Three companies in the final of the "Green Business Award 2023

Five companies were awarded the "Green Business Excellence" label in May: Fagus Suisse, Haelixa, LEDCity, Microlino and Namuk. They were given the chance to present their solution to the jury chaired by Doris Leuthard. In a neck-and-neck race, three companies ultimately prevailed and are thus in the final of the "Green Business Award".

DNA marker for raw materials

Transparent supply chains are becoming increasingly important. We want to know where our products come from and what happens in their value chains. A technology co-developed by ETH chemical engineer Gediminas Mikutis should now make exactly that possible.

In Haelixa's chemical solution, raw materials are provided with a DNA marker, enabling them to be traced along the entire supply chain. Haelixa's solution is used, for example, by the jewelry and fashion industry for textiles but also for raw materials or precious stones. "Intransparent supply chains can become a problem for companies, especially in terms of sustainability. With Haelixa's innovative process, companies ensure 100 percent transparency," says Doris Leuthard, jury president of the "Green Business Award".

Intelligent lighting system of the future

LEDCity founder Patrik Deuss has dedicated himself to a challenge in energy supply: How to make lighting for commercial buildings more comfortable and resource-efficient? LEDCity's intelligent lighting system automatically adjusts the light to the actual light duration and intensity required. This is said to save an average of 90 percent energy compared to conventional fluorescent tubes. The data collected by sensors can also be used to optimize operation.

"LEDCity hits the nerve of the time: With rising energy prices, the need for solutions like LEDCity's is also growing," says Cédric Habermacher, director of "Green Business Switzerland", about the jury's decision.

High quality outdoor clothes for kids

Franz Bittmann would not have founded his brand without his first son. Levi loved to romp around outside, and his clothes were constantly breaking. A solution was needed, which is how Bittmann founded Namuk, the first Swiss children's outdoor label that processes robust materials into high-quality, durable functional clothing for children.

With its own ReUse program, Namuk buys back used clothes and sells them via its own second-hand platform. "What convinced us about Namuk was its comprehensive approach to sustainability - from its values and its own quality standards to its ReUse program," says Doris Leuthard, explaining the company's choice.

The final of the "Green Business Award", which is endowed with 25,000 Swiss francs, will take place on September 12 and 13, 2023, on the occasion of the Sustainable Switzerland Forum in Bern.