4th Zürioberland Innovation Apéro

The event was entitled "Gamechanger plastics - every idea counts" and made it clear that sustainable plastics technology is not a contradiction in terms but can become a driver of innovation if materials, processes and ways of thinking are rethought.

Hans Hess, board member of the Zürioberland location promotion agency, set the tone for a practical exchange right from the start. Innovation does not only come about through major upheavals, but also through courageous small steps. Especially when companies involve their customers and see sustainability as an attitude.

The BSU bank, which was the main sponsor of the event, also sent out a strong signal in this regard. Martin Tschirky, member of the Executive Board, showed how his bank tackles the issue of plastics in everyday life through plastic audits, internal standards and clear values. For him, one thing is clear: "Prevention must not be an individual project, but must become part of the corporate culture - from the management to the coffee kitchen."

Impulses from research and practice

Contributions from science, industry and regional trade showed just how different the approach to plastics can be. Prof. Daniel Schwendemann (FH OST) put it in a nutshell: "Downcycling doesn't work." A genuine circular economy requires new ways of thinking, political clarity and transparent life cycle assessments. Reto Grütter, Managing Director of Grütter Kunststoff + Formen AG, showed how the circular economy can be implemented locally: Together with FH Ost, he developed a new material from regional plastic waste and used it directly on his own hall roof in a PV substructure. Martin Meyer and Oscar Sarmiento-Penuela (ABB Switzerland Ltd) emphasized the importance of science-based sustainability using the example of EcoGuard™ PA6 - a product made from recycled fishing nets. Marco Jaggi (INOS) emphasized that SMEs often need access to networks, funding and expertise to implement innovative ideas. This is exactly where INOS comes in.

Sustainability starts on a small scale

At the end, the discussion moved from the stage to the tables, which also provided an insight into the sustainability practiced by Bank BSU. Its company-wide "Code of Sustainability Conduct" shows how concretely and practically sustainability can be anchored in a company. From dealing with plastic to energy efficiency and volunteering. "What we consistently implement internally is credible to the outside world - sustainability starts on a small scale, but it needs leadership," says Martin Tschirky, member of the Executive Board. Anyone interested in the specific implementation steps is welcome to contact him directly at any time at martin.tschirky@bsu.ch.