The PlastLIFE Annual Seminar brought together experts, researchers and practitioners to explore the current state of the plastics circular economy, the role of citizens in driving change, and emerging sustainable solutions. The seminar presented interim results from the PlastLIFE project, offering insights into the pathway towards a sustainable circular economy for plastics. An analysis of the state of the plastics circular economy in Finland and the actions required to advance it was published on 27 November 2025. A link to the report can be found at the bottom of this page.
A turning point for the plastics circular economy
The circular economy of plastics has reached a critical juncture. How can Finland reduce plastic waste, increase recycling rates and develop sustainable material alternatives? These questions were at the heart of the seminar held on 19 November, which examined the state of the plastics circular economy in 2025 and the next steps towards a more sustainable plastics economy.
In the first session of the morning, Helena Dahlbo and Milja Räisänen from the Finnish Environment Institute presented the latest PlastLIFE analysis on the plastics circular economy. The discussion also featured Merja Saarnilehto (Ministry of the Environment), Nina Tura (LUT University), Mika Surakka (Sumi Oy) and Katja Alakerttula (Circular Economy Pirkanmaa), who shared perspectives from different stakeholder groups.
While the recycling rate of plastic packaging remains low, there are clear opportunities for improvement. Alongside greater commitment from consumers and businesses to sorting and recycling, comprehensive action is needed to reduce consumption, expand reuse and develop alternative materials. Presentations throughout the session broadened the discussion beyond recycling challenges, addressing topics such as effective plastics policy and the opportunities offered by product design.
The afternoon focused on the role of citizens in the transition. Tommi Tikkanen (Syke) presented Finnish citizens’ views on the plastics circular economy. According to a recent survey, people hold positive attitudes towards alternative materials, but product labelling still needs improvement to make products made from alternative materials easier to identify. Alma Onali (Tampere University) examined people’s complex relationship with plastics through the example of the ordinary plastic shopping bag. Hanna Savolahti (Syke) shared practical tips for municipalities on increasing the reuse of plastics at public events, while artist Gary Markle demonstrated how art can engage citizens in environmental action to reduce the harmful impacts of plastics in marine environments.
All solutions are needed
The seminar’s third session, The Transformation of Plastics, focused on emerging solutions and ongoing research. Experts discussed the opportunities and risks associated with biodegradable plastics, the impacts of plastics on soils and aquatic environments, and the development of new materials. Speakers included Sari Kauppi and Salla Selonen from the Finnish Environment Institute, Noora Risku (University of Jyväskylä), Nelli Kyöstilä (Finnish Biocycle and Biogas Association) and Pentti Ruuttunen (Natural Resources Institute Finland).
The seminar was organised by the Finnish Environment Institute, which coordinates the national PlastLIFE project, co-funded by the European Union’s LIFE Programme. The project implements Finland’s Plastics Roadmap and brings together 17 partner organisations. Its goal is to achieve a sustainable circular economy for plastics in Finland by 2035.
Learn more
Contacts
Helena Dahlbo
Senior researcher, Finnish Environment Institute (Syke)
firstname.lastname@syke.fi
Milja Räisänen
Researcher, Finnish Environment Institute
firstname.lastname@syke.fi
