Reliable plastic flow data is vital for advancing circular economy initiatives and supporting the upcoming UN plastics treaty.However, plastic statistics across the Nordic countries remain inconsistent and difficult to compare. 

This report pilots the UNITAR plastic inventory model using Nordic data. It also provides a focused review of how plastic shares are currently estimated in Nordic waste statistics, and identifies potential plastic share factors for selected products and waste streams that can be used in future development of these statistics. 

The UNITAR model estimates both the amount of plastic placed on the market and the amount of plastic waste generated. It offers a transparent, scalable, and harmonized approach to producing Nordic plastic statistics. The model reveals consistent trends across the region—particularly the dominance of packaging in both plastics placed on the market and plastic waste generated. However, further development is needed to improve the model's accuracy and usability.

Four key actions to strengthen the model:

• Validate the model’s input data.
• Adapt plastic-content factors to better reflect Nordic conditions.
• Boost engagement from national statistical and environmental agencies.
• Establish Nordic collaboration under shared governance 

By taking these steps, the Nordic countries can lead the way in shaping global standards for plastic monitoring.