Frigolite bullets continue to spread to Svågan - "Impossible to grab the plastic"

- The frigolite balls get stuck in reed and grass and remain. It has been a problem for a long time, says Ann-Catrin Bergman, who lives near Svågan.

At the nursery, some measures have been taken over the years. Among other things, the company has created stormwater ponds that collect the frigolite balls. Something that doesn't always help.

- It has been extra stormy in recent days and unfortunately the frigol balls have blown away. We have full understanding that more than we ourselves are concerned about, ”says Elin Swedlund, sustainability manager at Holmen.

Just over a month ago, the Norrhälsinge Environment Office compiled a report stating that it is not practically possible or economically and environmentally justified to try to clean the beaches of the frigolite spheres scattered in the area.

- We are conducting a dialogue with the Environment Office where together we look at what further possible measures can be taken. But at present, there is no possible method for utilizing the plastic, but we wish so clearly that we could have done so, says Elin Swedlund, sustainability manager at Holmen.

But the Environment Agency also pointed out that Holmen should establish procedures for emptying the stormwater wells and ensuring that the frigolite balls are not spread in the wild.

Holmen has more than 13 million plants at the nursery in Friggesund, of which more than 3,900,000 are covered by the white frigolith balls.

- We have started to cover more and more plants with sawdust instead. We will continue to take the steps away from the cellular plastic and hopefully we can be completely plastic-free in two to three years if the new technology works, says Elin Swedlund.