Cooperation between producer responsibility organisations across the Nordic countries continues to develop as an important platform for knowledge sharing and building expertise together.

Nordic PRO is a collaboration between the producer responsibility organisations TMR in Sweden, Retur in Denmark, Sumi Oy in Finland and NORSIRK in Norway.

Through Nordic PRO, companies operating in several Nordic countries have a single point of contact for producer responsibility in Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland. The cooperation covers electrical and electronic equipment, batteries, textiles and packaging, making it easier for companies to manage reporting, guidance and follow-up related to both current regulations and new EU requirements.

Customers have a dedicated contact person who follows up on reporting requirements, deadlines and regulatory changes across the Nordic countries. This provides a better overview and makes it easier for companies to ensure compliance with the requirements in each individual market.

Key Meetings on Textiles and PPWR

Throughout the year, representatives from the Nordic producer responsibility organisations have met several times to discuss common challenges, share experiences and explore opportunities for closer cooperation.

One of the highlights was a textile-focused meeting in Borås at the Swedish School of Textiles, a Nordic hub for textile expertise and innovation. Idar Haslerud, Siv Elin Ånestad and Ane Olafsrud from NORSIRK, together with Gro Haram and Linda Refvik from NF&TA and representatives from the other Nordic producer responsibility organisations, gained insight into the university’s work on innovation and the circular economy for textiles. The knowledgeable and highly engaged staff generously shared their experience and expertise.

We also learned how companies such as Kappahl are actively working to reduce textile waste. Sharing experiences is valuable, and the meeting helped identify areas where we can further develop our own schemes and strengthen cooperation at a time when both regulations and expectations for circular solutions are evolving rapidly.

At the end of September, the cooperation continued with a workshop on the PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation). The aim was to establish a common understanding of roles, responsibilities and the practical implications of the new European packaging rules. NORSIRK invited its Nordic partners to a full day of in-depth discussions, knowledge sharing and work on specific customer challenges.

Nordic Knowledge Sharing Creates Value for NORSIRK’s Customers

The value of Nordic PRO lies in the opportunity to draw on each other’s knowledge and expertise. Although the Nordic countries face many of the same regulatory requirements, they have different experiences, markets and approaches. Norway is also behind in some areas, such as packaging, while being ahead in textiles. By sharing insights and discussing solutions across national borders, the Nordic producer responsibility organisations are better equipped to meet future requirements relating to textiles, packaging and the circular economy.

For NORSIRK, the cooperation provides access to a broader pool of expertise, while also allowing us to contribute our own experience and knowledge. The result is better professional assessments, stronger advisory services and greater value for our customers. Nordic PRO demonstrates that when the Nordic countries work together, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

Would you like to learn more about Nordic PRO? Contact Runa Haug Khoury, Head of NORSIRK Advisory Services, at runa@norsirk.no.