Sustainability in Sweden

Sustainable development is a key objective for the Swedish Government, both at home and abroad. The reasoning is that members of one generation should conserve resources for future generations.

In recent years, Swedes — as individuals, as politicians and as entrepreneurs – have become increasingly aware of their responsibility for the environment. There is, for example, a steadily growing interest in organic food. In Europe, where the organic food market is growing by 5–7 percent a year, Sweden tops the green shoppers’ list. A recent study by the European Commission found that 40 percent of Swedes had purchased an eco-labeled item over the past month, compared with the EU average of 17 percent.

Interest in organic clothing is also increasing. In recent years, more stores selling organic apparel have opened while established stores, including Swedish retail giant H&M, have begun using organic fabrics in their collections. The second-hand market, both in stores and online, is also growing.

Sweden is also at the forefront of recycling and waste management. In 2005, stricter requirements were introduced for packaging and paper producers, aimed at making producers take responsibility for their products. Sweden now prohibits the sale of drinks in plastic bottles or metal cans that are not part of an approved recycling system.