Guidance for safe and sustainable plastics in a circular economy
In order for the use of plastic to become more sustainable, it is important that plastic products can be recycled and reused. By avoiding dangerous chemicals in plastic materials and plastic articles, better conditions for a circular economy will be created. This guidance will assist different actors in the value chain to improve their work on sustainability.
Every year over 1.3 million tons of plastic are used in Sweden and the use is increasing. Today, less than 10 percent of all plastic is recycled. If more plastic is recycled, the use of fossil raw materials in plastic production is reduced, something that would bring great climate benefits because burning plastic waste causes significant carbon dioxide emissions.
One of several reasons why more plastics are not recycled is that some plastics contain hazardous chemicals. It often involves additives that are mixed into the plastic to make the material soft, flame-resistant, colored etc.
This guidance gives advice on different approaches to improve recyclability of plastics and strategies to avoid hazardous substances in plastic articles.
SDG 12 Targets
External source(s)
Value Chain Stages:
