Denizli, which has become one of Turkey's leading cities in the plastics sector, provides employment for approximately 4 thousand people. Denizli, growing day by day with its industry, creates economic value for Turkey in the plastics sector in terms of both production and export.
Ömer ÖZKUL
Denizli Plastic Industrialists and Recyclers Business People Association (DEPSİAD)
Chairman of the Board
In Denizli, the plastics sector began in the 1960s with shoe soles and the rope industry. Additionally, it gained significant momentum with the growth of recycling facilities and the injection textile industry, as well as the introduction of injection and heavy industrial products. At this point, it experienced a rapid ascent. The city, formerly known for textiles and ceramics (glassware-pottery), has now become one of Turkey's pioneers in plastic production. Firms producing in many areas such as construction, packaging, and automotive have transformed Denizli into a plastics center. Denizli, which provides a great advantage in exports with its geographical location, proximity to Izmir port, and organized industrial zones, has become a gateway to the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. Furthermore, companies focusing on environmentally friendly production models and recycling also produce different products. An increase in skilled labor is also observed, and in a way, Denizli's strength is growing. The plastics industry in Denizli currently provides employment for an average of 3 to 4 thousand people. In short, Denizli is rapidly advancing towards becoming one of Turkey's important centers in the plastics sector, in terms of both production and export!
Denizli plastics sector growing rapidly in exports
Denizli's plastics sector has become an area that contributes significantly to the economic dynamic, growing rapidly in both the domestic market and exports in recent years. Plastic products, which appeal to many sectors such as construction, packaging, and automotive, also offer great opportunities for SMEs. Organized industrial zones and modern infrastructure provide a competitive advantage, bringing foreign currency into the region with annually increasing exports. Educational institutions like Pamukkale University provide comprehensive workforce to the sector, increasing its value-added through R&D and new technologies. In short, Denizli's plastics sector is becoming a striking force that is growing rapidly, from production to exports and technological developments.
Denizli opening up to new markets
Denizli is a city that is growing day by day with its industry and is ambitious in exports. The plastic raw material sector is also an important part of this growth, but despite the sector having a globally expanding area, declines are also noticeable in some markets. In July 2022, the country with the most exports was Russia, with 29.9 million dollars, while in July 2023, it decreased by 5.24% to 28.38 million dollars. Nevertheless, Russia maintains its leadership. Italy fell to second place, and Germany was third. In July 2023, Russia, Italy, and Romania were the largest markets for plastic production.
However, an interesting point is the rapid increase in some annual outputs. In July 2023, a significant increase in exports was observed in markets such as Guinea, Ecuador, Benin, Ivory Coast, and Australia. Additionally, countries like Saudi Arabia, Guatemala, and Costa Rica, to which no exports were made in July 2022, took their place among the countries we exported to in 2023. This indicates that the sector continues to open up to new markets.
So, how was Denizli affected by this process? Although a 19.87% decrease was observed in the production of plastic raw materials in Denizli Free Zone in the July 2022-2023 comparison, significant growth was recorded in the first half of the year. Looking at the total, exports increased by 9.96% to 37,008.86 dollars between January-July 2023. We can interpret the temporary decline in July as a currency fluctuation, and the overall annual increase shows strong performance and potential in the region's plastics sector. This indicates that Denizli will have more chances for growth during this period.
Considering Denizli's entrepreneurial spirit and the adaptability of its industrialists to new markets in the production process, it is possible to say that these currencies are temporarily growing. Continuing to seek new markets and focusing on high value-added production will further solidify Denizli's position in the plastics sector. In other words, despite short-term fluctuations in numbers, it is not difficult for Denizli's long-term production to become an even stronger player!
This content has been translated using artificial intelligence technology.