Together with you, we were able to continue advancing the circular economy in Switzerland last year. Our success shows that, when committed partners work together on a vision, even ambitious ideas can become a reality. Our strong network, shaped by diversity, drive and a passion for innovation, is a critical success factor. The numerous highlights of the past year clearly demonstrate what can be achieved with strong partnerships. Looking to the future, we are confident that, together, we can continue making an effective contribution to sustainable recycling and the ongoing development of the circular economy in Switzerland.
Foreword from the President of the Board of Trustees
Committed to a strong Swiss circular economy
In March 2024, the parliament adopted parliamentary initiative 20.433 “Strengthening the Swiss circular economy”. As President of SENS eRecycling and member of the Environment, Spatial Planning and Energy Committee of the National Council (ESPEC-N), I am very pleased that we have been able to lay the foundation for the transformation towards a strong Swiss circular economy through legislation. Now it’s up to the private sector to use the power of innovation to make as many products and services part of the circular economy as possible. For our part at SENS eRecycling, we offer the necessary support through our continuously updated industry solutions.
At the same time, we proactively initiate projects to close even more product and resource cycles. I would like to highlight our project Swiss PV Circle, for example. Together with the Bern University of Applied Sciences, the Swissolar Association and other partners from the solar industry, we are investigating how business models can be developed to extend the service life of PV modules. With SENS AI, we have also been using artificial intelligence for several years to bring more transparency to our flow of goods. We are not only setting a new global benchmark in eRecycling but also making a significant contribution to the digital transformation of the Swiss circular economy.
In order for the transformation to succeed, it is essential for consumers to be involved in the effort. This includes using products for as long as possible, sharing them, reusing them and repairing them, as well as consistently separating, collecting and correctly disposing of products that can no longer be used. This is exactly where our awareness campaign for the proper disposal of e-cigarettes (vapes) comes in, or the national “Fire Hazard!” campaign, in which we, together with Swiss Recycle, Swico Recycling and Inobat, draw attention to the dangers of improper disposal of batteries and electronic devices. With our Circular Platform, we promote dialogue between manufacturers, importers, disposal partners and consumers. In addition to comprehensive information, we also provide you with an effective tool for finding out how product cycles can be closed as efficiently as possible, all in keeping with our commitment to shifting from a throw-away society to one of sustainable consumption.
The variety of circular projects is vast, and I am proud of how our dedicated and qualified team of employees, supported by strong partners, consistently manages to not only recognise but also seize opportunities with keen insight and a spirit of innovation, thereby bringing new projects and campaigns to fruition. I would like to thank you, dear partners and dear colleagues, from the bottom of my heart for your tireless commitment to an intact environment. I would especially like to extend my sincere thanks to our Managing Director Pasqual Zopp, who drives our multifaceted business forward persistently, responsibly and with great foresight. I would also like to thank my esteemed colleagues from the Board of Trustees for their active commitment as well as their constructive and respectful cooperation.
I firmly believe that we will achieve a lot together in the coming year and thereby help shape a future that is liveable also for the generations to come.
Warm regards,
Susanne Vincenz-Stauffacher
Foreword by the Managing Director
A strong network is the basis for success
Together with our partners, we collected more than 100,000 tonnes of electrical and electronic appliances, lighting equipment and lamps, photovoltaic modules, heat pumps, e-cigarettes and vehicle and industrial batteries last year. This was an impressive achievement that once again shows why SENS eRecycling is recognised worldwide as a significant pioneer and role model in the field of eRecycling.
To maintain our high quality and secure the financing of our take-back system over the long term, we have revised the contractual bases between us and our service partners and updated our deed of foundation and regulations over the past year. One key element is the new investment regulations, which define our financing strategy on a sustainable basis. With a return of +2.7% between June and December 2024, the realignment under a new asset management system has already proven its usefulness.
Our industry solutions have also been a success. Almost all manufacturers and importers are part of the “heat pump” industry solution after the first full year of operation. Many installers and specialist dealers also appreciate the easy return and disposal of appliances by SENS and are now part of the network. Equally gratifying is the development within the VFAS industry solution. More and more car manufacturers and importers are taking advantage of this simple way to meet their legal obligation regarding traction batteries – which is clear evidence of the added value of our services.
Since 2024, we have offered our partners an exclusive SENS label that allows them to showcase their commitment to sustainable recycling – for the environment and a strong Swiss circular economy. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all who are already using the label, thereby underscoring our joint commitment.
We warmly invite all other manufacturers, importers and installers of electrical appliances to become part of this strong network, which is characterised by diversity, drive and innovation: three success factors that we are proud of and that we will also build on in the new year in order to shape the future of eRecycling. I am already looking forward to many more exciting SENS projects that we will initiate together with you and new partners for the benefit of our environment.
For SENS, the past year was marked not only by strong operational performance but also by a loss. Our founder, long-time President and later honorary President Dr Andreas Röthlisberger passed away. His passing marked the loss of not only the visionary architect of our take-back system but also a reliable companion and good friend for many years. His foresight, clarity and profound commitment to the environment and the good of society have enduringly shaped our work and our values. We are deeply grateful to him and carry on his legacy with great respect.
Kind regards,
Pasqual Zopp