Sewage sludge monitoring data on many harmful organic pollutants is scarce. In this study, 23 contaminants of environmental concern were identified, including: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), pharmaceuticals and personal care products, hormones, and flame retardants. First, concentration data in sludge from the Nordic countries, was compiled. Several data gaps on concentration data were found, particularly in personal care products and flame retardants groups. There were also large differences in data availability between the countries. Second, removal efficiency of the selected pollutants was reviewed. Three different treatment methods were considered: anaerobic digestion, composting, and pyrolysis. Pyrolysis emerged generally as the most efficient removal method, whereas there were large differences in the reported removal efficiencies in anaerobic digestion and composting. Overall, the most recalcitrant pollutants in sludge in this study were PFAS, certain antibiotics, and estrogens. Several factors behind the variation were identified, such as diversity in plant design, operational and seasonal parameters, and challenges in sampling and analysing the sludge matrix. Coherent study designs are needed to compare removal efficiencies more transparently. Legislative requirements are usually the main drivers for carrying out monitoring, andurrent EU legislation regulating hazardous substances in sewage sludge is outdated. There is great variation in national regulations between the Nordic countries. The lack of regulatory requirements hinders informed/science-based long-term decision-making to protect the environment. Sludge utilization is a complex question requiring consideration from regulative, technological, and societal perspectives. Monitoring contaminants is vital in both assessing risks of sludge-based fertilizers and contaminant removal efficiencies in sludge treatment.

Pharmaceutical packaging is a complex group of products, the main purpose of which is to protect the medicine and forward information. Pharmaceutical packaging waste is generated and accumulated along the various phases and practices of the value chain. In general, the amount of packaging has been growing during the increasing political pressure to reduce waste and to increase the circulation of materials. The goals and solutions are expected to be found in the circular economy; however, the literature on circular pharmaceutical packaging is lacking. This study explores the key factors when promoting the circularity of pharmaceutical packaging along its value chain. This was conducted by reviewing the legislation, elaborating the value chain and analysing the data from focus group discussions with stakeholders. The results show that various barriers, such as legislation, a lack of information or interaction between stakeholders, but also rigid practices, block product design for circularity. In the developing circularity of packaging, the causal links along the value chain must be understood. Chemical recycling technologies are expected to resolve the challenges of maintaining clean cycles. Further studies are needed to demonstrate the environmental benefits of increasing circularity along the value chain of pharmaceutical packaging.