Month: January 2024

Ministry of the Environment and the Finnish Commerce Federation: Further action needed to reach reduction target for plastic carrier bags

The Green Deal agreement between the Ministry of the Environment and the Finnish Commerce Federation has reduced the use of plastic carrier bags and thin plastic bags quite rapidly. A recent estimate shows, however, that there has been some growth in the use of plastic carrier bags since 2020 and further actions are needed to reach the reduction targets by 2025.

Pharmaceuticals are more expensive in Finland than in Sweden

On average, non-prescription drugs are 37 per cent cheaper in Sweden than in Finland. Even in prescription drugs, the price difference is in Sweden's favour, especially in general reference price pharmaceuticals. It is clear that by reforming the structures and operations of the distribution of pharmaceuticals and the pharmacy system, it would be possible to both support the purchasing power of Finns and achieve savings in the public economy.