We Are ETH Transforming Waste into Resources – Christophe Gence
Jan 23, 2025
Christophe Gence, CEO of Paprec Switzerland and a mechanical engineering alumnus of ETH, shares his transformative journey in the recycling industry. He delves into innovative technologies like AI-driven sorting and the recycling of PET bottles, emphasizing their importance in sustainable waste management. Gence discusses the cultural and technological shifts in recycling practices across Europe and highlights the future of lithium battery recycling. His personal stories reflect the value of networking and lifelong learning in navigating his career.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Intense Lunch Interviews for Hiring
- Christophe Gence joined Paprec after meeting its president over lunches where he was intensely interviewed during meals.
- The president took detailed notes on his behavior, even observing how he ate and responded in conversation.
Waste as Valuable Raw Material
- Paprec transforms waste into secondary raw materials, reducing the need for new resource extraction.
- This reuse drastically cuts CO2 emissions and protects natural resources.
Automated Mixed Waste Sorting
- Switzerland traditionally separated waste by source, but other countries collect mixed waste and use automated sorting.
- More than 95% of waste can be automatically sorted using technologies based on weight, light, and magnetism.