How we became Econetta
The chemical industry has long been a vital economic sector in Switzerland, with significant expertise developed early on to mitigate the impacts of chemicals on human health, wildlife, and the environment. Through the application of cutting-edge technologies and processes, substantial improvements have been made in contamination removal and chemical safety, with Econetta playing a key role in this evolution.
These people are behind our success
Our history
1986
Major fire at Schweizerhalle
The chemical accident at Schweizerhalle in 1986, involving a significant fire at a Sandoz warehouse, resulted in large quantities of chemicals entering the Rhine and causing extensive fish death. This disaster led to the creation of the Major Accidents Ordinance and fostered greater international cooperation in environmental protection.
1987
First project of our founders
An Elektrowatt project team, including André Bachmann, Peter Furrer, and René Gälli, is tasked with remediating the Schweizerhalle accident site.
1989
Founding of MBT Umwelttechnik AG
The Schweizerhalle project team, along with Christoph Munz, establishes MBT Umwelttechnik AG as part of Sandoz’s Master Builders Technology Division, marking the inception of our analytical laboratory.
1992
First ecotoxicology tests
The laboratory conducts its first degradation and toxicology tests.
1994
Petrol accident in Zurich-Affoltern
Following a gasoline tank car derailment at Zurich-Affoltern station, the founding team is called upon to perform a risk assessment and oversee remediation efforts, ensuring no long-term consequences arise from the incident.
1994
Relocation to Schlieren
The laboratory moves to its current premises in Schlieren, allowing for necessary analyses to be performed at any time.
1995
Management-Buy-Out as BMG Engineernig AG
After the merger of Ciba and Sandoz, non-core business areas are sold off, leading the four founders to establish BMG Engineering AG.
1997
ISO 17025 Accreditation
The laboratory achieves ISO 17025 accreditation for environmental analyses, a significant milestone in the contaminated sites sector.
2000
Remediation of the Bonfol hazardous waste landfill
This marks Switzerland's first major remediation project for contaminated sites, with BMG Engineering AG overseeing the evaluation of remediation alternatives and project management.
2000
Harmonization of chemicals legislation CH-EU
With the abolition of poison classes in Switzerland, consultation begins on the harmonization of Swiss and EU chemical laws, leading to the establishment of the product compliance and sustainability department.
2007
GLP compliance
The laboratory achieves GLP compliance, enabling the collection of ecotoxicological data for regulatory requirements such as REACH.
2010
First REACH registration
BMG submits several dossiers to the European Chemicals Agency as part of the first deadline for REACH registrations for clients in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries.
2012
Sale of BMG to Arcadis
As the founders approach retirement, BMG Engineering AG is sold to the Arcadis Group to ensure succession planning, maintaining the company name until 2015 when it operates as Arcadis Switzerland.
2018
Building Pollutants Education Center
As remediation of building pollutants gains importance, Lukas Gasser from Arcadis co-founds a training center aimed at imparting practical knowledge about asbestos and building pollutants to protect human health and the environment.
2020
PFAS
The issue of PFAS gains prominence, with the first PFAS remediation in Switzerland being planned and monitored, leading to the preparation of an expert report for decision-making on enforcement at PFAS-contaminated sites.
2022
Arcadis Switzerland becomes Econetta
In September 2022, Arcadis Switzerland separates from the Arcadis Group and establishes itself as Econetta, marking a new chapter in our journey.
65
Employees
Schlieren
Location Switzerland
Since 1995
Experience