Environmental Impacts of Cultivation, Extraction and Production of Raw Materials and Products (German only)

The commercialization of illegally harvested wood is prohibited in Switzerland. The marketing of other raw materials and products may also be restricted by law if they are proven to have negative environmental impacts. In this context, we have conducted a study together with BHP – Brugger and Partner AG to analyze the ecological and economic relevance of around 50 raw materials and products, such as coffee and soy, and to identify approaches to reduce environmental impact.

Since 2019, the commercialization of illegally harvested wood has been prohibited in Switzerland under Article 35e of the Environmental Protection Act. The same article authorizes the Parliament to empower the Federal Council to set requirements for or prohibit the commercialization of other raw materials or products if their cultivation, extraction, or production significantly harms the environment or jeopardizes the sustainable use of natural resources.

In this context, we, together with BHP – Brugger and Partner AG, analyzed the ecological, economic, social, and political relevance of around 50 raw materials and products and identified possible approaches to reduce environmental impacts in their cultivation, extraction, or production. With this information, the Federal Office for the Environment has a strong foundation for discussions on expanding the Swiss Environmental Protection Act.

The analysis is divided into three steps.

• A broad analysis of 50 raw materials and products
• A detailed analysis of 25 raw materials and products
• In-depth studies on gold, coffee, palm oil, soy, and peat

Results: Cooperation as a Core Approach

More than two-thirds of consumption-related environmental impacts occur abroad. To achieve sustainable consumption and production in line with the 2030 Agenda and the 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy, and to reduce environmental impacts such as greenhouse gas emissions or biodiversity loss, measures are needed to reduce environmental impacts along the entire supply chain. The analysis of action approaches shows a wide range of possibilities.

For the five most intensively studied raw materials, current environmental policy instruments focus on information and monitoring as well as cooperative approaches. In principle, a “cascading” approach is recommended here. Crucial to cooperative approaches is the definition of clear measures, goals, and monitoring mechanisms to evaluate contributions to the environment and initiate learning processes.

If the goals of “voluntary cooperation” are not met, the Federal Council or Parliament has the option to initiate an industry agreement or define stricter requirements for commercialization through regulation. Overall, it is considered important that existing measures be coordinated with other federal agencies and additional international partners.