Plastic recycling is not a token gesture – it is part of the solution.

February 25, 2026

Is collecting plastic worthwhile – or is it just for peace of mind? Report by the SRF consumer magazine «Kassensturz» This has reignited the debate. According to this view, economic reasons are the primary obstacle to the recycling of plastic waste. Nevertheless, we are convinced that recycling is essential. enespa's technologies make it possible to keep plastic waste in circulation economically and sustainably.

Under the title "Collecting Plastic – Sensible or Just a Token Exercise?", the Swiss consumer affairs program "Kassensturz" examined the nationwide introduction of the "RecyBag" collection system. The aim of the project is to increase the collection rate. Clearly, there is a need for action: Currently, only around [number missing] plastics are collected in Switzerland. 3% All household plastic packaging, such as shampoo bottles, yogurt cups, and food wrap, is collected and recycled. PET bottles are an exception – an established collection system already exists for them.

The RecyBags are available at cost; the collected and cleaned plastic waste can be dropped off at collection points. A pragmatic approach – but is it enough?

Lack of infrastructure and economic pressure

In the television report, a reporter accompanies a Transport of Swiss plastic waste abroad – in this case, to a sorting facility across the border in Austria. Unlike Germany or Austria, Switzerland currently has no facilities of its own for sorting mixed plastic waste.

The reasons are primarily economic: Cheap recyclates from the USA and Asia are driving down prices. At the same time, the costs of sorting and recycling are high. Under current market conditions, industry and consumers are paying extra for every ton of recycled plastic.

This reality puts pressure on the industry – but is not an argument against recycling, rather an indication that the framework conditions need to be adapted.

Recycling quotas as a “game changer”?

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Swiss recycling companies also point out that binding recycling quotas – like those already in place in various European countries – could fundamentally change the situation. Clear targets for the proportion of recycled plastic in new plastic products would strengthen the demand for recyclates and make investments in infrastructure more attractive.

Furthermore, it is expected that the export of plastic waste across national borders will be more strictly regulated in the future. Switzerland will not be able to rely on having its plastic waste processed abroad in the long term.

Mechanical recycling is reaching its limits

Critics – such as environmental organizations like Greenpeace or the Swiss consumer protection agency – sometimes describe plastic recycling as greenwashing. A key argument is so-called downcycling. This process involves creating lower-quality products from plastic waste, such as flowerpots or pipes, which are then difficult to recycle.

Mechanical recycling of mixed or contaminated plastics does indeed reach its technical limits. However, development continues. Innovative processes such as chemical recycling – for example, solvolysis or pyrolysis – now make it possible to convert even mixed plastic waste into high-quality raw materials. The result is virgin-quality oils that can serve as a starting material for a wide variety of sophisticated products.

Such technologies already work today – and they significantly expand the possibilities of the circular economy.

Burning is not a sustainable alternative

Anyone who fundamentally questions recycling must offer an alternative solution. Realistically, only two options remain: a drastic reduction in plastic consumption – which has proven difficult in the past – or incineration.

However, burning plastics means using fossil fuels, which generates corresponding CO₂ emissions. If the goal is a climate-friendly future, this cannot be a long-term strategy. Instead, the aim is to keep plastics in circulation for as long as possible and preserve their value.

Recycling is therefore not part of the problem – but part of the solution..

enespa: Technology for a functioning circular economy

enespa has always been committed to a world without plastic waste. As a specialist in integrated solutions for advanced recycling, we support projects from planning and construction to turnkey handover – including regulatory coordination. Our plants are tailored to the individual needs of our customers.

Following the successful development of our technological expertise, we are now in a strong position: Interest from industry and investors is growing – driven by increasing environmental awareness, regulatory requirements and the clear need for functioning recycling solutions.

A sustainable circular economy doesn't happen by itself. It requires innovation, investment, and the courage to break new ground. That's precisely where we come in.