What is circular economy?
The circular economy makes use of products and materials and maintains their value for as long as possible, and waste and environmental pollution are avoided as far as possible.
Keep products and materials in the cycle
The circular economy is a holistic approach that considers the entire cycle of a product: from raw material extraction, design, production and distribution to use and recycling. The materials and products as well as their components are to be used and kept in circulation for as long as possible. Compared to the linear economic system, the value of products is maintained for a longer period, which leads to a reduced consumption of primary raw materials. Only at the point where a product can no longer be used, is it recycled to reuse its material. This produces secondary raw materials of high quality, such as PET or aluminium, that can be marketed and used for the production of new goods.
For a sustainable City of Zurich
We live in a throwaway society. For a sustainable City of Zurich, we need to switch to a circular economy. We can do this by sharing, passing on, repairing, upcycling and remanufacturing items. (Video in German, Entsorgung und Recycling Zürich (ERZ))
Beneficial to the environment, economy and society
This way of doing business lowers the amount of waste and reduces negative environmental impacts along the entire value chain: from the extraction and consumption of all kinds of raw materials to water consumption, deforestation and pollutants released into the environment. The holistic approach of circular economy also requires an energy use that is as economical as possible and energy coming from renewable sources.
Rethinking today's often linear value chains in the direction of a circular economy also opens up opportunities for business and society. New business models emerge and jobs are created. For example, repair services can be offered or products can be rented instead of sold. The use of raw materials such as local wood or already existing recycled materials promotes local value creation and enables new business areas. In most cases, this not only protects the environment but also the consumer's wallet.
Preconditions, such as Zurich’s well-trained skilled workers, innovative companies and dynamic start-up scene, its broad education and research landscape, complemented by a committed population, make it the ideal city for a circular economy.
Important lever for climate protection
In the circular economy lies an important lever for the reduction of indirect greenhouse gas emissions. These are caused outside the city and account for three quarters of the total emissions of the City of Zurich. Buildings and food each account for 20 percent of indirect emissions, mobility, air travel and other consumption each account for 15 percent and 12 percent are down to textiles.