The growing problem of plastic pollution, which includes contributions from Switzerland, makes the transition to a circular economy an urgent priority. Therefore, a coalition of 10 Swiss non-governmental organisations (NGOs), including Trash Hero World, is calling for an ambitious overhaul of beverage packaging regulations. In a joint statement to the Federal Council on 6 March 2025, these organisations called on Switzerland to live up to its pioneering role and implement strong, binding measures based on international best practices and the latest independent science.

The statement said it is high time for Switzerland to put its words into action when it comes to the circular economy. Compared to the European Union and other pioneers, Switzerland still has a long way to go. A circular economy requires a significant reduction in plastic production and the widespread introduction of reuse systems, otherwise, the problem of plastic pollution will continue to worsen. The current situation also poses a risk to public health: plastics and the toxic chemicals they contain are contaminating the environment, food, and even the human body, as countless scientific studies worldwide demonstrate.

Four demands to break the plastics deadlock

1. Avoid or, at the very least, reduce plastic pollution at the source: Binding reduction targets and comprehensive monitoring of measures, ban unnecessary and toxic plastics, and promote reuse.
2. End greenwashing and ensure complete transparency: Mandatory disclosure of packaging ingredients, full traceability of plastics, and a ban on misleading claims of alleged environmental friendliness.
3. Significant investments in reusable packaging and the circular economy: Development of a large-scale reuse infrastructure, financed at least in part through extended producer responsibility (EPR).
4. Protection of public health: Strict ban on hazardous substances in all plastics, including recycled materials.

These demands were set out in detail in a joint statement submitted to the Federal Council.

Why act now?

• Excessive production: More than one million tonnes of plastic are produced in Switzerland each year, a significant portion of which is incinerated or pollutes the environment.
• Ubiquity of microplastics: These particles have been detected in Swiss drinking water, air, and soil. Some substances have even been detected in the human body (blood, lungs, breast milk, testicles, brain cells, etc.).
• International momentum: The European Union is taking ambitious measures to reduce plastic pollution; Switzerland must not only keep pace but also be ambitious. Those who declare themselves to be international leaders must set a good example.
• Public support: According to a recent survey, over 80% of the Swiss population supports strict measures against plastic pollution.

Statements from the signatory NGOs

Roman Peter, President of Trash Hero World
“People have a right to know what’s in their packaging. Plastic contains toxins that migrate into food and expose families to numerous health risks. We need full disclosure, clear labeling, and a ban on the worst offenders to protect public health.”

Fabienne McLellan, Executive Director of OceanCare
“The increasing production of virgin plastic and the excessive consumption of plastic, including in Switzerland, contribute to the waste of global resources and environmental pollution. If Switzerland wants to make an international contribution to combating the flood of plastic, it must also start with itself and set a good example. The circular economy can make an important contribution here if we are willing to take further measures and admit that plastic is only partially recyclable. We cannot avoid tackling problematic plastics and plastic products. The Beverage Packaging Ordinance offers Switzerland the opportunity to demonstrate internationally that it is following up on its diplomatic commitment.”

Joëlle Hérin, Consumer and Circular Economy Expert – Greenpeace Switzerland
“Scientists are increasingly concerned about the presence of microplastics in the human body, as well as our exposure to the problematic chemicals they contain. If the federal government cares about our health, it is essential to expand reuse, eliminate unnecessary single-use packaging and products, and ban hazardous substances in plastics.”

Global context: a golden opportunity

International negotiations for a legally binding global treaty against plastic pollution are underway. Switzerland will play a central role by hosting the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2), scheduled to take place from 5 – 14 August 2025, at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. This session will be preceded by regional consultations on 4 August 2025. Switzerland is also a candidate to host the future secretariat of this international treaty. In this context, it would be inconsistent for Switzerland to maintain outdated and inadequate plastic regulations. The NGOs therefore call on the Federal Council to revise the beverage packaging ordinance to give a strong signal: a signal from a country that is taking the lead in the global fight against plastic pollution.

Trash Hero World is proud to have been invited to become a new member of the Plastic Health Coalition. Together, we will work on preventing and resolving the harmful impacts of plastic pollution on the environment, as well as filling the knowledge gaps regarding the relationship between plastics and human health.

The Plastic Health Coalition was launched by the Plastic Soup Foundation, a non-profit organisation aiming to educate the public about “plastic soup” – the litter floating in the oceans and affecting marine life, the environment and our health. The coalition involves various national and international environmental and research organisations, whose scope of work focuses on the negative effects of plastics and microplastics on our health. As part of the initiative, a yearly Plastic Health Summit is organised with the focus being on exposing the devastating health impacts of plastics, and highlighting the benefits of a healthy environment.

By joining the Plastic Health Coalition, Trash Hero hopes to facilitate and support the process of spreading essential knowledge regarding plastic pollution and human health. Our expertise, experience and resources will enable us to bring this knowledge to international audiences in multiple languages. We are committed to supporting the Plastic Health Coalition in the fight for a healthier planet and, by extension, healthier people.

In the evening of November 12th, Trash Hero took part in a very special event – a gala with an acoustic concert organised in Hotel Alexander (Weggis, Switzerland).

A piano and guitar set was performed by a Swiss singer and song-writer Eliane, winner of the second season of Switzerland’s Got Talent. Eliane is an ambassador for Schnarwiler’s cosmetics lines “Trash Hero Love” and “Re-use-me” and is an avid supporter of Trash Hero’s activities.  

Throughout the evening, we received over $3500 in donations, including the entire amount earned by the guitarist for the night who kindly donated his salary, which we are extremely grateful for! 

The gala was organised by Schnarwiler, a Swiss based manufacturer and distributor of beauty and health products, who have launched a zero-waste line of toiletry products in collaboration with Trash Hero. During the event, Roman Peter had the opportunity to deliver a presentation to an audience of around 100 people, explaining the mission and vision of Trash Hero, as well as inviting attendees to join the movement.  

We would like to especially thank Eliane for her role in this fundraising event, and for her continued commitment to raising awareness about our mission.