Climate-efficient procurement of plastics

Reduce emissions of carbon dioxide from municipality of Uppsala by 1200 tonnes. To support the long-term goal becoming a climate positive municipality in 2030. They began by mapping all plastic used in the municipality’s daily activities. Was there any use of plastic that could be removed or replaced by other materials? They questioned the need to empty waste paper bins every week when it was very little litter in it. It was clearly that much of the plastics could be replaced by other materials without reduce of function. But sometimes plastic was the best material. Then there is the possibility of requesting the product in a plastic made of renewable raw material. Before the municipality of Uppsala makes larger purchases, they calculate the climate impact for the product and make life cycle analyses to find out the best option for the climate. One of the most important insights from the project is that plastic is a good material, provided it is the right plastic in the right place. A food packaging in glass has a greater climate impact on transport, as it is heavier than the plastic packaging. The plastic packaging generally extends the durability of food, both in transport, in store and during storage at home or in business, and can therefore be more climate-smart because it prevents food from being disposed of. The experience from the project should form the basis for new requirements and routines for the procurement of plastics in both the public sector and in the business sector. For more information, please Contact: Anna Hilding, projectleader Mail: anna.hilding@uppsala.se