National coordination for sustainable use of plastics

Last reviewed: ‎23‎ ‎April‎ ‎2025

The National Plastics Coordination will facilitate and drive Sweden's transition towards a more sustainable use of plastics. The National Plastics Coordination is commissioned by the government.

To create opportunities for change, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency has been tasked by the government to be a unifying and driving force by gathering and spreading knowledge about macroplastics and microplastics to relevant stakeholders. We work to promote dialogue, collaboration and be a driving force on plastic issues. Increased knowledge and collaboration will facilitate and strengthen the work of stakeholders to contribute to the environmental goals and the UN's global sustainability goals by working to achieve sustainable plastic use. We welcome all those working on plastics-related issues to participate, both private and public actors. The more people who work together, the greater the impact we can have! 

How to participate in the coordination

You can participate in the plastics coordination by signing up to the Sustainable Use of Plastics newsletter, joining working groups or attending seminars.

Participate (Note: Information in Swedish)
Legofigurer som står i en ring.

Building knowledge in different ways

Through the National Plastics Coordination, you can find information on everything from ongoing plastics projects and statistics to learning examples and inspiration. The aim is to spread knowledge about how you and your organisation can contribute to sustainable plastic use. 

We spread the information via web information, newsletters, seminars, conferences and meetings. Our target group is you as an actor in the business community, municipalities, regions, researchers and government authorities. If you can't find what you are looking for – please get in touch! 

National Plastics Coordination also creates an exchange of knowledge and experience through participation in various networks, collaborations and projects on current issues. We often participate in events to spread knowledge and inspiration. 

In 2024, we are developing new plastic flow statistics and are also working on a communication project on future scenarios for sustainable plastic use. We are also funding some projects linked to microplastics from textiles and road markings. Our work on the snowballs initiative also continues. Read more here :

Snowballs – try out sustainable use (Swedish)

Collaborative activities

One of the most appreciated working methods of the National Plastics Coordination is the working groups we have. A working group consists of stakeholders linked to a specific issue. The purpose of the working groups is to create improved collaboration and information exchange between different actors to facilitate a transition to a more sustainable use of plastics. 

The structure and scope are decided in detail by those involved in the group. The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for booking meetings and inviting participants. 

We currently have a number of current working groups. We also start up new working groups based on the needs we identify from the outside world. All activities offered by the National Plastics Coordination are open to anyone who is interested and concerned by the issue. If anything below catches your interest, please get in touch. 

Circular municipal plastics

The Circular Municipal Plastics Collaboration works to promote and accelerate resource-smart and circular solutions for municipal plastics. 

Working group on reusable packaing 

The group meets about twice a year to exchange experiences on reusable packaging. All types of packaging are included. The group has previously provided input to upcoming legislation and compiled a list of systems that exist for reusable packaging. 

Working group on reusable take away packaging

Due to the requirement to offer reusable options when selling fast food and beverages, this group was started in 2022. The group meets approximately twice a semester and exchanges information on various relevant topics such as supervision, staff engagement tips, practical experiences, etc. 

Working group on international processes

The working group meets approximately once a quarter to discuss and spread information about ongoing international processes that affect Sweden in different ways. 

Working group on electronics

The group is relatively new and is in the process of organising its work. Issues linked to requirements, reuse, content of recycled raw materials, etc. have been raised and will be further developed in the course of further work. 

Working group on recycling capacity

There is a need for more knowledge about Sweden's recycling capacity, which led to the establishment of a working group of recycling industry stakeholders in 2024. The group discusses key issues in recycling and opportunities for co-operation. 

Plastics in healthcare

Together with the Swedish Public Procurement Agency, the Sustainable Procurement Office and Region Västra Götaland, dialogue meetings have been held to inspire, identify common issues and collaborate. We aim to become better at demanding resource-smart and circular solutions. We also collaborate with organisations outside Sweden's borders. 

Network of government authorities

The network of authorities meets twice a year to share what is going on and find synergies. One synergy is the ‘sustainable events’ initiative, which we see as a workshop for transition where sustainable plastic use can be communicated together with the national and global environmental goals, while new solutions can be tested in collaboration with the event industry.  Authorities have produced a potential analysis on sustainable meetings and conferences within the state. 

Research financiers

Together with a number of research financiers, we organise joint seminars and provide input to each other's calls for proposals. The group also exchanges information on research and knowledge needs. In 2024, the group is also conducting work linked to exploring the concept of ‘plastic contracts’, which, like climate contracts, could be a way of creating collaboration. 

Meetings with a focus on plastics

Below you will find meetings and events you can take part in to gain new experiences and expand your knowledge.

If you want your event to be featured here – get in touch.