Press releases and news

Recycling and energy recovery in Namibia
Windhoek, Namibia, is one of the cleanest cities in Africa, second to Kigali, and is set to regain its number-one status. Since 2009, the citizens have started sorting out plastic bottles, cartons, paper and glass, which go for recycling. Now, the city of Windhoek, together with waste experts at IVL and Smart City Sweden, is investigating how waste that is not recycled can be used for energy.

Meeting on air pollution brings scientists and negotiators together from around the world
Air pollution is the greatest environmental risk to human health. From March 13, 200 experts, scientists, and negotiators from around the world will meet in Gothenburg to strengthen international efforts to improve air quality. Organised under the framework of the Swedish EU Presidency, the seventh meeting of the Saltsjöbaden Air Science and Policy Workshop will be themed around “Air pollution management in a world under pressure”.

EU research project finds high nitrogen oxides emissions of Tier III vessels
The EU research project SCIPPER has found high nitrogen oxides emissions of Tier III vessels from remote measurement in the Baltic Sea and North Sea. The analysis shows that 50 per cent of the emission measurements of ships that had to comply with the latest Tier III nitrogen levels, far exceed the expected emission levels.

Swedish delegation in India for Smart City Roadshow
In February Swedish representatives from companies, academia and authorities visited three Indian cities to strengthen the cooperation between Sweden and India and share knowledge in innovation and sustainable city solutions.

Europe's capacity for textile recycling mapped
There is a huge potential to scale up the sorting and recycling of old textiles in Europe. This is shown by a survey of around 30 actors in the sorting and recycling of post-consumer textiles, which has been carried out within the research project Sustainable clothing futures. The actors are located all over Europe and have promising techniques to be able to take care of our textile waste.

Indian delegation visited Sweden
This week Smart City Sweden, in collaboration with Business Sweden, the Swedish Energy Agency, IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute and CII – Indian Green Building Council, welcomed an Indian delegation to Sweden for three days. The goal was to identify potential areas of collaboration, share expertise and exchange knowledge.

International conference on transport and related impacts on air pollution, environment, and climate
Two major transport conferences – International Transport and Air Pollution and Shipping and the Environment – will arrange a joint scientific conference in Gothenburg later this year. The conference will provide a broad discussion forum for questions related to the impacts of transport sector on all parts of the environment including the atmosphere, terrestrial ecosystems, the marine environment, and the climate.

Researchers find scrubber water harmful at the tiniest of concentrations
When researchers in the EU-funded project Emerge studied the effect of scrubber water on aquatic organisms, they found harmful effects even at the tiniest of concentrations. The findings add new insights to the problem with ships' exhaust gas cleaning systems – known as scrubbers – that allow ships to continue to use cheaper heavy fuel oil while still complying with the 2020 sulphur emissions rules.

Tonnes of fishing gear is lost at sea every year
On behalf of the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, and with funding from the Nordic Council of Ministers, IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute has calculated the annual loss of fishing gear in the Nordic countries. The study points to a huge environmental challenge, where knowledge is generally low.

Hydrogen – climate hype or climate hope?
Everyone is talking about hydrogen. But what do the researchers say – is hydrogen the answer to the climate crisis? IVL's hydrogen experts Ali Hedayati, Anders Hjort and Julia Hansson explain where the research stands today and what the future may look like for hydrogen as a fossil-free energy source.

Air pollution is estimated to cause 6,700 premature deaths in Sweden each year
Air pollution is estimated to cause 6,700 premature deaths in Sweden each year. This is shown by the latest study carried out by IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute and Umeå University on behalf of the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency. Each death is estimated to be equivalent to a loss of ten years of life.

COP27: Pathways to sustainable building markets through credible, lifecycle-based information
This week IVL and the subsidiary EPD International are organizing a side event at the UN Climate Conference, COP27, in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. The event will demonstrate how life cycle assessment and product declarations can be used in the construction sector to achieve emission targets in Egypt, the Middle East, and North Africa.

Several projects focusing on clean water in Mumbai
IVL's work focused on SDG 6 – Clean water and sanitation – continues in India. Currently, IVL is working as an environmental consultant in several projects related to clean water in Mumbai, for example the Mithi River Rejuvenation Projects aiming to reduce the pollution load of the Mithi River and restore it to its original state.

