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What we do and who we are

ABOUT US

TASKS

As an industry association, the VSMR represents the interests of the private waste, recycling, disposal and secondary raw materials sector in political, economic and social matters. It is committed to strengthening and maintaining the private sector economic order and sustainability.

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Advocacy:
Making voices heard

The art of lobbying lies in effectively communicating the concerns of members to authorities and politicians. Positive changes can be achieved through strategic lobbying.

Green Economy:
Sustainable recycling management

Supporting economic and ecological conditions in the recycling industry is of central importance. A balanced approach supports companies and protects the environment at the same time.

Eco-Reforms:
Shaping progress in environmental law

Participating in the development of environmental law revisions requires expertise and involvement. Through this collaboration, a more environmentally friendly future can be shaped.

Global Networking:
Strength through organisations

Membership in national and international groups offers opportunities for networking and co-operation. Joint action enables progress in environmental protection and sustainability.

Safety Solutions: Focus on workplace safety

The FCOS industry solution secures workplaces through increased safety standards. Risks can be minimised through close partnerships with companies and authorities.

Talent Development: Supporting young talent

The promotion of apprenticeships and further education, especially for young skilled workers, is essential for the success of the industry. Investments in education pay off in the long term.

MISSION STATEMENT

01

Genuine unity

The VSMR represents the entire private sector recycling chain: from the waste industry to recycling and disposal companies through to the secondary raw materials industry, the VSMR unites the individual companies to form a powerful lobby group.

03

Connected Diversity

The VSMR combines tradition and modernity: companies from the locally based used materials industry with their collection centres stand alongside companies with state-of-the-art recycling facilities, industrial users and processors of secondary raw materials, foundries, steelworks, paper and carton factories and traditional trading companies for recycled raw materials.

02

Private industry

The VSMR is in favour of the private sector: private sector solutions offer the best guarantee for the efficient, resource-conserving and consumer-friendly fulfilment of tasks. The state must therefore limit itself to creating favourable framework conditions also in the waste, recycling, disposal and secondary raw materials sector.

04

Sustainable vision

The VSMR stands for sustainability: at a time when resources are becoming increasingly scarce, the represented sectors and companies stand for the careful use of natural resources.

PRESIDENT / EXECUTIVE BOARD

VSMR

NC Christian Imark

President

VSMR

Roger Blesi

Board member

VSMR

Katja Kuster

Board member

VSMR

Dr. Tobias Thommen

Vice President (German-speaking Switzerland)

VSMR

Hansueli Bühlmann

Board member

VSMR

Alain Probst

Board member

VSMR

Dario Balmelli

Vice President (French-speaking Switzerland)

VSMR

Pouyan Dardashti

Board member

VSMR

Jean-Marc Wallach

Board member

VSMR

Roland Avgustini

Board member

VSMR

Gilles Goutte

Board member

VSMR

Umberto Vismara

Board member (Representative Ticino)

Technische Kommission

TECHNICAL COMMISSION

Head of Technical Commission

Nina Misteli

Head of Technical Commission

Pool of experts

Walter Weiler

Pool of experts

Pool of experts

Dr. Dieter Offenthaler

Pool of experts

Practical expert for the TeCo

Sacha Moser

Practical expert for the TeCo

Pool of experts, project manager fires

Dr. Viktor Haefeli

Pool of experts, project manager fires

Project Manager Safety, Transboundary Waste Shipments and Dangerous Goods

Manfred Eckert

Project Manager Safety, Transboundary Waste Shipments and Dangerous Goods

Pool of experts

Dr. Christoph Zeltner

Pool of experts

Geshäftsstelle

HEAD OFFICE

Dr. Thomas Bähler

Dr. Thomas Bähler

Managing Director
Partner at Kellerhals Carrard Bern KlG

Jean-Pierre Bersier

Jean-Pierre Bersier

French translations

Janine Zayed

Janine Zayed

Head of Administration

Linda Gassmann

Linda Gassmann

Administration and Head of Communications

Alina Baumgardt

Alina Baumgardt

Office employee

HISTORY

On 8 November 1996, four associations of the Swiss scrap metal industry merged to form the Swiss Steel and Metal Recycling Association. Since then, the VSMR has grown steadily:
 

  • In 2008, the paper recycling companies were integrated. The VSMR is now called the Swiss Steel, Metal and Paper Recycling Association. Foundation of the Waste Paper and Carton Division.

  • In 2010, the Association of Swiss Scrap Metal Users (VSSV) merged with the VSMR. 14 foundries and the two steelworks - Swiss Steel and Stahl Gerlafingen - are members. Foundation of the Iron and Steel Scrap Division.

  • In 2010, the three leading paper factories joined the VSMR: Papierfabrik Utzenstorf, Perlen Papier and Model Group.
     

This means that the entire value chain of the private recycling, disposal and secondary raw materials industry is now united under one association umbrella.

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