HWZ investigates sustainable transformation of the economy

(CONNECT) In a Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) study, researchers at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (HWZ) have investigated the conditions for a sustainable transformation of the economy along the supply chain. The Institute of Economics and Ecology at the University of St.Gallen (HSG) and the Zurich Center for Sustainability Leadership at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) were also involved in the development of the report, according to a press release.

The interim results of the study led by Sybille Sachs and Tiziana Gaito show that all stakeholders must be involved in a sustainable transformation process in the circular economy. The researchers consider the quality and stability of supplier relationships to be essential for companies. The use and reuse of resources, such as water and raw materials, requires industry-wide cooperation. This also requires coordination with the authorities to comply with legal requirements, for example hygiene regulations when reusing water.

At the retail level, the authors of the study see customers participating in the acceptance of durable products as well as their reparability and reusability. Raising consumer awareness is a decisive factor here.

The study sees the prerequisites for success as being an improvement in the skills of all those involved, increased cooperation with industry associations and partner companies and a rethink of production processes to achieve a sustainable circular economy. The next step is to examine how different stakeholders are involved in the circular economy. ce/ww