ŞENER GENÇER
Aegean Plastics Industrialists Association (EGEPLASDER)
Chairman of the Board
Decarbonized industry is no longer an option, it's a necessity. Turkish industry is on the verge of a costly but inevitable transformation with CBAM starting from 2026. The way to maintain competitiveness is to reduce the carbon footprint, digitize, and comply with sustainability criteria.
A completely different era awaits Turkish industry, especially sectors with high energy consumption and emission releases, starting from January 1, 2026.
The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), implemented by the European Union as part of its “Fit for 55” package, is one of the most critical tools serving Europe's goal of becoming the "first carbon-neutral continent" by 2050. With CBAM, the EU aims to prevent carbon leakage, increase the effectiveness of the Emission Trading System, and keep the global temperature increase below two degrees.
THOSE AT THE BARREL'S END
I can almost hear my colleagues asking, "What will this cost us?" CBAM, which entered into force on May 17, 2023, includes reporting and data collection obligations with a transition period starting in October 2023. The real turning point is January 1, 2026. From this date, financial obligations related to carbon content will come into effect.
Although the EU cannot directly impose taxes on third countries, it mandates importers within the Union to obtain Carbon Certificates. In the first phase, iron and steel, cement, aluminum, fertilizers, electricity, and hydrogen sectors will be covered; in the subsequent period, petroleum, paper, glass, ceramics, plastics, and bricks sectors will also be added.
A challenging, costly, but inevitable transformation awaits the Turkish economy. Because the fight against climate change is no longer just about environmental rhetoric, but directly at the heart of industrial policies. The question that demands an answer for all of us is this:
As global industry rapidly decarbonizes, how ready is Turkish industry for this transformation?
NOT AN OPTION, BUT A NECESSITY
Decarbonization is not merely an issue of environmental sensitivity or social responsibility, but directly an issue of competitiveness. Companies unable to calculate their carbon footprint, digitize their production, or comply with sustainability criteria will face significant disadvantages, especially in the European market.
The plastics sector, with its high production volume and export power, is a strategic area for Turkey. In the last 20 years, we have gained significant momentum, becoming the second largest producer in Europe and the sixth largest in the world. However, this growth also brings high carbon emissions, waste management problems, and energy efficiency gaps.
GUIDING THE COMPLIANCE PROCESS
As EGEPLASDER, we are taking concrete steps to foresee the effects of this transformation on our sector early and prepare our members. We are striving to enhance our members' competencies through company visits, informational meetings, and R&D collaboration with C&C at Celal Bayar University TECHNOCITY.
Our UR-GE project, one of our most important endeavors, focuses not only on increasing exports but also on carbon footprint calculations, sustainable production consultancy, digital infrastructure transformation, and compliance with international environmental regulations. With this clustering model, which includes 17 İzmir-based companies, we aim for our members to adapt to the process with collective awareness and low costs. This project, 75% publicly funded, represents a first in our sector.
LET OUR WASTE BECOME FURNITURE
Sustainability encompasses not only energy but also waste management. With this understanding, our “Let Our Waste Be Furniture” project aims to transform plastic waste into urban furniture. Thanks to this project shared with Izmir Metropolitan Municipality, industrial waste is not only disposed of but also transformed into added value. This initiative serves as an exemplary model in terms of both environmental and social responsibility.
TO NOT MISS THE FUTURE…
Global industry is rapidly advancing on the path of decarbonization. This process will directly shape our production models, export standards, and investment priorities. The Turkish plastics sector, with its strong production infrastructure and export potential, must not fall behind in this race.
However, good intentions and awareness alone are not enough for transformation. Concrete steps, proper guidance, financial support, and organized solidarity are required.
As EGEPLASDER, we not only guide our members but also develop, implement, and share viable models that pave the way for transformation.
This content has been translated using artificial intelligence technology.