Swiss REuse, the first Swiss association for reusable packaging, was founded in Biel/Bienne at the beginning of September. The aim of the cross-industry initiative is to turn reusable packaging from a niche into the norm in Switzerland. Participants include ReCircle, Vetropack and Vetrum.
The founding of the association marks an important step for the circular economy. More and more companies in Switzerland are looking for alternatives to disposable packaging in order to assume ecological responsibility and at the same time become less dependent on fluctuating raw material prices and fragile supply chains. In order for reusable packaging to establish itself across the board, players along the entire value chain should work more closely together.
Goals and tasks of the association
Swiss REuse sees itself as a national platform that pools knowledge and standards, creates synergies between packaging manufacturers, food and non-food producers, retailers and logistics and campaigns for better political framework conditions. The association also aims to make the ecological, economic and social benefits of reusable packaging more visible.
The ten founding members include ReCircle, Vetrum, Docteur Gab's, Vetropack, LeihBOX, Novae Restauration, Ecomanif, Réseau Consignes, Kegsman and the Think & Do Tank Durabilitas. They contribute different competences and demonstrate that various sectors are willing to work together to build a national reusable packaging movement.
Voices on the foundation
„Reuse must become the norm in Switzerland, not the exception. With Swiss REuse, we are laying the foundations for a harmonised, economical and sustainable system that benefits companies, consumers and the environment alike,“ explained Stoller Laubi Gisèle, Vetrum, Co-President of Swiss REuse.
Le Pezennec Hervé, Co-President of Swiss REuse and representative of Réseau Consignes, also emphasised: „Consumers are ready for reusable products and there are already solutions, what is missing is the legal framework. It's time to join forces to reverse the trend towards single-use products.“
Classification in the European context
According to the Federal Office for the Environment, over one billion items of disposable packaging are produced in Switzerland every year in the takeaway sector alone. Studies such as the „Sustainable Consumer Report 2023“ by Deloitte also show that 74 per cent of European consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable packaging. Examples from neighbouring countries confirm that reusable packaging associations can successfully drive change: There are already more than eight national organisations of this kind in Europe, documented by the Reloop network.
In the coming months, Swiss REuse is planning to expand its structures, admit further members and draw up the first standards. Companies and organisations that want to promote reusable packaging are invited to become actively involved.
Source: Swiss REuse
