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Publications on the circular economy

This page compiles current publications on circular economy research conducted at the Finnish Environment Institute or in projects where Syke is involved.

Our latest publications

Plastic shipping boxes.

Prioritizing reuse

Short‑lived plastic products cause environmental problems, but reusing products and packaging can help reduce them. Our current way of packaging, purchasing, using, and disposing of goods is facing a major transformation if we want to put reuse first.

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Sustainable plastics value chain strengthens national resilience

The circular economy for plastics has progressed in Finland as a result of cross-sector collaboration. However, further actions are still needed to achieve it.

Read our publication (helda.helsinki.fi)(you are switching to another service)

Reports by the Finnish Environment Institute

2026

Vähä Emmi et al. Advancing environmental governance in mineral exploration in Finland. Reports of the Finnish Environment Institute 19/2026. (helda.helsinki.fi)(opens in a new window, you are switching to another service)

2022

Häkkinen Tarja. LCA database for building products, services, and systems – Description of the content and working methods. Reports of the Finnish Environment Institute 48/2022. (helda.helsinki.fi)(opens in a new window, you are switching to another service)
Fjäder Päivi et al. Harmful additives in WEEE plastics and the regulatory framework. Reports of the Finnish Environment Institute 33/2022. (helda.helsinki.fi)(opens in a new window, you are switching to another service)
Räisänen Milja, Mosoni Claire & Kauppi Sari. How is Europe responding to the plastic challenge? – An overview of strategies in selected countries. Reports of the Finnish Environment Institute 25/2022. (helda.helsinki.fi)(opens in a new window, you are switching to another service)

2021

Suhr Michael et al. Strengthening chemicals management in Best Available Techniques Reference Documents. Reports of the Finnish Environment Institute 48/2021. (helda.helsinki.fi)(opens in a new window, you are switching to another service)

Action recommendations and other publications from Syke’s projects

2026

Salmenperä Hanna, Kauppi Sari, Karppinen Tiina K.M & Pitkänen Kati. Prioritizing reuse. Action recommendations. April 2026. (helda.helsinki.fi)(opens in a new window, you are switching to another service)
Kauppi Sari, Salmenperä Hanna, Dahlbo Helena & Räisänen Milja. Sustainable plastics value chain strengthens national resilience. Action recommendations. March 2026. (helda.helsinki.fi)(opens in a new window, you are switching to another service)
Savinainen Aarne et al. Challenges of logistics and legislation in the recycling of construction and demolition plastic waste. Report of the PlastLIFE project coordinated by the Finnish Environment Institute. 2026. (helda.helsinki.fi)(opens in a new window, you are switching to another service)
Turunen Topi et al. Circular economy strategies for critical raw materials management. Action recommendations of the research project. Finnish Environment Institute. February 2026. (helda.helsinki.fi)(opens in a new window, you are switching to another service)

2025

Savolahti Hanna et al. Boosting reuse at events: How municipalities can lead the way. Action recommendations of the research project. Finnish Environment Institute. November 2025. (helda.helsinki.fi)(opens in a new window, you are switching to another service)
Räisänen Milja et al. The state of plastics circularity in Finland 2025: Review and evaluation of PlastLIFE SIP phase 1. Report of the PlastLIFE project coordinated by the Finnish Environment Institute. 2025. (helda.helsinki.fi)(opens in a new window, you are switching to another service)
Kauppi Sari, Selonen Salla, Taipale Sami & Virolainen-Hynnä Anna. Threats and opportunities of biodegradable plastics. Action recommendations of the research project. Finnish Environment Institute. September 2025. (helda.helsinki.fi)(opens in a new window, you are switching to another service)

2024

Dahlbo Helena et al. A review of LCA studies on waste management solutions. Report of the Circwaste project coordinated by the Finnish Environment Institute. 2024. (helda.helsinki.fi)(opens in a new window, you are switching to another service)

Project publication summaries

News about the PlastLIFE project’s results (in Finnish)
Results and publications of the Circwaste project

Read more

A circular economy allows a significant reduction in the consumption of natural resources

Finns use up to ten times more raw materials in their consumption than a sustainable level measured in proportion to the population would allow. Consequently, immediate action is needed to transition to a circular economy in Finland.

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Syke Policy Briefs – Sustainable solutions for environmental policy

A concise summary of a particular issue, the policy options to deal with it, and some recommendations on the best option. It is aimed at government policymakers and others who are interested in formulating or influencing policy.

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Page last updated 11.9.2026