Speaking with Governing Coun­cillor Christoph Ammann about the Circular Economy

Cantonal Coun­cillor Ammann, the circular economy is becoming increas­ingly impor­tant. Estab­lished compa­nies and start-ups are investing in the trans­for­ma­tion from a linear to a circular economy. How impor­tant is the circular economy for the Canton of Berne as a busi­ness loca­tion?

Natural resources become ever more limited in a world­wide scale. Switzer­land is a country with a small raw mate­rial endow­ment — it must use resources effec­tively. Invest­ments in the circular economy are invest­ments in the future — under ecologic aspects through the sustain­able use of raw mate­rials and mate­rials and econom­i­cally by way of cost savings and a strength­ening compet­i­tive­ness. We support this devel­op­ment: For example, we are reviewing our inno­va­tion promo­tion strate­gies and adjusting them, where neces­sary. In my direc­torate, we also deal inten­sively with the ecolog­ical aspects of the circular economy.

Speaking about careful use of resources and energy: Would you say that circular economy has an impor­tant meaning for you as Director of Economic Affairs, Energy and Envi­ron­ment?

It is indeed of central impor­tance. Today we face an enor­mous chal­lenge: the climate change. Climate protec­tion concerns us all, including the economy. Climate protec­tion begins with ques­tions such as: Which raw mate­rials to choose? How to process them in an envi­ron­ment-friendly manner, using renew­able energy? To make prod­ucts, that live as long as possible and can be recy­cled. Here, our economy can and must play its part.

The invest­ments required are a hurdle, espe­cially for SMEs. How can the public sector support them on their way to become a circular economy?

Busi­ness, science and poli­tics must work together to find solu­tions and thus advance the circular economy. The state promotes inno­va­tion. As a specific example, the Office of Economic Affairs helps compa­nies to recog­nise the oppor­tu­ni­ties of the circular economy and to develop new strate­gies and projects. And we support events such as the Swiss Design Prize. Because design also makes an impor­tant contri­bu­tion when it comes to prod­ucts and processes. At the Design Award cere­mony, there were some fine exam­ples of this.

You announced the winners of the circular economy cate­gory. Which project or product were you partic­u­larly impressed from?

I am also respon­sible for the tourist sector in the Canton of Bern. Like every year, I look forward to the winter season, to skiing and ski tours. So I was partic­u­larly pleased to award the small company early­bird a prize for their recy­clable freeride and touring skis. Sports equip­ment has not been partic­u­larly resource-effi­cient up to now and winter tourism has not been partic­u­larly climate-friendly either. It is my hope that such exem­plary prod­ucts will have a pioneering effect for the industry, but also for winter sports enthu­si­asts.