After the plastic tax was removed at the end of 2024, the use of plastic bags has increased again in Sweden.
Håll Sverige Rent says the increase in plastic-bag use risks putting more litter on Sweden’s streets. The foundation’s vice-president, Joakim Brodahl, called for measures to reduce single-use plastic in an interview with Sydsvenskan.
"We need to use less single-use plastic and reduce the number of products that easily become litter. We also need more policy measures that steer development in the right direction. Now both businesses and consumers need to take responsibility."
Joakim Brodahl, vice-president of Keep Sweden Clean, to Sydsvenskan
Sweden used 248 million plastic carrier bags covered by its national reduction target in 2025, 45% more than in 2023, according to Håll Sverige Rent. Sweden abolished its plastic-bag tax in November 2024.
After Sweden abolished its plastic-bag tax in November 2024, the price of a bag fell from around 7 kronor ($0.72) to about 4 kronor ($0.41), SVT reported in July 2026.
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