A year ago, Site Zero, the world’s largest and most advanced plastic sorting facility, opened. In just twelve months, the facility has become a catalyst for national and international transition to a circular plastics economy.
– Site Zero has contributed to a number of positive effects nationally and internationally. Several similar sorting facilities are now being built in Europe, and four new plastic recycling facilities have been built or are under construction to handle the material from us, says Mattias Philipsson, CEO of Svensk Plaståtervinning. He adds:
– At the same time, we are creating markets for the new types of plastic that we can now sort. When we supply the market with recycled raw materials for new packaging or other products of the same quality, we create real circularity.
Site Zero has also contributed to increased competitiveness for both Svensk Plaståtervinning and its customers.
– Despite the economic downturn and a tough market situation, we have been able to reduce or maintain our treatment fees for our producer customers, says Mattias Philipsson, adding: “In addition, we now supply more plastic recycling companies with Swedish recycled material, which means they no longer need to import.
An international knowledge hub
In addition to being the world’s most advanced plastic sorting facility, Site Zero has become a hub for knowledge about the circular plastics economy. During the year, over 3,000 visitors have come to learn more about the sorting and recycling process.
– It’s very exciting that little Motala has become an international meeting place for the circular plastics economy. With Site Zero, we have shown what is possible and how important we are as an operator in influencing the entire value chain in the right direction, says Mattias Philipsson.
Nedan ett axplock av effekter under Site Zeros första år:
Internationally:
– Three similar plastic sorting facilities to Site Zero are under construction in Europe (Germany and Norway).
– Increased volumes of sorted material and several new types of plastic from Site Zero have resulted in four new plastic recycling facilities being built or under construction in Europe.
– Markets for recycled materials have been created for six new types of plastic that Site Zero now sorts, in addition to those previously sorted and recycled.
Nationally:
– Site Zero’s role is highlighted as significant in three industries’ roadmaps towards fossil-free operations (the chemical industry, the recycling industry, and the grocery industry). This is done through Fossil Free Sweden.
– Site Zero has already created the conditions for Sweden to meet upcoming EU legal requirements (PPWR) that will not come into force until 2030. On 16 December 2024, the European Council formally adopted the regulation.
– Site Zero contributes to new climate investments in Sweden. Thanks to Site Zero’s capacity and technology, six Swedish companies have applied for, or been able to secure support from, Klimatklivet, which strengthens the Swedish transition.
For further information, please contact:
Mattias Philipsson, CEO Svensk Plaståtervinning
0703-80 82 76
mattias.philipsson@svenskplaståtervinning.se