13 13 Andreas Malmberg, CEO of Trioplast, believes there is incredible momentum in the strong Swedish recycling culture that we must continue to develop and strengthen. “At Trioplast, we manufacture climate-smart carrier bags based on recycled raw material. These durable bags can be used more than once, and can also be used as garbage bags or be recycled. Trioplast wants to reduce its environmental impact and consumption of resources by increasing investment in recycling – a true circular economy.”   A circular economy is largely inspired by nature’s cycle, where everything is utilized. In the case of Trioplast and the production of climate-smart plastic carrier bags, it is a cycle in which the plastic is seen as a raw material, not as waste. The benefits are many, including a more efficient use of resources, which in turn contributes to a lower environmental impact. The carrier bag is a multiple-use product From 1 June this year, those offering plastic carrier bags to con- sumers are obliged to inform them about the bags’ impact on the environment. It is a decision made by the EU to reduce the consumption of plastic carrier bags in the member countries. The reason for the decision is the problem of litter in the sea and on land and what is considered to be a waste of resources that involves plastic carrier bags. For Sweden, the new EU rules mean that the number of plastic bags will decrease from 90 bags per person in 2019 to 40 bags per person in 2025.   We need to change our view of plastic bags. It is not a disposable article, but something that can be reused several times before it becomes a garbage bag or is placed in a recycling container. Highlighting recycled and bio-based raw materials Trioplast is one of the member companies of IKEM, an industry and employers’ organization. IKEM, which focuses on sustain- able growth, is not entirely in agreement with the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency regarding the arguments against plastic that have been put forward in connection with the EU’s decision.   “Unfortunately, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency has developed arguments against plastic in general, and not only for a reduction in consumption of plastic bags. Unfortunately, the global problem of littering is not differentiated from how relatively small the problem is here. Nor is it taken into account that most plastic bags in Sweden play an important role as garbage bags and are increasingly manufactured from recycled or bio-based raw materials,” says Lena Lundberg, who is responsible for plastic raw material issues at IKEM. This is something Andreas agrees with.   “Here in the Nordic region, we do not have the same littering problems to address. A real Nordic challenge is how we can reduce the carbon footprint that plastic bags create. Our climate-smart bags are a step in that direction – they are made of up to 80% recycled material.” Good examples “Focusing on reducing our environmental impact is a given, and we offer our customers climate-smart plastic bags as a matter of course. Today, we deliver plastic bags made of recycled material to practically all of our customers,” said Lars Lundin, CEO of Bengt Lundin, which is part of the Trioplast Group.   In addition to IKEM and the member companies, there are many other good examples of active work on many fronts to increase the recycling of plastics. For example, a large food chain is running a pilot project that charges a refundable deposit for plastic bags. This will encourage more consumers to return their waste plastic bags for recycling. Another chain has a requirement that the plastic bags they offer their customers should contain at least 80% recycled plastic.   “There are many positive activities going on to help increase recycling in Sweden – initiated by both companies and individ- uals – and this is pleasing. I am absolutely convinced that recycling is the right way to effectively reduce the impact on our environment,” says Andreas Malmberg.