Program Highlights
Sunday, June 23
The delegation arrived at the Radisson Hotel & Suites in Zurich, where they were warmly welcomed with a reception at the nearby Restaurant Rössli. This informal gathering set the stage for the productive days ahead, providing an opportunity for initial networking and introductions.
Monday, June 24
The first full day began with a visit to Zurich's Waste Management Department (ERZ) at Werdhölzli. Delegates toured waste receiving sites, a public recycling center and a sewage sludge incineration plant, and learned about the city's phosphorus recycling project. The day continued with a site visit to Jura-Cement-Fabriken AG in Wildegg, where alternative fuels like plastic and tires are utilized in cement kilns.
Tuesday, June 25
The day began with a visit to the Kehrichtverwertungsanlage Hagenholz, showcasing advanced treatment of fly ash and bottom ash from waste-to-energy plants. Next, delegates explored Bioenergie Tägerwilen AG, where green and agricultural waste are processed into biogas and compost. After lunch, the delegation learned about waste disposal organization in Illnau-Effretikon and participated in a seminar on Brazilian-Swiss cooperation in the waste sector hosted by Switzerland Global Enterprise. The day concluded with a dinner sponsored by Kanadevia Inova AG (formerly Hitachi Zosen Inova AG).
Wednesday, June 26
The delegation visited Tell-Tex AG to observe textile recycling and Villiger Entsorgungssysteme AG for insights into underground container systems. In Sarnen, they explored the organization of public recycling facilities before embarking on a scenic transfer to Hasliberg. A walk through the Aare Canyon and an evening at Hotel Panorama allowed delegates to experience Switzerland's natural beauty.
Thursday, June 27
The day began with a buffet breakfast atop a mountain, combined with a discussion on waste management for tourist sites. Visits to Batrec AG in Wimmis for battery recycling and AVAG Umwelt AG in Thun for waste-to-energy processes followed.
Friday, June 28
The final day featured visits to Deponie Teuftal AG to explore landfill management and recycling solutions and the Biomass Center Aarberg to see a biomass power plant in action. The program concluded with a farewell dinner at Restaurant Zunft zu Webern in Bern, celebrating a successful and insightful week.
Key Takeaways
- Knowledge Exchange: The delegation gained a detailed understanding of Switzerland's waste management and recycling systems, from municipal programs to advanced industrial solutions.
- Collaboration Opportunities: Seminars and networking opportunities fostered dialogue on enhancing waste management practices in Brazil using Swiss innovations.
- Cultural Enrichment: Site visits and cultural experiences like the Aare Canyon walk and mountain-top breakfast highlighted the synergy between environmental sustainability and Swiss lifestyle.
The program successfully strengthened ties between Brazil and Switzerland, paving the way for future partnerships in sustainable waste management. Switzerland's innovative approaches and comprehensive infrastructure provided a benchmark for the delegation to implement and adapt in their own country.
