PLASFED President Ömer Karadeniz stated that while PMI data points to a slowdown in industry, the chemistry, plastics, and rubber sector is positively diverging from other sectors with a PMI value of 51.8. Touching on the debates surrounding single-use plastics, Karadeniz emphasized that the solution is not bans, but strong waste management and recycling infrastructure.
Ömer Karadeniz, Chairman of the Board of the Plastics Industrialists Federation (PLASFED), was a guest on the "Gün Sonu" program presented by Harun Erözbağ on Ekotürk TV. Evaluating the latest data regarding industrial production and the outlook for the plastics sector, Karadeniz drew attention to the PMI data, which is one of the important indicators of industrial activities in Turkey. Stating that the index fell to 47.9 in March and that this indicates a slowdown in the industry, Karadeniz said, "The PMI has been below the threshold of 50 for a long time; despite this, the chemistry, plastics, and rubber products sector is positively diverging from other sectors with a PMI value of 51.8."
Emphasizing that the Turkish plastics sector holds a strategic position for the Turkish economy, Karadeniz stated that the sector has a production volume exceeding 10 million tons, a turnover of approximately 50 billion dollars, and direct finished product exports at the level of 9.5 billion dollars. He noted that indirect exports reach up to 16 billion dollars through the automotive, white goods, and many other industrial sectors.
Pointing out that the most important element of the cost structure in the sector is raw materials, Karadeniz stated that the share of raw material costs in total production costs ranges between 70 percent and 85 percent. Stating that global wars have increased energy and raw material prices, Karadeniz emphasized that this situation has increased the pressure on the industry.
Stating that increasing Turkey's petrochemical capacity is of critical importance, Karadeniz expressed that if domestic production is strengthened, both exports will increase and a positive contribution will be made to the current account balance.
“The solution is not a ban, but effective waste management”
Ömer Karadeniz made evaluations regarding the single-use plastic regulations that have come to the agenda recently. Karadeniz said that instead of completely banning plastics, waste management should be strengthened and recycling infrastructure should be developed.
Reminding that the banning of single-use plastics is frequently debated, Karadeniz stated that many industrialists are producing in this field, and expressed that the main focus should be on managing waste correctly and ensuring environmental safety. Emphasizing that single-use plastics are not completely banned in Europe either, Karadeniz stated that in many countries, regulations are based on legislation and waste management rather than bans.
Stating that the fundamental criterion in the use of plastic products is food safety and compliance with human health, Karadeniz said that especially in developed countries, products are certified according to food contact compliance and health standards. He stated that when the necessary controls and standards are provided, plastic products can be used safely.
This content has been translated using artificial intelligence technology.