Marie Fossum Strannegård: The energy crisis has been a wake-up call
In the spring of 2022, we were reminded of the vulnerability of the global energy system. At the same time, Russia's war on Ukraine has accelerated the phasing out of fossil gas, and many of us have started hunting kilowatt-hours. With a background in the energy sector, IVL's CEO Marie Fossum Strannegård knows the importance of a secure and sustainable energy supply.

LENS – a new EU project on noise and air pollution
How can we reduce noise and air pollution in our cities? The EU project LENS aims to assist enforcement authorities, cities, and regulators to decrease noise and air pollution from vehicles like mopeds and motorcycles. The project will carry out measurements in several European cities. IVL will develop test techniques and methods for measuring emissions under real driving conditions, including small particles that are particularly harmful to health.

European project shows how flexibility from the district heating sector can add values to the energy system
The transformation of the energy sector increases the need for various flexibility services to maintain a balance between energy use and production. The EU Flexi-Sync project has explored how the flexibility available in district heating networks can be optimised and contribute with values for the energy system.

Offsetting for carbon neutrality – getting the claims right
In a blog post for the EU-project LIFE DICET researchers from IVL and Perspectives Climate Group explain why voluntarily seeking so-called “corresponding adjustments” is a matter of whether an actor wants to voluntarily help to close the ambition gap to contribute to the global 1.5-degree goal. To get claims about offsetting and carbon neutrality right, a global accounting approach must be applied.

Policy priorities for mobilizing investment in Swedish green industrial transitions
A new report by Stockholm Sustainable Finance Centre at SEI, IVL and RISE investigates the key challenges for investments in technological and production changes that bring deep emissions cuts in heavy industry in Sweden. According to the study, what the industry demands is policy focus on issues related to creating market demand and ensuring that the necessary infrastructure is in place.

Major EU initiative launched to accelerate the transition to safe and sustainable materials, products and processes
To ensure that materials are sustainable for humans and the environment, to increase recycling and use resources in a more efficient way, efforts are required from an early stage of design and manufacturing.Thus, the EC has launched a major initiative, IRISS, which will accelerate the transition to safe and sustainably designed materials, products and processes. The consortium, led by IVL, will create a global network of experts and stakeholders. Six value chains represented in the project will provide a clear picture of the industry's ongoing and future transformation.

In search of salamanders with environmental DNA
Biodiversity is in decline around the world; actions to conserve or recreate species-rich ecosystems are high on the global agenda. But how does one measure biodiversity? Researchers at IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute are investigating this within a new research field: environmental DNA.

CCfD:s and climate fees can help transform industry
Some of the key players in the climate transition are found in the basic industry. But for industry to make a successful post-carbon transition, demand for fossil free products must increase and the cost of its production must fall.

New project to support sustainable food production in China
In collaboration with China Chain Store and Franchise Association and Institute of Agriculture Economics and Development, IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute will support sustainable agriculture food production in China. The aim is to reduce food loss and packaging, as well as the use of pesticide and fertilizers.

More secure recycling of plastic in healthcare
In a new joint research project, IVL and Trioworld will in collaboration develop a method to assess and ensure the sterilisation properties of the recycling process of plastic. The goal is to verify that even classified healthcare plastic waste can be recycled safely in the future.

IPCC report: Achieving climate goals only possible with immediate action
We have experienced the largest increase in greenhouse gas emissions in human history and if we are to have a chance in limiting global warming to 1.5 ° C immediate multisectoral action is required. Meanwhile, significant progress is being made in many places and the opportunities to limit climate change and to achieve synergies with other global sustainability goals are great both in the short and medium-term perspective, according to the UN climate panel IPCC.

Sustainable clothing futures
What do the sustainable value chains for future clothing look like? It is to be found out by IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, the University of Borås and Profu in a new research project.

Five major research institutions now pooling resources in marine research
Chalmers, the University of Gothenburg, IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, KTH Royal Institute of Technology and RISE are joining forces to operate the marine research station Kristineberg under the name the Kristineberg Center for Marine Research and Innovation. The objective of the new agreement is for Kristineberg Center to become one of Europe’s leading marine research and innovation environments.

