The general benefit of CO₂ certificates is well known: they help reduce your carbon footprint in the short term. What sets us apart is that Fair Recycling permanently destroys harmful CFC and HFC gases—allowing us to provide verifiable proof that these pollutants have truly been eliminated. This is precisely what makes us one of the most effective climate protection projects out there.
Our formula for success: Reduce rather than just compensate
CO₂ emissions impact the climate and are therefore a global problem. That’s why it’s crucial to reduce CO₂ emissions worldwide—rather than relying on the costly and complex process of removing CO₂ from the atmosphere after the fact. The solution is clear: greenhouse gas emissions must be stopped, and the release of CO₂ must be effectively avoided.
This is exactly what Fair Recycling achieves through the proper disposal of refrigerators in emerging countries where recycling systems do not yet exist—such as in the favelas of Brazil. To make this possible, the Fair Recycling Foundation, together with Indústria Fox, opened a modern and unique refrigerator recycling facility near São Paulo in 2010, built to meet Swiss standards.
The climate doesn’t care where it’s protected. Whether one ton of CO₂ is emitted here or in Brazil makes no difference. What matters is the total amount of emissions worldwide.
Our local partner: Indústria Fox
Since 2008, Fair Recycling has been combining climate protection with recycling. In Brazil—home to our Swiss foundation’s pioneering project—we work together with our local partner Indústria Fox to recycle old refrigerators containing CFCs and HFCs, making a valuable contribution to climate protection.
Since the start of our operations in 2010, our refrigerator recycling efforts have saved over 1,700,000 tons of CO₂ equivalents.
Our team on site:
Philipp Bohr
Owner of Indústria Fox
Marcelo Souza
CEO Indústria Fox
And over 200 employees on site
Make a difference.
Become a climate partner now and make a voluntary contribution to climate protection.
What sets Fair Recycling apart: Transparency, quality, and a success story
The fact that our foundation enjoys such a strong reputation, without scandals or controversy, is the result of responsible action carried out with full transparency. We guarantee quality that is continuously verified by external audits and is openly accessible at any time.
This is how our refrigerator recycling works
We recycle using state-of-the-art technology and a unique process that guarantees the efficient elimination of harmful gases to protect the environment—while fully complying with European standards for refrigerator recycling.
When scrap turns back into treasure: The added impact of our recycling
In 2020, around 55 million tons of electronic waste were generated worldwide. That’s more than 7 kg per person. A staggering 82.6 percent of electronic devices are not properly recycled, but instead processed under often disastrous safety and environmental conditions. Our recycling project not only protects the climate and the workers involved, but also ensures that valuable raw materials like aluminum and copper are returned to the circular economy—with a recovery rate of 95 percent.
Even if the emissions don’t occur in Switzerland: they still affect us.
Through the import of numerous raw materials and consumer goods produced abroad, we also indirectly contribute to what are known as “grey emissions.” Yet the consequences often affect countries that have contributed little to the problem and are far less able to adapt to its impacts. Fair Recycling promotes a fair redistribution, aiming to tackle the challenges of climate change in a holistic and equitable manner.
Obstgartenstrasse 28
CH-8006 Zürich
