When Member of Parliament Annika Hirvonen from the Green Party recently visited Inrego, the discussion centered around green tax reform, job creation, and profitability as key drivers for an effective transition to a circular economy.
During a tour of Inrego’s circular IT hardware production, Hirvonen gained firsthand insight into how the circular economy operates in practice at the IT company.
“It was so exciting to see the production and get a clear understanding of how these processes actually work,” Hirvonen commented.
Each year, Inrego breathes new life into 360,000 IT products. During her visit, Hirvonen observed the work involved in securely erasing data, refurbishing, and upgrading IT equipment to like-new condition—a process that left a strong impression.
“This is exactly how we should be managing our products in a responsible way! At the same time, it makes me feel uneasy when I think about all the electronics that are wasted, ending up in landfills or just lying around unused,” she continued.
Public Sector and Green Tax Reform
Inrego is one of the few companies that has achieved both scalability and profitability in the circular economy, and Hirvonen emphasized the role of policymakers in creating the right conditions for sustainable businesses to thrive.
“Taxes are crucial tools for policymakers, and I believe we need to implement a green tax shift. We must ensure it’s profitable to reuse and repurpose what’s already been produced.”
Hirvonen highlighted the enormous potential of reuse—not only for the environment but also for the economy.
“There’s huge potential here, especially in the public sector. Economically, there’s a lot to be gained for taxpayers. Everyone should recognize the opportunities in buying and selling used products, not just individuals but on a societal level as well.”
A Future of Resource Efficiency and Job Creation
The visit to Inrego also sparked reflections on Sweden’s resource management and its global impact.
“This raises important questions about resources—how many new mines do we really need to open? What are we doing with the materials we’ve already extracted?” Hirvonen asked rhetorically. “The circular economy is also about job creation. Are we going to make it profitable to run these companies in Sweden, or will this industry move abroad in the future?”
The visit concluded with a discussion on how society can foster a more circular mindset, spanning individuals to the public sector. Hirvonen was clear:
“We need to sit down in the Green Party and develop smart reforms to campaign on and implement in the next term.”
Thank you, Annika, for your visit and for your commitment to the circular economy! Would you also like to discuss the circular economy with us and see our circular production processes in Täby firsthand? Get in touch!
