About Recoal

The consequences of human-induced climate change affect us all. We are ready to take responsibility and make a decisive contribution to achieving net-zero with innovative CO₂ removal.

Our mission

We pursue a shared goal: to remove one million tonnes of CO₂ from the atmosphere and securely store it underground by 2031.

Our team of experts has developed an innovative solution to capture CO₂ from the atmosphere using waste biomass, converting it into a stable form that can be safely stored geologically with minimal environmental impact. Together with like-minded partners, businesses, and policymakers, we work towards deploying this solution for large-scale, long-term CO₂ removal, making a significant contribution to climate protection.

The social, environmental, and socio-economic effects of global warming are already evident today. But what does the future hold? We have the power to decide. Climate research models show that to leave a habitable planet for future generations, we must limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C by 2050. Achieving this requires technologies to remove unavoidable CO₂ emissions, like those developed by Recoal.

We are proud to be part of the solution.

We are ready to take responsibility.

We are building a new sector of the economy.

We are creating value and attractive jobs.

We are taking action now – for future generations.

Climate investment

Creating impact together: Become part of Recoal with a climate investment.

Recoal's technology

Carbonisation: How CO₂ is safely and efficiently removed and stored through waste biomass.

Team

Pirmin Aregger

Business Development, Co-Founder
Dipl. Ing. ETH / MBA

“I spent years working for one of Switzerland’s largest food processors, and I was annually responsible for emitting one million tonnes of CO₂. With Recoal, I want to remove that same amount of CO₂ from the atmosphere by 2031.”

Pirmin is an experienced team leader and bridge-builder. Before co-founding Recoal, he held executive roles in companies within the agriculture and food industries, most recently as Deputy CEO of a major Swiss food processor, where he implemented innovations in sustainability, alternative proteins, and digitalisation while also being responsible for one million tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually. At Recoal, he is dedicated to ensuring the company’s planned growth is realised.

Joachim Hanssler

Operations, Co-Founder
BSc. Eng. FH

“I’m convinced that we can create a livable future through innovative technology. For me, technology is a vital ally in combating the global climate crisis. That’s why I co-founded Recoal.”

Joachim brings key skills in engineering and project management for Recoal’s operations. Before the founding, he managed large projects in process engineering, food technology, and plant construction. After years in the industry, Joachim decided to channel his expertise into combating climate change, meeting Pirmin and Giovanni through a decarbonisation project. While much has changed since, his motivation remains the same: today, he ensures that both the pilot and larger plants can be brought online at Recoal.

Trimurti Irzan

Partnerships & Policy
Dipl. Natw. ETH

“Sustainability and climate change have been with me for as long as I can remember. With Recoal, I can align my professional experience with my personal interests and concerns, making a meaningful contribution to decarbonisation.”

Trimurti joined the Recoal team in 2024. She has previously worked in environment, sustainability, waste management, and energy. At Recoal, she brings her extensive network and years of experience in collaborating with the public sector. Convinced of the meaningful, practical approach to CO₂ removal, she channels her knowledge and motivation into building new partnerships.

Giovanni Alberti

Research & Development, Co-Founder
Dr. Ing. ETH

“For me, it’s clear: we need to change things to leave a livable planet for future generations. Recoal contributes to this goal – not someday, but starting now, sustainably and with a simple technology.”

Giovanni is known as an inventive thinker. Before co-founding Recoal with Pirmin and Joachim, he worked for years as a corporate consultant in industry. Among his accomplishments, he introduced the first Nespresso-compatible coffee capsules to the Swiss market and set up the first production facility of its kind in Europe. With his broad expertise and innovative spirit, Giovanni ensures Recoal’s technological progress.

Our journey

Recoal was founded in autumn 2023. However, the story of Recoal began several years prior to the company’s official launch, with a collaborative project that the three founders – Giovanni Alberti, Pirmin Aregger, and Joachim Hanssler – developed in 2021 for one of Switzerland’s largest food processors. Faced with the challenge of finding effective solutions for reducing CO₂ in the atmosphere, they conceived the idea of using waste biomass for decarbonisation.

In 2022, they were able to test their idea for the first time in a rented facility. The ZHAW accompanied this test run as a scientific partner, concluding with the project team that the process was effective and held promising potential. In 2023, feasibility studies on geological storage were completed by ETH Zurich, TU Delft, and DMT GmbH, and planning for a decarbonisation facility was conducted by the engineering firm Holinger AG, all with positive results.

Ready for pilot testing, Giovanni, Pirmin, and Joachim decided to take over the project from their former employer and founded Recoal AG in Zurich in September 2023.

The young company’s strong potential for success was recognised early on. Only months after its founding, Recoal won first prize at the IMD Start-up Competition and successfully competed in the international Carbon Removal Accelerator programmes run by remove and ceezer Carbon Coalition.

The entire project team is now working intensively on realising the pilot facility in Switzerland and advancing Recoal’s development.

Sustainable Development Goals as a guide

Recoal’s business activities are aligned with the United Nations’n Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) With our CO₂ removal technology, we are primarily dedicated to combating climate change and addressing its social, environmental, and socio-economic impacts, focusing particularly on SDG 13, “Climate Action.”

In addition, Recoal drives measures in other key target areas: “Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure” (SDG 9), “Decent Work and Economic Growth” (SDG 8), “Sustainable Cities and Communities” (SDG 11), “Responsible Consumption and Production” (SDG 12), “Life on Land” (SDG 15), and “Partnerships for the Goals” (SDG 17).

The fight against global warming cannot be won alone. That’s why we continually expand our network to achieve lasting change. Through partnerships, Recoal offers innovative solutions to close material loops in waste management, the food industry, and agriculture.

Looking for long-term partnerships?

Careers

Would you like to support us with dedication and drive? We welcome proactive applications. Get in touch with us at jobs@recoal.net.

You can find the open positions at Recoal on LinkedIn.

Our location

Our offices are located at Westhive Zurich. We are happy to arrange in-person meetings by appointment.

Recoal
Hardturmstrasse 161
8005 Zürich

Contact us

Do you have questions about Recoal or are you interested in a collaboration? Get in touch with us.