The use of plastics causes emissions that contribute to climate change and cause pollution in nature and the oceans. This is why Sweden has been pushing for the international negotiations on a global agreement on plastics that will soon begin.

“Sweden’s goal is for the plastics that are manufactured to have a sustainable design so that they can be reused or recycled without hazardous substances remaining in circulation or impeding the chance for recycling. The impact that plastics have on the climate and the environment must also be reduced throughout the entire lifecycle. Regarding the climate impact, this is particularly relevant at the production stage, but also when it comes to disposal,” says Minister for Climate and the Environment Annika Strandhäll. 

For this reason, the US and Sweden jointly invited other countries and major companies to a high-level meeting on 1 June to discuss new ways of funding the transition away from plastics and towards sustainability. There is great need of both state and private capital. Moreover, it is essential that companies develop a sustainable design of plastics so that they can be recycled more easily. 

The Swedish Government will now continue its efforts to push for a legally binding global agreement on plastics. In addition, the Government recently launched a national action plan on plastics based on less plastic usage, more recycling and more new jobs.

Together, these measures on plastics are an important step for Sweden to be at the forefront of the climate transition and create new jobs throughout the country.