Reliable plastic statistics are essential for effective policy responses to the growing global plastic pollution crisis. Despite ambitious targets across the Nordics and EU, current plastic statistics remains fragmented and difficult to compare across countries. 

This report identifies 37 key plastic-related data points and evaluates their availability and comparability across the Nordic region. It also examines the costs and benefits of addressing critical data gaps through improved data collection and harmonization. 

Key recommendations to improve plastic statistics:

• Standardized definitions and reporting templates for waste statistics across Nordic countries. 
• Develop shared methodologies for estimating plastic content in production, market and trade plastic flows. 
• Strengthen Nordic collaboration and commitment for development of better plastic statistics.