The ‘Norwegian Plastics Strategy’ is published by the Norwegian Ministry of Climate and Environment. It comprehensively elaborates on Norway's strategic plan to address plastic pollution, aiming to achieve the sustainable development of the plastics value chain at the global, regional, and national levels. The main contents are as follows:

1. Strategic Vision and Principles

Vision:

To build a more sustainable plastics value chain, reduce plastic waste and pollution, and achieve the "zero vision" of the United Nations Environment Assembly, that is, to eliminate the discharge of plastic waste into the ocean in the long term.

Principles:

Policy - making is based on science, following the precautionary principle and the polluter - pays principle. Measures to reduce plastic pollution should not cause other environmental problems, and hazardous substances should be removed from the plastics life cycle.

2. Current Situation and Problems of Plastic Use

Plastic Use in Norway:

Norway's plastics industry is small and specialized. Plastics are mostly imported and mainly used in packaging, construction, vehicles, electronics, and other fields. Approximately 540,000 tons of plastics become waste each year, and plastic packaging is the main source of waste.

Global Plastics Development Trends:

Global plastic production has increased significantly over the past 50 years and is expected to increase substantially in the future. The amount of plastic waste will also rise accordingly, putting more pressure on the environment.

3. Impacts of Plastics on Climate and Environment

Environmental Pollution:

Plastic waste is difficult to degrade in the natural environment. A large amount of plastic waste is landfilled or discarded globally, and a large amount of plastic waste enters the ocean every year, causing harm to marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and human health, and also generating socio - economic costs.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions:

Greenhouse gas emissions are generated during the production, use, and disposal of plastics. If plastic production continues to grow, its share in the carbon budget may increase significantly.

Microplastic Problems:

Microplastics have a wide range of sources and are widespread in the environment. Their impacts on ecosystems and food security are uncertain but may be serious. The spread of microplastics also brings problems such as hazardous substances and invasive species.

4. Measures to Address Plastic Pollution

Global Level:

Promote the adoption of a new legally - binding global agreement on plastic pollution, covering all pollution sources and the entire plastics life cycle, and strengthening knowledge exchange and coordinated cooperation. At the same time, participate in the Global Alliance on Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency to promote the development of a circular economy for plastics, and lead the global action against marine litter and plastic pollution through Nordic cooperation and other means.

Regional Level:

Support the EU in developing a more comprehensive product policy framework and implementing it in Norway, and participate in regional sea conventions and relevant fora. Actively implement EU plastics policies to promote the development of a circular economy for plastics, such as participating in the formulation of EU product policies and implementing relevant directives.

National Level

Product Policy Framework:

Strengthen the plastics product policy to promote the development of sustainable products and value chains, including paying attention to plastic consumption and composition, eco - design, non - toxic material cycles, etc., standardizing bio - based and biodegradable plastics, and reducing the environmental impact of packaging and single - use plastic products.

Utilization of Plastic Waste:

Increase the recycling rate of plastic waste. The target is to recycle 50% of plastic packaging by 2025 and increase it to 55% by 2030. Strengthen the control of plastic waste exports to ensure compliance with the Basel Convention.

Initiatives in Specific Sectors:

In the agricultural sector, standardize the use and recycling of agricultural plastics and study biodegradable plastics and alternative materials. In the transport sector, reduce microplastic emissions from tire wear and strengthen the management of the construction and operation of transport infrastructure. In the marine field, reduce plastic waste generated by marine activities such as fisheries, shipping, and aquaculture, and improve port reception facilities.

Knowledge and Cooperation:

Strengthen the monitoring, research, and innovation of plastic pollution, promote knowledge sharing and international cooperation, raise public awareness, and encourage sustainable consumption.

5. Implementation and Outlook

Implementation Assurance:

Define the responsibilities of various departments and ensure the implementation of the strategy through legislation, policies, and economic means, such as amending regulations, establishing an extended producer responsibility system, and providing financial support.

Future Outlook:

Continuously assess and adjust measures, strengthen international cooperation, promote global plastic pollution governance, and achieve the sustainable development of the plastics value chain.