Nordic programme to reduce the environmental impact of plastic

Nordic programme to reduce the environmental impact of plastic

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Publisher: Nordic Council of Ministers

Published: 2017-05-04

Total Pages: 24

ISBN-13: 9289350008

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The Nordic programme on a sustainable approach to plastics is a strategic tool for developing knowledge and measures, as well as enhancing synergies, networks and awareness at the Nordic level. The programme will support the ambitions of the Nordic countries in reaching their goals in relation to prevention of plastic waste, re-use and recycling of plastics, circular economy and minimizing marine plastic litter and microplastics. The program runs over 2017-18 and will be implemented through various projects and activities within the framework of the Nordic Council of Ministers or projects financed by the Nordic Council of Minister.


Programme for Nordic Co-operation on the Environment and Climate 2019–2024

Programme for Nordic Co-operation on the Environment and Climate 2019–2024

Author:

Publisher: Nordic Council of Ministers

Published: 2018-12-06

Total Pages: 60

ISBN-13: 9289357797

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For many years, the Nordic countries have worked together successfully on the environment and climate, which has contributed to significant progress both in the Nordic Region and internationally. However, in recent years, the challenges we face have grown in size and quantity, making co-operation increasingly important. Between 2019 and 2024, the Nordic countries will work together to bring about sustainable development in the Nordic Region, the EU, and internationally. Together, the countries will pursue the ambitious implementation of international agreements on the environment and climate – in particular the Paris Agreement – and work together to strengthen the EU’s regulatory framework regarding the environment and climate. The Nordic countries will continue to be front-runners in terms of bringing about change. Nordic co-operation on the environment and climate seeks to halt the loss of biodiversity and bring about the sustainable use of natural resources. Together, we will work to accelerate the transition to a circular economy that limits our consumption and production to the capacity of nature. Other important areas of co-operation include efforts to minimise the risks posed by chemicals and hazardous substances, and stop the discharge. Compared with previous programme periods, there is a stronger emphasis on co-operation on sustainable cities, climate adaptation, and green financing.


Analysis of Nordic regulatory framework and its effect on waste prevention and recycling in the region

Analysis of Nordic regulatory framework and its effect on waste prevention and recycling in the region

Author: Papineschi, Joe

Publisher: Nordic Council of Ministers

Published: 2019-04-23

Total Pages: 196

ISBN-13: 9289361042

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At an important time in Nordic Waste Policy, as the 2018 Circular Economy Package makes significant updates to key European Union directives, this work looks back at the Nordic regulatory framework for waste from the 1970s and its effect upon waste prevention and recycling.At an important time in Nordic Waste Policy, as the 2018 Circular Economy Package makes significant updates to key European Union directives, this work looks back at the Nordic regulatory framework for waste from the 1970s and its effect upon waste prevention and recycling.


PVC waste treatment in the Nordic countries

PVC waste treatment in the Nordic countries

Author: Anna Fråne

Publisher: Nordic Council of Ministers

Published: 2019-02-18

Total Pages: 123

ISBN-13: 9289359692

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The aim of the project was to map PVC waste streams in Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland. The available estimates are made occasionally, mostly within the frames of different projects and are not based on any formalized official reporting system or other rigorous accounting scheme. Overall, a large part of PVC waste ends up in mixed waste fractions and is eventually treated in waste-to-energy plants. Landfilling of PVC waste is banned in two countries, but some exceptions exist. Norway is the only country that treats some PVC waste as hazardous waste. The current waste treatment situation in the four Nordic countries is driven by several factors, such as diverse origins of PVC products, some specifics of the Nordic market, rather low focus on PVC waste in policy strategies or plans, technical issues regarding incineration of PVC waste, and the lack of domestic recycling.


Economic Policy Instruments for Plastic Waste

Economic Policy Instruments for Plastic Waste

Author: Magnus Hennlock

Publisher: Nordic Council of Ministers

Published: 2015-03-18

Total Pages: 120

ISBN-13: 9289338911

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Achieving a high quality of waste plastic materials and recycling processes is a key challenge in closing the resource loops for plastics. This report reviews the status and trends for plastic waste flows and treatment in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden. Furthermore, it gives an overview of existing policy instruments and the main challenges for designing policy instruments for improved recycling of plastic waste in these Nordic countries. The report identifies potential market failures associated with closing the resource loops for plastics. It reviews the economics research literature on policy instrument design for achieving optimal recycling rates and makes policy recommendations from the Nordic perspective. Finally, it presents results from a survey on market conditions to managers in the recycling and plastic manufacturing industry in Sweden.


