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.
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
NC Christian Imark
President
Roger Blesi
Board member
Katja Kuster
Board member
Dr. Tobias Thommen
Vice President (German-speaking Switzerland)
Hansueli Bühlmann
Board member
Alain Probst
Board member
Dario Balmelli
Vice President (French-speaking Switzerland)
Pouyan Dardashti
Board member
Jean-Marc Wallach
Board member
Roland Avgustini
Board member
Gilles Goutte
Board member
Umberto Vismara
Board member (Representative Ticino)
TECHNICAL COMMISSION
Nina Misteli
Head of Technical Commission
Walter Weiler
Pool of experts
Dr. Dieter Offenthaler
Pool of experts
Sacha Moser
Practical expert for the TeCo
Dr. Viktor Haefeli
Pool of experts, project manager fires
Manfred Eckert
Transboundary Waste Shipments and Dangerous Goods
Dr. Christoph Zeltner
Pool of experts
HEAD OFFICE
Dr. Thomas Bähler
Managing Director
Partner at Kellerhals Carrard Bern KlG
Jasmine Voide
Managing Director for French-speaking Switzerland
Janine Mühlethaler
Head of Administration
Jean-Pierre Bersier
French translations
Linda Gassmann
Head of Communications
Alina Baumgardt
Office employee
HONORARY MEMBERS
Martin Baltisser
Director
2002 - 2009
Peter Lottner
Board member and representative of the Waste Paper and Carton Division, long-standing president of the VSIA (Swss Association of Industrial Suppliers of Waste Paper) - fusion with the VSMR
2011
Walther J. Hess
Board member and representative of the Iron and Steel Scrap Recyclers Division, long-standing President of the VSSV (Swiss Scrap Users Association) - fusion with the VSMR
2010
Former NC Toni Brunner
President VSMR
2008 - 2019
FC Dr. Albert Rösti
President VSMR
2019 - 2022
Honorary Member of the Technical Commission: Markus Fehr
Head of the Technical Commission
2010 - 2022
Honorary Member of the Industy Solution: Manfred Eckert
Head of occupational safety and health protection
1997 - 2024
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:
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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.
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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.
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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.