Denmark Faces Diplomatic Tension Over Greenland as Plastic Recycling Project Gains Momentum

Denmark has found itself at the crossroads of diplomatic controversy and environmental innovation as 2025 draws to a close. In Copenhagen, the government has taken the unusual step of summoning the United States ambassador after President Donald Trump named Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as a special envoy to Greenland—an autonomous Danish territory. The move, coupled with Landry’s public endorsement of plans “to make Greenland a part of the US,” has sparked outrage among Danish officials and prompted a stern demand for Washington to respect Denmark’s sovereignty.

Denmark Summons US Ambassador Over Greenland Controversy

The appointment of Jeff Landry as US envoy to Greenland has reignited tensions that have simmered since Trump’s initial overtures to acquire the resource-rich Arctic island. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen described Landry’s remarks as “totally unacceptable,” emphasizing that Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs would seek an immediate explanation from the US ambassador. The European Union joined Denmark in its rebuke, with EU spokesman Anouar El Anouni underscoring that the bloc considers Denmark’s territorial integrity “essential.”

This episode is not isolated. Earlier in the year, Denmark had already summoned the US charge d’affaires following reports of covert American influence campaigns in Greenland. Adding to the strain, Denmark’s Defence Intelligence Service recently cautioned that the US is leveraging its economic and military clout to assert its interests—even against allies. Greenland’s leadership, however, remains steadfast. Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen commented that the appointment “doesn’t change anything for us here at home,” reflecting the territory’s strong sense of autonomy. Despite the diplomatic noise, a January poll revealed that while most Greenlanders desire independence from Denmark, they are not interested in becoming part of the United States.

Danish Plastic Recycling Innovation Sets New Standards

While international headlines focus on political friction, Denmark is also making significant strides in environmental sustainability. In a parallel development, global packaging leader Amcor PLC has announced its support for a pioneering three-year project spearheaded by the Danish Technological Institute: the Circular Recycling Innovation for Sustainable Packaging (CRISP). This initiative is designed to establish large-scale, circular recycling systems for household food packaging made from polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) rigid plastics.

The CRISP project brings together a coalition of major food manufacturers, waste management specialists, and research organizations. Amcor’s CleanStream facility in the UK and its packaging production site in Randers, Denmark, will contribute technical expertise and advanced recycling technology. The aim is to create fully circular markets for packaging produced from recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and PP, meeting the European Union’s ambitious target of a 55 percent plastic recycling rate by 2030 and aligning with the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).

Christian Bruno, Amcor’s R&D director for Northeast Europe, highlighted the importance of collaboration: “Sustainable challenges require industry collaboration, and this partnership will demonstrate what can be done when the supply chain comes together.” The project’s focus extends to ensuring documented traceability for food-contact materials—a key requirement for closed-loop recycling systems. Denmark’s extended producer responsibility (EPR) program further incentivizes sustainable design and material choices, making the business case for circular packaging solutions even stronger.

The Intersection of Sovereignty and Sustainability

As Denmark navigates diplomatic pressure over Greenland, it is simultaneously forging a path toward a more sustainable future. The country’s proactive stance on plastic recycling not only addresses environmental concerns but also sets an example for systemic change across Europe. With partners including Nestlé Nordics, Arla Foods, Svensk Plaståtervinning, and others, the CRISP project is positioned to deliver tangible progress and potentially reshape the packaging industry.

Meanwhile, the Greenland envoy appointment has forced Denmark to reaffirm its commitment to sovereignty and territorial integrity. The strong reactions from both Danish and EU officials indicate that the issue is far from resolved, and the coming months may see further diplomatic exchanges. Yet, through these dual challenges—one environmental, the other geopolitical—Denmark is demonstrating resilience and adaptability on the world stage.

What’s Next for Denmark?

The juxtaposition of Denmark’s diplomatic standoff with the US and its leadership in recycling innovation raises a question: can a nation leverage environmental progress to strengthen its international standing, even as it defends its territorial rights? For now, Denmark is choosing to invest in both its future and its principles, with the world watching closely.

• Denmark summoned the US ambassador after Trump appointed Jeff Landry as envoy to Greenland, sparking controversy over sovereignty. (Al Jazeera)
• Amcor is supporting a three-year Danish recycling project to create circular food packaging systems from household plastics. (Recycling Today)
• The CRISP partnership aims to meet EU targets for plastic recycling and promote traceability of food-contact materials. (Recycling Today)

Denmark’s response to the US over Greenland and its ambitious plastic recycling initiative reflect a nation asserting its independence and vision for the future. The diplomatic tension underscores the importance of sovereignty, while the CRISP project demonstrates how strategic collaboration can drive environmental progress. In 2025, Denmark’s twin focus on autonomy and sustainability may become a model for balancing national interests and global responsibilities.