VSMR becomes Recycling Switzerland
- Nov 15, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Nov 29, 2025
New name, modern structures, clear vision.
To mark its 30th anniversary, the industry association of private recycling companies in Switzerland is starting a new chapter: «VSMR – Swiss recyclers» is becoming «Recycling Switzerland». With its new name, restructured departments and expanded activities, the association is sending a strong signal for the future of the circular economy.
Since its foundation in 1996, the association has continued to develop. It was created from the merger of four scrap associations. The merger with the VSIA (industrial suppliers of waste paper) and the accession of paper mills led to the creation of the ‘Waste Paper and Cardboard’ division. The merger with the VSSV (steelworks and foundries) completed the ‘steel and iron scrap recyclers’ division. Today, the industry faces new challenges: more complex material flows, changed value chains and international regulations.
Recycling Switzerland (or Recycling Schweiz or Recycling Suisse or Recycling Svizzera) sums up this diversity perfectly. The new name is clear, understandable and underlines the association's claim to be the leading association for Swiss recyclers. The striking design of the new logo combines a mountain – a symbol of Switzerland and stability – with the cycle of recycling. The choice of colours underlines the message, with blue representing the clear Alpine sky and mint representing sustainability.
New structures and regional proximity
The forward-looking structures are in line with what Recycling Switzerland does and what its members need. With the specialist areas of ‘Waste transport and collection points’ and ‘Collection fractions’, the association is broadening its base. It is also strengthening regional networking – a model that has already proven itself in western Switzerland.
The members unanimously approved the amendments to the statutes at the meeting on 14 November 2025 in Safenwil. In doing so, they have laid the foundation for Recycling Switzerland to provide optimal support and promote the industry.
Changes in strategic leadership
Five long-standing board members stepped down at the general meeting. Three new personalities bring fresh impetus: Anina Berger (VP Group Marketing, Communications and Sustainability at Swiss Steel Group), Rico Sommerhalder (Managing Director of Schneider Umweltservice AG) and Michele Vismara (Managing Director of Vismara & Co. SA). Roger Blesi (CEO of Groupe Barec) and Pouyan Dardashti (CEO of Thommen Group) were elected as new vice-presidents at the constituent meeting of the board.
There is now an Honorary Board, which appoints distinguished patrons from important member companies as ambassadors to politicians, partners and the public. The first representatives of the Honorary Board are Dario Balmelli (Groupe Barec) and Dr Tobias Thommen (Thommen Group).
About Recycling Switzerland Switzerland is rich in raw materials – secondary raw materials. The most important raw materials for the manufacturing industries can be obtained through urban mining. By processing and recycling discarded materials, the members of Recycling Switzerland supply the raw materials for new products – in a more sustainable and environmentally friendly way than with primary raw materials. The association represents closed cycles: from collection points to processing and logistics to recycling in steelworks, foundries and paper mills. Recycling Switzerland is chaired by National Councillor Christian Imark and represents 165 companies in the private recycling industry in Switzerland.