Plastic pollution and circular economy in Sweden A case study of two Swedish plastic recycling companies

Abstract

Plastic as material has become ubiquitous in modern life and it is difficult to imagine a world without it. Since the proliferation of plastics on the consumer market in the 1950s, poor waste management and low recycling rates have resulted in overflowing landfills and leakage into nature. This has led to a myriad of disastrous consequences, both ecological and environmental, which researchers are continuing to learn more about as the problem grows ever more impending. To have a fighting chance at reversing these trends, a circular approach to the plastic life cycle needs to be put into action. The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of the obstacles to a circular plastics economy for Swedish recycling companies. In order to achieve the purpose, a case study with semi-structured interviews of two Swedish companies was conducted. The results were analyzed with theories, previous literature and relevant initiatives. In conclusion, the results indicate that obstacles are manifold, with the biggest challenge existing on the consumer side. Producer demand, technical, design and regulatory obstacles were also a factor, although improvements in these areas are being made and are likely to play a lesser role in the future.