In 2017 and 2018, the Municipality of Eskilstuna (the Municipality) carried out the RePlast project, where the possibility of circular solutions was investigated. An idea to circulate a product in a closed loop was presented. This gave rise to a pilot project within the Municipality's meal service, which involved replacing porcelain plates with plastic plates in a school kitchen. The plastic plates were made from 100% recycled material. The plastic plates are intended to be used for three to four years and then re-produced. It was estimated that the material could be reproduced at least six (6) times.

After completing the project, the municipality has decided to introduce the model in all school kitchens, which means about 80 addresses and about 50,000 plates in different models. The model means that the municipality rents circular plastic plates from a supplier who is responsible for the entire life cycle loop.

Description of the contract

In 2017 and 2018, the Municipality of Eskilstuna (the Municipality) carried out the RePlast project, where the possibility of circular solutions was investigated. An idea to circulate a product in a closed loop was presented. This gave rise to a pilot project within the Municipality's meal service, which involved replacing porcelain plates with plastic plates in a school kitchen. The plastic plates were made from 100% recycled material. The plastic plates are intended to be used for three to four years and then re-produced. It was estimated that the material could be reproduced at least six (6) times.

Calculations showed, among other things, that greenhouse gas emissions from the system of reproduction were 75% lower compared to conventional recycling.

After completing the project, the municipality has decided to introduce the model in all school kitchens, which means about 80 addresses and about 50,000 plates in different models (flat and deep plates and plates). The model means that the municipality rents circular plastic plates from a supplier who is responsible for the entire life cycle loop.