Regenerated and bio-based plastics have an important role to play in the transition towards a sustainable society, as do circular flows of recycled plastics.

At Mälarplast, we like to use regenerated (recycled material) and different types of bioplastics where possible. Choosing the right material with regard to both product requirements, economics and the environment is part of our customer-unique offer.

Today there is a large flora of bio-based plastics that could replace up to 80% of all applications. Instead of oil, the raw material comes from corn, cellulose or sugarcane. There are also biodegradable qualities that can be used for, for example, composting or in rotting processes to biogas.

The switch from petroleum-based plastics to renewable, regenerated or compostable materials may be the easiest way to lighten the product's environmental impact. These materials can reduce the amount of non-renewable raw materials while improving the physical and aesthetic properties of a product.

In 2017, Mälarplast was part of a project in collaboration with Eskilstuna municipality, with the aim of investigating which plastic products in Eskilstuna were suitable for recycling according to the circular economy model. The project resulted in a new, innovative model for recycling – the Green Loop System. The Green Loop System means that products for commercial kitchens and catering are subscribed to or rented out to businesses, and are then returned to the factory for recycling in their own closed system.

Since 2017, we have further developed our business and our offer of sustainable materials and recycling, and the Green Loop System is an example of one of several circular solutions that are today included in our customer offer. Studies show that plastic can be the most environmentally friendly option if it is recycled, and our goal is to help more customers switch to circular solutions.