The increasing trends toward restrictions and bans on single-use plastics are deepening the environment of uncertainty in the plastics industry, while creating serious pressure on the structure extending from production to the supply chain. PLASFED President Ömer Karadeniz emphasizes that the most critical element in managing this process is not bans, but a strong Source Separation System and an effective circular economy infrastructure, stating that a sustainable solution will only be possible through this approach.
The increasing trends toward restrictions and bans on single-use plastic products are deepening the environment of uncertainty in the plastics industry while creating significant pressure on the structure extending from production to the supply chain. Ömer Karadeniz, Chairman of the Board of the Plastics Industrialists Federation (PLASFED), pointed out that for the healthy management of this process, instead of prohibitive approaches, a strong Source Separation System (SSS) and an effective circular economy infrastructure are essential.
Stating that the developments in the sector are no longer just a transformation process, but also creating increasing anxiety and a problem of predictability, Karadeniz said that the regulations on single-use products are complicating the medium and long-term plans of industrialists. Karadeniz said, “Restrictions and ban trends in this area are delaying investment decisions, making production planning difficult, and increasing the risk of fragility in the supply chain.”
“The level of anxiety in the sector is rising”
Stating that the increasing cost pressure and the gap created by alternatives that are not yet sufficiently developed are increasing the anxiety in the sector, Karadeniz emphasized that the industrialist is faced not only with economic fluctuations but also with a structural uncertainty that affects production continuity.
Pointing out that regulations on single-use plastics create chain effects, Karadeniz used the following expressions: “Decisions regarding this product group affect not only one production item but the entire structure, from raw material supply to logistics, from SMEs to large-scale industrial establishments. Today, one of the most important problems of the sector is uncertainty and the resulting lack of foresight.”
“Transformation creates cost pressure on SMEs”
Karadeniz stated that the plastics industry has a structure that supports environmental sustainability and circular economy goals, but this transformation must be managed with a realistic and planned transition model.
Emphasizing that the Source Separation System is of critical importance at this point, Karadeniz said, “The fundamental issue in waste management is obtaining the necessary raw material for recycling correctly. No model established without strengthening the Source Separation System is sustainable. In addition, the effective implementation of both the Deposit Return System and the Source Separation System will contribute to closing the raw material deficit, at least to some extent.”
Stating that the transformation process creates cost pressure, especially on SMEs, Karadeniz emphasized that policies should be shaped by considering the realities of the sector and production balances, evaluating that, “Environmental goals can only become permanent with policies that do not exclude production but rather strengthen the circular economy.”
At this point, Karadeniz also calls on decision-makers, stating that environmental goals can only be sustained with planned and infrastructure-strengthened policies that are compatible with production realities.
This content has been translated using artificial intelligence technology.