformed. Furthermore, Despite a collection rate of 95%, the carbon footprint of the system is weighed down by these massive transport.
More than 80% of the 288. Similarly, 000 tonnes of glass collected annually in Switzerland now travel hundreds of kilometers to be recycled abroad.
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The massive export of Swiss glass questions the ecological impact of our recycling system. Consequently, Since Vetropack closed his Saint-Prrex glassware In June 2024. Furthermore, more than 80% of the switzerland: glass polluted being recycled 288,000 tonnes of glass collected annually in Switzerland cross borders to be recycled abroad. Nevertheless, A paradoxical situation for a country that prides itself on a collection rate of 95%, among the highest in the world.
An investigation carried out by “Focus(RTS) using tracers placed in jars. deposited in different Swiss regions, reveals the extent of these trips. Swiss glass travels to Italy, Germany, Austria and even in the Czech Republic, 650 km away. Most of these transport is carried out by road, generating a significant carbon footprint.
Abroad. the glass is transformed into a calcineal, then resumed to make new bottles, containing an average of 80% of recycled material, according to Riccardo Galli, ofEurovetro, In Italy, questioned by RTS. If this overhaul allows energy savings compared to new glass production. the environmental assessment is weighed switzerland: glass polluted being recycled down by transport and the reinportation of new packaging in Switzerland.
Favor reuse
This observation raises questions on the ecological efficiency of a system where 90% of the bottles are only used once before being thrown. then transported to long distances for their recycling.
Faced with this situation, local initiatives emerge for favor reuse bottles rather than recycling. Projects like I bring it back. to Geneva, or it is back, in the canton of Vaud, exist in French -speaking Switzerland.
The Confederation follows this movement by revising its regulatory framework. The new prescription in preparation will extend its scope to all types of packaging. and no longer only to drinks containers which represent only a quarter of the total packaging used in Switzerland.
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Further reading: Neuchâtel: authorization to slaughter five male deer – Viticulture crisis: revolt rumbles in French winegrowers – Academic responsibility for the crisis in Gaza – Friborg launches the first school of masons in Switzerland – The church invites swimming – Swiss Catholic portal.