Acute Plastic Pollution: causes, problems and solutions

Acute Plastic Pollution: causes, problems and solutions

Author: Mannaart, Michael

Publisher: Nordic Council of Ministers

Published: 2023-09-28

Total Pages: 121

ISBN-13: 9289376716

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Available online: https://pub.norden.org/temanord2023-524/ Release of small plastic items, known as Acute Plastic Pollution (APP) in the environment. What is it and what can it cause? For understanding, the Nordic Council of Ministers commissioned an assessment which is described in this report including the problems, causes and solutions to address APP at multiple levels. It is a serious problem for which there are no legal frameworks nor coordinated response. Research on the magnitude and locations of APP emphasizing pellet loss is needed. Recommendations include adoption of an internationally accepted definition, reclassification of pellets as hazardous goods, inclusion in legislation, awareness-raising and incorporation of APP in a legal framework with actions for preparedness and a standardized disaster response protocol. Prevention is key, hence, technical and legal measures should be applied to achieve this.


Designing plastics circulation:

Designing plastics circulation:

Author: Anne Raudaskoski

Publisher: Nordic Council of Ministers

Published: 2019-08-05

Total Pages: 41

ISBN-13: 9289362065

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Presently most electrical/electronic equipment (EEE) is not designed for recycling, let alone for circulation. Plastics in these products account for 20% of material use, and through better design, significant environmental and financial savings could be gained. Technological solutions and circular design opportunities already exist, but they haven’t been implemented yet. Some challenges, such as ease of disassembly, could be resolved through better communication and by sharing learnings across the value chain.Instead of WEEE, we should focus on developing CEEE: Circular Electrical and Electronic Equipment.The case examples of this report show how different stages of the lifecycle can be designed so that plastics circulation becomes possible and makes business sense. It is time to take a leap in material flow management and scale up these circular solutions across the industry.


The Nordic countries in the green transition – more than just neighbours

The Nordic countries in the green transition – more than just neighbours

Author: Tine Sundtoft

Publisher: Nordic Council of Ministers

Published: 2018-04-13

Total Pages: 36

ISBN-13: 9289355514

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The Nordic countries have been working together for several decades to protect nature and the environment. This report presents the recommendations that have emerged from an external strategic review of the potential for official Nordic co-operation on the environment and climate under the auspices of the Nordic Council of Ministers for the Environment and Climate. The recommendations relate to the following five main areas: specific solutions for a green transition, mobilising key players, funding green transition, international co-operation, and adaptation to climate change. This report is part of a series of strategic and prospective studies commissioned by the Nordic Council of Ministers. Previous strategic reviews have dealt with working life, health and energy. The strategic reviews are part of the Nordic Council of Ministers’ reform programme.


Marine litter in Nordic small islands

Marine litter in Nordic small islands

Author: Sæmundsdóttir, Sigurbjörg

Publisher: Nordic Council of Ministers

Published: 2021-10-18

Total Pages: 38

ISBN-13: 9289371471

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Available online: https://pub.norden.org/temanord2021-544/ Plastic pollution in the world’s oceans is one of modern times biggest challenges. NGOs and volunteers all over the Nordics are fighting marine litter through organised clean-up actions. This project was designed to assist NGOs in the Nordic small states in their participation of combating marine litter. The report is giving an insight to the interconnectedness between Nordic states working with marine litter and consists of extensive information collected from the four small island states to facilitate an exchange of knowledge between them. The information was collected during workshops, where the main aim was to facilitate cooperation between the small island states by facilitating experience and knowledge sharing. The workshops also aimed to look at the challenges faced by the small island states and put forward short- and long-term solutions to the main challenges.


Chemical additives in weathered microplastic in the marine environment: occurrence and risk

Chemical additives in weathered microplastic in the marine environment: occurrence and risk

Author: Fauser, Patrik

Publisher: Nordic Council of Ministers

Published: 2022-04-06

Total Pages: 58

ISBN-13: 9289372931

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Available online: https://pub.norden.org/temanord2022-520/ A Nordic project identified and measured residues of chemical additives in polyurethane (PUR) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Measurements were done in new plastic, and in plastic weathered for four months in Samnangerfjorden near Bergen. Targeted chemical analysis with GC-Orbitrap was performed for identification and GC-MS analysis for quantification. Four plasticizers were detected in PUR and three in PVC, before and after weathering: Dibutyl adipate, N-butylbenzenesulphonamide (only in PUR), dibutyl phthalate, and di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP). Maximum concentrations were approx. 1000 ng/g plastic. Also triphenyl phosphite and octadecyl 3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate were identified. Risk quotients for copepods, cod and fulmar showed low risk. Additionally, non-target screening with GC-Orbitrap identified sixteen chemicals, of which two had hazard classifications.