Accelerating the Climate Transition - new report on how to reach the Swedish climate target
By 2045, Sweden have pledged to have net-zero carbon emissions. The technology needed to get there is well known and the cost is often marginal at the consumer level. Yet, the transition to reach the target is far too slow. The research program Mistra Carbon Exit have released a report with important lessons from its research, that need to be considered if we are to accelerate climate transition and ensure that all parts of society are engaged in the work.

New project examines conditions for a Nordic BECCS market
New project examines conditions for a Nordic BECCS market Researchers at IVL and KTH will investigate the conditions for developing a Nordic market for Biomass Energy with Carbon Capture and Storage, so-called BECCS. The purpose is to facilitate a faster establishment and take advantage of the potential for large-scale BECCS projects in the Nordic region.

Export of sustainable solutions from Sweden
Waste management in Colombia, energy efficiency in Somaliland and mobility solutions in China – these are just a few examples of projects that have started as a result of Smart City Sweden. The visit platform works to demonstrate sustainable city solutions from Sweden and welcomes delegations from all over the world. The result is over 20 projects on four different continents.

El Salvador wants to turn waste into energy with the help of Swedish solutions
Waste experts from IVL are currently in El Salvador to investigate the possibilities of improving waste management in the country. The project, which is run within Smart City Sweden, will reduce the amount of waste that is currently landfilled and instead build facilities where the waste is converted into energy in the form of electricity, heat or fuel for transport.

Book about environmental permitting in Sweden released in China
A book about environmental permitting and related management system in Sweden has been released in China. The aim is to share successful examples on permitting practices, legal framework, public participation, and to give environmental authorities and researchers in China a better understanding of systems in Europe. The book is co-authored by IVL and the center for Environment and Engineering, Ministry of Ecology and Environment in China.

Innovation and sustainable development in focus for new research collaboration in India
IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute and the Indian research institute NEERI are establishing a strategic collaboration to drive innovation and increase research collaboration in several important environmental areas. A Memorandum of Understanding between the parties was signed during a ceremony held in Nagpur on 18 October.

Media reporting affects the cities' conversion from biogas to electricity
Biogas production and use may be displaced or reduced as public transportation systems electrify. The portrayal of biogas and electrification systems in various media, research reports, and public debate contributes largely to current decision making, which can have important implications for regional systems. A recent study by researchers at IVL and Lund University highlight the role of these narratives and the potential implications they have on regional development.

IVL assesses the environmental footprint of biodegradable plastic bags in China
Under the pressure of serious environmental pollution, many major cities in China have started to promote the use of biodegradable plastic shopping bags. In Guangzhou the company Hairma's products have been put into use. In a new project, IVL has been commissioned to evaluate the environmental footprint of Hairma’s products’ materials and explore other possibilities in reducing the products’ carbon emissions.

New report reveals bad environmental habits
Switching to white meats and plant-based diets and finding alternatives to air travel are among the recommendations in the Nordic Council of Ministers’ new report on household consumption. The report, which was drawn up by IVL, maps Nordic private household consumption, focusing on four themes; housing, transport, food and consumer goods. It also presents eight recommendations for more sustainable and climate-friendly lifestyles.

New report on PFAS substances in cosmetics
On behalf of the Swedish Chemicals Agency, IVL and Stockholm University have investigated the presence of highly fluorinated substances, so-called PFAS, in cosmetic products. About 40 products have been analysed and the researchers have also calculated the volume of emissions to the environment.

Retailers to utilize life cycle analysis for sustainability
In collaboration with Apotek Hjärtat, Perrigo and Idun Minerals, IVL will examine how retailers can utilize life cycle analysis data to reduce the climate impact of their products. The aim is to drive improvements and encourage the industry to switch to a more sustainable business model.

New modelling shows how Nordic energy systems can become climate neutral
Emissions must be reduced fivefold over the next ten years if energy systems in the Nordic countries are to become climate neutral. More robust electricity networks, increased flexibility, more wind power and solar energy, the electrification of transport and carbon dioxide capture and storage are all crucial elements if the Nordic climate goals are to be achieved. This is clearly indicated by research carried out by the Nordic Clean Energy Scenarios project, which is funded by Nordic Energy Research.

Guidebook to district heating technologies of the future
Lowering the temperature of systems used to heat buildings will deliver several environmental benefits. This opens the possibility of utilizing renewable energy sources and residual heat more efficiently. IVL is participating in the creation of a guide to the main driving forces behind low-temperature district heating.