Press releases and news

Oyster reefs once thrived along Europe's coasts – now they're gone
Oysters once formed vast reefs along much of Europe's coastline – but these ecosystems were destroyed over a century ago, new research shows.

Green transition: New study shows Sweden's position in hydrogen race
A new study from IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute shows a significant increase in hydrogen technology patents worldwide after 2020, parallel to the emergence of national hydrogen strategies and global investments. Although Sweden has a small share of the global patents, it shows a relative competitive advantage comparable to France in fuel cell technology. However, in hydrogen production, storage and distribution, Sweden is significantly weaker.

A nudge in the right direction reduced tenants' electricity usage
Nudging has been tested as a way of changing consumption patterns of tenants in a residential area in Fjärås, Kungsbacka. A study undertaken as part of the European research project Enflate shows that the strategy produced good results when the load on the electricity grid was at its highest.

In Hamburg, wastewater treatment is a landmark and an inspiration
How do we best make use of the nutrients in wastewater? This was the focus of a trip to Hamburg, Germany, organized by IVL. Some 20 participants from Sweden studied advanced technologies for wastewater treatment, phosphorus recovery and biochar production.

Swedish project first to measure PFAS in flue gases from waste incineration
IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, together with three energy and waste companies, will test new methods for measuring the environmentally hazardous substance PFAS at Swedish waste incineration plants. This is the first time the methods have been tested on a large scale. The research project is be supported by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency.

High levels of environmental toxins in mussels after oil spill
The oil that leaked when the Marco Polo ran aground in October 2023 has caused measurable pollution throughout the area and high levels of environmental toxins in mussels, according to a study conducted by IVL Swedish Environmental Institute on behalf of the Blekinge County Administrative Board.

Researchers propose harmonized Nordic calculation methods to reduce buildings' climate impact
Together with Nordic colleagues, experts at IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute have developed calculation methods that they believe can form the basis of a joint Nordic implementation of European building legislation.

Twice as much textile is thrown in the trash than is left for reuse
How many extra kilos of textiles do you have in your closet? The consumption of new textiles increases every year, but used textiles still account for a very small proportion, according to a study conducted by researchers at IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute as part of the Usereuse project. And we throw almost twice as many textiles in the trash as we leave for reuse.

IVL explores measures to reduce environmental impact of underwater noise
Underwater noise in the oceans is a growing environmental problem. Increased shipping and heavy recreational boat traffic have a negative impact on wildlife and the environment. Despite this, effective measures to reduce this noise are lacking. With two recently launched projects, IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute and partners want to change this.

New report: Clear potential for hydrogen and electrofuels in Sweden
Sweden has relatively good supplies of the resources needed to produce both hydrogen and electrofuels. If the investments now being made in hydrogen materialize and the trend continues, Sweden could, long term, become a net exporter of hydrogen. However, so far, development has been slowed by a lack of policy instruments for hydrogen and regulations for how it can be managed.

How design can help increase plastics recycling
How can we increase the recycling of plastic products? Plastic is often used unnecessarily or in combinations that make recycling difficult. Researchers at IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute have identified seven measures that can be implemented at the design stage to increase recycling.

SWIC research centre opened
Sjöstadsverket Water Innovation Centre, SWIC, is a unique facility that develops technologies to make use of resources in wastewater. It has now moved to Loudden in Stockholm and has been officially inaugurated.

SEK 70 million for continued research on sustainable and green chemistry
The Mistra SafeChem research programme, led by IVL, aims to establish a safe, sustainable and green chemical industry in Sweden. The funding body Mistra has decided to support the research with up to SEK 70 million, which means the programme can continue its work for another four years.

The environment is the main driver for second-hand shopping
Consumers buy second-hand goods primarily for the sake of the environment, followed by the economy. This is the result of a study conducted by IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute in cooperation with several second-hand shops and reuse operators.