The government appoints IVL’s Åsa Stenmarck to investigate the impact of plastic on the environment

​IVL waste expert Åsa Stenmarck has been appointed special investigator tasked with reviewing the possibilities of reducing negative environmental effects of plastic.

– This is a stimulating and urgent assignment. Plastic is ubiquitous across society and increasingly litters our environment, where it has a wide range of adverse effects. It is a good thing that this issue now ranks high on the agenda, says Åsa Stenmarck. The investigation will increase today's knowledge about the use of plastic and the ensuing consequences for waste management and recycling. The commission also targets the identification of the environmental problems caused by increasing amounts of plastic and micro-plastic in seas and lakes, as well as the identification of the environmental problems arising from the choice of raw materials in the manufacturing phase. The inquiry will also propose cost-effective measures aimed at reducing the negative environmental impacts of plastic. The assignment will be finalized October 1, 2018. Read more on the government website