Home – Case Studies – Identifying Circular and Material Changes for Swedish Environmental Protection Agency
Identifying Circular and Material Changes for Swedish Environmental Protection Agency
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Home – Case Studies – Identifying Circular and Material Changes for Swedish Environmental Protection Agency
The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) aimed to map out companies’ need for investment to support the transition from virgin fossil-based plastics to sustainable materials and to propose a possible design of instruments to help companies overcome the economic obstacles involved.
Identified financial support success for recycling facilities. Recommended changes for a circular economy and efficient material use. Strengthened climate impact awareness.
The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) aimed to map out companies’ need for investment to support the transition from virgin fossil-based plastics to sustainable materials and to propose a possible design of instruments to help companies overcome the economic obstacles involved.
The goal was to assess the feasibility among companies, and the role different instruments can play in realising and accelerating the transition in the Swedish market.
In order to achieve Sweden’s 2045 climate goals, virgin fossil-based plastics must be replaced with materials with a lower climate impact and material recycling must increase, both of which require increasing the demand for recycled and bio-based raw materials. Greenhouse gas emissions from waste incineration mainly originate from plastic, which is produced almost solely by fossil oil and natural gas.
Results from market research with industry stakeholders showed that financial support from the EPA can be successful to support investments in both small and large facilities mainly for recycling of PP(polyproylene), HDPE(High-density polyethylene) and PET(Polyethylene terephthalate). In addition, calculations from the report show that recycled granules (even after sensitivity analyses) always have less climate impact than the production of virgin fossil-based plastic.
The changes proposed are:
Results from market research with industry stakeholders showed that financial support from the EPA can be successful to support investments in both small and large facilities mainly for recycling of PP(polyproylene), HDPE(High-density polyethylene) and PET(Polyethylene terephthalate).