Switzerland has no intention of banning single-use plastics
Single-use plastic products, such as disposable straws, collectively account for 70% of marine waste in Europe.
Keystone
While the European Union intends to ban plastic straws, single-use cutlery, and other disposable plastics, the Swiss government has no plans to follow suit. The Federal Council is not considering any kind of ban, environment minister Doris Leuthard said on Monday.
In response to a question by the House of Representatives, Leuthard said that the Federal Council is committed to “avoiding, reducing, reusing and recycling” measures and referred to voluntary industry measures such as the plastic bag charges.
But Switzerland would not introduce a ban similar to the one the EU plans to impose, especially since the Brussels decision was primarily targeted at the reduction of waste in the sea.
The Swiss government, Leuthard said, would favour solutions developed by the business sector.
Discarded drinking straws, cotton swabs and other everyday plastic products do not represent a major environmental hazard to Swiss nature and waterways, according to the minister.
Littering is being fought with a broad range of measures, she noted, adding that the quantities of microplastics in Swiss waterways is very small.
The Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) is currently investigating from which sources this microplastic originated from. Leuthard cited an EU study which shows that it was mainly the result of tire abrasion or the weathering of paint coatings and textile fibres.
The EU Comission wants to ban disposable plastic fishing nets and various disposable plastic products, including cutlery and crockery. Single-use plastic utensils such as drinking straws and stirring spoons will be banned and replaced with instruments made of more durable and less environmentally harmful materials.
For products for which there are no suitable alternative materials available already, consumption is to be dramatically reduced. By 2025, disposable plastic bottles should be almost fully recycled.
Single-use plastic products collectively account for 70% of marine waste in Europe.
What do you think Switzerland’s Alain Berset can bring to the Council of Europe?
The former interior minister is to become the first Swiss Secretary General of the Council of Europe – which issues should his five-year term focus on?
How is your country dealing with the return of stolen artifacts?
Western nations like Switzerland often have to deal with the process of recovering or returning looted artifacts which have been illegally imported. What’s the situation like in your country?
Majority of young Swiss well-trained, army fitness test reveals
This content was published on
More than half of young Swiss men and women are considered well-trained, with around 80% meeting the federal government's exercise recommendations, according to the Armed Forces 2023 fitness test.
Italian consulate to relocate to ‘Casa d’Italia’ in Zurich
This content was published on
The Italian state is renovating the "Casa d'Italia" in Zurich's Kreis 4 district, with plans to move the Consulate General from its current location on Tödistrasse in District 2 to this historic building.
Swiss companies maintain financial stability amid European struggles
This content was published on
Swiss companies continue to demonstrate financial robustness compared to their European counterparts, although corporate restructuring activities have increased in recent months.
This content was published on
Unknown assailants detonated an ATM in canton Vaud early Sunday morning, causing extensive damage to the building. The perpetrators fled the scene and remain at large.
Kudelski Group to sell Skidata division to Assa Abloy
This content was published on
The Kudelski Group is selling its Skidata division to the Swedish manufacturer of locking and security systems Assa Abloy.
Tragic weekend in Swiss waters: three bodies recovered
This content was published on
Swiss authorities recovered three bodies from local waters over the weekend, with one incident occurring in Zurich and two in Zug.
Lake Parade in Geneva attracts over 100,000 people
This content was published on
The 22nd Lake Parade and the Lake Sensation in Geneva attracted over 100,000 people in summery weather on Saturday. There were no major incidents at either event.
Graubünden storm causes significant economic damage, prompting support measures
This content was published on
The recent storm in Misox, in canton Graubünden, has resulted in severe economic damage, affecting SMEs, tourism, and agricultural land.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
Opinion
More
Why beating plastic pollution must be a global priority
This content was published on
Humanity is addicted to plastic 100 years after its invention, warns Erik Solheim, executive director of United Nations Environment.
This content was published on
For 30 days, swissinfo.ch journalist Susan Misicka saved all of her plastic garbage, but found that not even half of it could be recycled.
Migros says packaging protests will help develop its policy
This content was published on
Switzerland's biggest retailer Migros says protests against excess plastic packaging will help it adapt to what consumers want.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.