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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.
20:04

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Christophe Gence emphasizes the role of advanced technologies like AI in transforming waste into valuable secondary raw materials, especially PET recycling.
  • The podcast discusses the evolving challenges of household plastic collection in Switzerland and the recent societal shift towards improved recycling initiatives.

Deep dives

Innovative Recycling Practices in Switzerland

Switzerland has made significant strides in recycling, particularly in recovering PET plastic waste. The country effectively processes around 50,000 tons of PET bottles, ensuring they meet the high-quality standards necessary for the food industry. This impressive recovery rate is attributed to advanced technologies that facilitate the sorting and processing of recyclable materials. As a result, Switzerland serves as an exemplar in using waste as a secondary raw material, illustrating a commitment to sustainability and resource conservation.

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