Innovative Plastics Recycling for Circular Economy in Construction Industry

Venturing into the New Era: Sulzer’s Innovative Plastics Recycling Initiative

In a pioneering effort to promote sustainability in the construction industry, Sulzer, a leading global provider of integral solutions for core infrastructures and processes across key sectors, is initiating an innovative joint venture. This project is oriented towards revolutionizing plastics recycling in the construction sector, a field that has been long overdue for an ecological overhaul.

This strategic collaboration is a unique amalgamation of Sulzer’s extensive network, boasting 160 top-tier manufacturing facilities and service centers worldwide, and Sika’s comprehensive expertise in polymer applications and high-performance building materials. With their combined might, they aim to drive energy efficiency, curb carbon emissions, and minimize pollution, while also enhancing overall process efficiency.

The venture, a 50-50 partnership between Sika and Sulzer, will be based in the Zurich area and will function as an independent entity. Operational activities are scheduled to kick-off in the second half of 2025 with pilot projects in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

The European construction industry generates approximately two million tons of plastic waste annually. The current methods of recycling these complex materials are fragmented, technically challenging, and often inefficient. This leads to most construction plastics being disposed of by the end of their lifecycle, as existing mechanical recycling methods produce low-quality materials unsuitable for reuse.

The joint venture aims to rectify this situation by developing a system for the collection, processing, and reuse of construction plastics using mechanical and chemical processes. This initiative not only aligns with the trending shift towards a circular economy but also represents a significant milestone in the industry’s march towards greater sustainability and circularity.

Sulzer’s commitment to this venture echoes its steadfast dedication to sustainable practices, a tenet that has been integral to the company since its inception in 1834. With sales reaching CHF 3.5 billion in 2024, achieved by a dedicated workforce of 13,500 employees, Sulzer’s shares, publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange (SIX: SUN), reflect its robust position in the market.

Ivo Schädler, Head of Construction Sika, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating that the project helps reduce Scope 3 CO₂ emissions while supporting companies in meeting increasing ESG standards. It unlocks new value creation streams, making a decisive contribution to the sustainable transformation of the construction industry, and thereby ensuring the future viability of the sector and its customers.

In essence, Sulzer’s innovative joint venture is a promising step towards the sustainable transformation of the construction industry. Given the company’s historical commitment to sustainable practices, it is poised to redefine the sector’s approach to waste management and encourage a broader shift towards a more sustainable, circular economy. Its alliance with Sika is a powerful testament to the potential of collaborations that combine unique strengths, and it sets a precedent for other industry leaders to follow.