Nordic plastic use soars as new study exposes low recycling rates

A landmark study from Danish and UK researchers reveals a stark reality: the Nordic region consumes huge volumes of plastic yet recycles only a fraction. The findings challenge the region’s green reputation and highlight urgent gaps in circularity.

Researchers from the University of Southern Denmark and the University of Cambridge have mapped the full plastic flow in the Nordic region for the first time. Their work shows that Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland hold the world’s largest plastic stock per capita. Each resident has about 1.1 tonnes of plastic tied up in cars, buildings, electronics and household items.

Double EU average

The study also confirms that Denmark and Norway consume around 200 kg of plastic per person each year, nearly double the EU average. Yet recycling efforts fall far behind these high consumption levels. Only 4–6% of plastic is recycled domestically, while a further 7–10% is exported for recycling. Consequently, the real recycling rate sits at only 13–14%.

Meanwhile, between 70% and 90% of plastic waste is incinerated. Denmark burns the most per capita. The researchers note that many statistics include only packaging, which represents about one-third of total plastic use. Most plastics never enter a recycling loop at all.

Chemical recycling shift

The researchers also explored solutions and calculated that more mechanical recycling could lift the rate to 27%. However, this shift would require a seven-fold expansion of current capacity.

Chemical recycling could push total recovery close to 50%, they say. Yet this option demands international cooperation because several Nordic countries lack domestic plastic production capacity. The researchers also point to the need for carbon capture, since the region depends heavily on incineration for district heating.

Even so, progress appears slow. ‘There is no economic incentive – it is cheaper to maintain the current system,’ notes associate professor Wu Chen. Colleague Ciprian Cimpan says the Nordic region’s green reputation does not match reality. The authors hope the study will stimulate policy action and greater investment in circular systems across the region.

Zooming in on the Nordic countries

The study was discussed at the recent Circular Materials Conference, wich took place in Copenhagen in October. Curious to hear more about recycling in the Nordic region? Recycling International will publish an event review in the first issue of 2026!