Kies je taal en locatie
An inspiring series of events on the circular economy
In 2025 and 2026, the Circular Tour de Suisse will see players in the circular economy come together on a wide range of platforms throughout Switzerland. The aim of the exercise is to initiate new collaborations or strengthen existing ones, and raise awareness among the public. Girsberger is accompanying the series in the role of premium partner.
Awareness of the circular economy is often limited to those already concerned with sustainability, but this tour is intended to provide new momentum and highlight concrete possibilities. “We want to show people what can be done, and that it also makes economic sense,” explains founding partner Björn Ischi.
The Circular Tour de Suisse was launched on 23 January at the Climate Hub in Davos as an initiative by the Basel organisation Green Up, and served as a venue and meeting point for the sustainability scene during the World Economic Forum. The sofa made by Girsberger using old furniture materials served as an inviting setting for a constructive exchange of ideas.
The concept of the tour is inspired by the Tour de France with a series of many different stages – 50 locations within the next two years, in fact. Similar to the sponsors of the famous cycling jerseys, event partners will take on specific roles. As the manufacturer of an upcycled sofa that perfectly demonstrates the concept of the circular economy, Girsberger will be taking the lead as the sponsor of the “maillot jaune” – or yellow jersey. The sofa will serve as a central lounge element on stage at every event.
Björn Ischi hopes that this creative and unconventional approach will open doors that might otherwise remain closed. Transport for the sofa and other tour props has of course also been arranged in a sustainable approach, with Swiss Post providing its logistics services and integrating the material into existing transport capacities.
Why did Girsberger Remanufacturing decide to join the Circular Tour de Suisse?
The Remanufacturing unit focuses on refurbishing and upcycling, helping to conserve resources and extend the life of products. Girsberger has already been involved with plenty of projects with a wide range of specifications and requirements.
The sofa, the two versions of which will serve an eyecatcher at every stage of the tour, was constructed using scrap materials including tables and cupboards and leftover wood from Girsberger’s production facility, as well as sustainable padding and upholstery materials.
Find out more about the solutions on offer from Girsberger Remanufacturing here
»The Circular Tour de Suisse offers us the unique opportunity to show how the innovative circular economy works in practice. At Girsberger, we pride ourselves on creating sustainable, high-quality furniture by reusing and recycling existing materials. This tour is an important step in raising awareness of sustainable approaches and presenting concrete solutions for a greener future.«
Davide Mastrodomenico,
Managing Director Girsberger AG
In parallel to the Circular Tour de Suisse, the Circular World Tour will be held in 20 cities around the world, with local organisers in the circular economy being brought together with Swiss stakeholders. The two tours will converge at the first Circular Economy Summit Europe in Bern in November 2026.
Founders
The series is being organised by founders SHIFT Switzerland, Björn Ischi Industrial Design and Circular Economy Switzerland and was launched at the Climate Hub Davos during the World Economic Forum (WEF).
Upcoming dates
27. march 2025: Shift Vaud, Beaulieu Circulaire Lausanne
15. april 2025: Innocube, Chur
30. april 2025: Thurgauer Technologietag 2025
01. may 2025: Bernapark
13. may 2025: Tag der Schweizer Qualität, Bernexpo, Bern
20. may 2025: EHL Open Innovation Summit
02. june 2025: Demo-Day CE Incubator
17. june 2025: Open Space Konferenz Lichtensteig
