Nordic Green News – 13 August, 2020

Swedish government introduces premium for environmentally friendly trucks and electric work machines

Sweden will provide state support to promote the introduction of environmental trucks and electric work machines on the market and contribute to reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The premium will be paid at the time of purchase by companies, municipalities and regions that purchase heavy duty trucks that run on electricity, gas or bioethanol, and larger work machines that run on electricity. Simultaneously, the government is also halving the support for electric buses, which have become increasingly economic.

 

Swedish investigator proposes higher tax on disposable cups and containers

Last September, the Swedish Government decided to invite a special investigator to submit proposals on how a tax to reduce the negative environmental effects of disposable items could be designed. The investigator, Anders Bengtsson has now produced his Disposable Articles Inquiry report, and proposes a tax on plastic cups and disposable plastic containers. If the product contains 10% plastic, the tax will be SEK 3 per mug and SEK 4 per container. If the product contains 1% plastic, the tax will be SEK 1 per mug and SEK 2 per container. The tax is proposed to be introduced on 1 September 2021.

 

According to the investigation, companies that will be affected by the tax are primarily cafés and restaurants that sell food and beverages for collection. Grocery stores that sell pre-packaged food and beverages for collection will also be affected by the tax, as will food trucks, food courts and smaller kiosks.

 

Soltech Energy raises capital

Soltech Energy, a supplier of integrated energy and solar technology, is carrying out a rights issue of SEK 98 million to finance continued expansion via internal development and M&A. The former leader of Sweden’s Moderate Party, Anna Kinberg Batra is Chairman of the Board. 

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