19 proposals to increase packaging recycling

– It should be a matter of course that we make use of the resources we already have. A well-functioning recycling system is a prerequisite for a circular economy. Our 19 reform proposals target actors across the entire lifecycle of packaging and have the potential to make Sweden a leader in material recycling, says Helena Nylén, CEO of the recycling organisation Näringslivets Producentansvar (NPA).  

NPA has recently published a report showing how Sweden can achieve the recycling targets for packaging by 2030. Currently, we have a long way to go, especially regarding plastic packaging, which has consequences both for emissions and societal resilience. Today’s 19 reform proposals are based on the conclusions of that report.

– The report provides knowledge and highlights several pathways for future actions. The reform proposals clarify which measures we at NPA consider priorities for Sweden to achieve its recycling targets, says Axel Naver, Sustainability & Public Policy Expert at NPA.  

The proposals cover five areas:

• Eliminating free-riding

• Making it easier for households and businesses to sourse separate waste

• Clarifying responsibilities and frameworks within the waste management system

• Increasing public investment in circular infrastructure

• Increasing research funding for circular packaging design

All proposals can be implemented by actors in Sweden, primarily through changes in legislation, budget allocations, and public initiatives. They also emphasise the importance of ensuring a level playing field between EU countries, based on the premise that other EU countries are also taking action to meet EU legislative targets.

Read the full reform proposals here (in Swedish only).