Regulation and policy: setting the pace
The event opened with Julia Roettgerding from the European Commission, who outlined key EU initiatives, including the Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUP), Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), and microplastics regulation. Roettgerding noted that chemical recycling is gaining ground as a complement to mechanical recycling, although challenges such as high energy use remain.
Anna-Maija Pajukallio from the Ministry of the Environment presented Finland’s progress on preparing a national Circular Economy Act. Finland has taken an early lead by starting its legislative work ahead of the EU’s forthcoming Circular Economy Act, expected in 2026. The Finnish act aims to boost recycling rates, promote reuse, and strengthen circular economy markets, for example, through public procurement and improved recycling efficiency.
Updating the Plastics Roadmap: From vision to action
Insights from the PlastLIFE project were shared by Helena Dahlbo and Milja Räisänen from the Finnish Environment Institute, noting that reducing plastic consumption remains the toughest challenge. They called for better monitoring systems and more consistent data.
Merja Saarnilehto from the Ministry of the Environment presented the next steps in updating the Plastics Roadmap, emphasizing broad stakeholder involvement. In an interactive poll, participants agreed that progress on plastics has not been sufficient. The top priorities for the next roadmap included reducing consumption, boosting recycling, improving profitability, and promoting reuse and business incentives.
Circular plastics as business: Innovation in action
Jaakko Tuomainen from Borealis shared the results of the SPIRIT programme, which aims to preserve the essential properties of plastics while transforming their lifecycle. He emphasized that the circular economy provides the most comprehensive solution to these challenges. Later in the event, the annual Plastics Circularity Award was presented to Borealis for its SPIRIT programme.
Jussi Lahtinen from CLIC Innovation presented the latest updates on the 4R ecosystem and its upcoming operational period. The ecosystem is entering a new phase focused on scaling up and achieving self-sustainability. The 4R strategy aims to accelerate impact through three renewed spearheads: circular plastic packaging, technical plastics and composites, and circular textiles. Key objectives include stabilizing the funding base to ensure long-term operational capability, fostering sustainable business models, and deepening collaboration with the EU. The next funding period will begin with the launch of collaboration platforms focused on the spearheads, open to everyone interested in joining!
Looking ahead
Plastic Forum 2025 highlighted both progress and remaining challenges on the path toward circular plastics. The upcoming update of Finland’s Plastics Roadmap will play a key role in driving collaboration, innovation, and measurable impact across the plastics value chain.
Contact
