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Harmonisation and development of plastic statistics in the Nordics

TemaNord 2025 Score: 38 ? 0–100 AI score estimating relevance to the microplastics field. Papers below 30 are filtered from public browse.
Arnd Bäcker, Jens Halford Dyster-Aas, Ai‐Guo Wu

Summary

Researchers identified 37 key plastic-related data points and evaluated their availability and comparability across Nordic countries, finding that plastic statistics remain fragmented and difficult to compare, and assessed the costs and benefits of improving data collection and harmonisation to support effective plastic pollution policy.

Reliable plastic statistics are essential for effective policy responses to the growing global plastic pollution crisis. Despite ambitious targets across the Nordics and EU, current plastic statistics remains fragmented and difficult to compare across countries. This report identifies 37 key plastic-related data points and evaluates their availability and comparability across the Nordic region. It also examines the costs and benefits of addressing critical data gaps through improved data collection and harmonisation.

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