PLASFED President Ömer Karadeniz stated at the “Sustainability in the Plastics Industry” panel held at Istanbul Medipol University that sustainability has now become a fundamental condition of production. Emphasizing that recycling and source separation systems are of critical importance for the future of the industry, Karadeniz said, "Sustainability is no longer a choice, but one of the fundamental conditions of production."
Istanbul Medipol University hosted an important panel titled “Sustainability in the Plastics Industry.” PLASFED Chairman of the Board Ömer Karadeniz participated as a speaker in the panel, which was moderated by Rana Atabay. Packoroma Brand Leader Zeynep Ilgaz Çiftçi and Korozo Group Sustainability Manager Nilay Bilecik also shared their evaluations during the panel. The meeting comprehensively covered the production power of the plastics industry, sustainability efforts, recycling processes, source separation systems, and the green transformation process.
Speaking at the panel, President Ömer Karadeniz said that the Turkish plastics industry has become one of the most strategic production areas of the national economy today. Stating that the sector contributes significantly to the Turkish economy with a production capacity exceeding 10 million tons, a turnover approaching 50 billion dollars, and exports of 9.5 billion dollars, Karadeniz noted that Turkey ranks second in Europe after Germany and seventh in the world in plastic production.
Emphasizing that the plastics industry is not just a production area on its own, Karadeniz said that they are the primary supplier for many sectors ranging from automotive to packaging, and from agriculture to electronics. Stating that the strength of the plastics industry directly affects the overall competitiveness of Turkish industry, Karadeniz noted that the sector continues to produce and export despite high interest rates, problems in accessing finance, energy costs, and the global economic contraction.
Stating that sustainability is no longer a choice but has become one of the fundamental conditions of production, Karadeniz said that the Turkish plastics industry is making significant investments in recycling technologies, energy efficiency, carbon footprint management, and the use of sustainable raw materials.
Emphasizing that the source separation system forms the basis of recycling, Karadeniz stated that it is of great importance that waste is separated correctly at the point where it is first generated. Stating that everyone from local governments to industrialists, and from consumers to central government, must take responsibility in this process, Karadeniz said that an effective separation system would both protect the environment and reduce Turkey's dependence on imported raw materials.
This content has been translated using artificial intelligence technology.