Plastic is used in packaging to protect products and extend shelf life. Its use has increased sharply over the past 50 years, with negative consequences for the climate and the environment. Lantmännen's strategy ensures responsible and sustainable use.

Plastic is an effective and safe material when it comes to packing products to protect them and extend their shelf life. It is also an efficient material from a transport point of view thanks to its low weight. However, the negative environmental impact of plastic means that its use must be minimized in the long term.

Over the past 50 years, plastic production and consumption of plastic in the world have increased sharply. Since plastic is usually made from fossil raw materials such as crude oil, it has an impact on the climate and the environment. Plastic also creates problems when it becomes litter and ends up in nature and the oceans instead of being reused or recycled.

Regulation of plastic use

In 2019, the EU decided on a directive for single-use plastics with a number of measures in view of the negative impact of certain plastic products on the environment. Some single-use plastic items will be banned, while others will be reduced in consumption, or there will be requirements for separate collection. EU member states will introduce requirements and measures to prevent and reduce the negative impact of plastics on the environment from 2021.

More sustainable plastic consumption

Lantmännen uses plastic as an important component in several types of our packaging to protect products, extend their shelf life and thus ensure reduced food waste, which is another important sustainability issue.

We also sell plastic covers for silage. Silage plastic sold to agriculture is today almost completely recyclable. In 2020, all plastic offered by Lantmännen will be recyclable. We also work to improve the efficiency of use and improve the collection of recycled plastic. Work is underway with suppliers and producers to find products with a lower climate footprint.

Lantmännen has a strategy for plastic use, which means that the issue of responsible and sustainable plastic use is pursued throughout the Group. The ambition is to only use fossil-free or recycled plastic from 2030.

Lantmännen strives to be a pioneer in the transition to a more sustainable use of plastics in all operations. The goals included in the plastics strategy help to clarify the way forward and enable continuous follow-up of outcomes. Read about how we work towards the goals in the Annual Report with Sustainability Report.

Lantmännen's plastics strategy

• The goal of improving the efficiency of our plastic consumption by 1 percent annually can be achieved by reducing thickness and size and by replacing materials in packaging to optimize plastic consumption and the cost per unit sold. In 2023 , the efficiency efficiency ratio amounted to 2.8 percent, which meant that our target was achieved.

• In 2023, 98.3 of our packaging was recyclable. To create circular flows in the plastics industry, we need to ensure that all packaging and other plastics are recyclable. The recyclability ensures that the plastic can be used several times, instead of being burned or landfilled after one occasion. The goal is 100%.

• The EU requires all producers to take responsibility for what happens to their packaging after consumption by 2025. This means that we need to have clear approaches and plans for each individual type of packaging.

• To become independent of fossil fuels, we must stop using so-called virgin plastic and instead use plastic made from renewable materials.