Packaging Industry in Sweden

COVID-19 impact on packaging

Sweden’s approach to managing the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has been far more relaxed than that seen in neighbouring countries across Europe. Although Sweden’s on-trade establishments were allowed to remain open during the pandemic, consumer footfall declined significantly, leading to heavy losses of revenue from alcoholic drinks.

COVID-19 country impact

There have been no restrictions or lockdowns in Sweden, except for a ban on gatherings of more than 50 people that was introduced on 29 March (except for schools and workplaces). There have been recommendations from the Public Institute of Health that people should not travel outside of the country or even inside the country, unless absolutely necessary, but no strict rules were in place to limit this.

Dairy companies’ commit to reducing their environmental impact

For several years, the Swedish dairy industry has been shamed over its carbon footprint. This has created a strong incentive to create and adopt new, environmentally-friendly packaging solutions to offset public criticism.

Returpack expands scope while soft drinks players increase environmental targets

There is a strong focus on environmental protection in Sweden, with Returpack playing a key role in minimising the environmental impact of packaging waste. Returpack operates the Swedish return system, which puts requirements on importers and producers of PET bottles and metal beverage cans, as retail chains do, in terms of standardising recycling procedures and transportation.

Sales of metal beverage cans saw growth in alcoholic drinks before the pandemic

Sales of metal beverage cans continued to grow at the end of the review period, seen as a lighter, non-breakable and environmentally-friendlier packaging solution. Metal beverage cans can be returned at recycling stations across the country, at which the deposit on them is redeemable.

Glass, paper, carton – or none – over plastic in beauty and personal care

As sustainability issues become the dominating driver for packaging development and renewal, more and more players were seen to be engaging in aggressive product development. This trend was confirmed by several recent studies, such as one by research and consultancy company Smurfit Kappa, indicating a clear preference among consumers for sustainable, paper and carton-based packaging.

Recycling of home care packaging gets a new boost with start-up app

Recycling is a big part of the consumption behaviour of Swedish consumers, as people in general are very good at sorting waste, depending on the materials, with it subsequently being recycled and reused in different ways. Furthermore, as PET packaging is growing in most home care categories, the need to and benefit of recycling packaging is only increasing.