Material Flows in Sweden 2004

Authors: A Carlsson V Palm L Sörme A Wadeskog

Publish Date: 2008/08/28

Volume: 8, Issue: 5-6, Pages: 425-432

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Abstract

This paper presents and discusses the method and results of account for material flows in Sweden for the year 2004 The results show that it is possible to compile material flow data from existing sources in the Swedish statistical system By using the European classification system of goods the Combined Nomenclature as the basic unit of the data collection both data collection and aggregation into material flow categories were made possible Although these data exist in the statistical system they are not easily available for the scientific community This is due to several reasons such as the aggregation of data in the system of statistics not corresponding to the material flow account structure and the fact that data on import and export of materials are organised differently than data for domestic extraction Almost 50 of the material flows in Sweden are flows of minerals mainly construction minerals followed by iron ores Most of the extracted iron ores are exported In comparison with other European countries this generates a unique situation with Sweden as the only net exporter of iron ores The flow of biomass in terms of wood is also considerable 26 of the Swedish material flows in 2004 The domestic material consumption inflow per capita in 2004 was 8 tonnes minerals 6 tonnes biomass and almost 3 tonnes of fossil fuels Of the material flows of fossil fuels petroleum and natural gas dominates with 90The paper is based on a project that was financially supported by the European Commission through DG Environment Eurostat Grant Agreement no 7140120050012005301 Action 2 The material flow accounts for Sweden are based on a number of data sources and all organisations involved are gratefully acknowledged especially the Swedish Forest Agency and colleagues at Statistics Sweden

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