Key to sustainable growth in 2026: Education, technology, and collaboration

The year 2025, which we are preparing to leave behind, was a period where both opportunities and challenges intertwined for our plastics sector. Global economic fluctuations, rising energy costs, and difficulties in raw material supply directly affected our sector. Despite this, the Turkish plastics industry managed to maintain its production capacity and export performance. Companies focusing on high value-added products, in particular, gained a stronger position in international markets.

As we enter 2026, our expectations are for continued stable growth in production and exports. However, the sustainability of this growth depends not only on financial indicators but also on the quality of human resources and technological transformation. At this point, the shortage of qualified personnel, one of the most fundamental problems of the sector, seems to maintain its importance in the coming period.

The problem of qualified personnel in the plastics sector poses a significant challenge for many businesses. This problem becomes even more pronounced with technological developments, raw material diversity, and the complexity of production processes.

The number of qualified personnel to work in the plastics sector is generally insufficient. Technical schools and universities do not offer enough training programs in specific fields such as plastics technology or engineering. This leads to a decrease in the skilled workforce demanded by the sector. Moreover, the sector is constantly evolving with new technologies and production methods. This change necessitates existing employees to acquire new skills. However, education systems cannot adapt quickly to these innovations.

For a lasting solution in the sector, not only students but also vocational education teachers need to be equipped in line with the requirements of the era. Today, many teachers working in vocational high schools find it difficult to keep up with rapidly developing production technologies and new material information. For this reason, it is extremely important for teachers to undertake practical internships in industrial organizations, participate in sectoral seminars, and have direct contact with current technologies.

Instructors who understand the needs of the industry and are proficient in current production processes will play a key role in developing students' skills. In this way, the disconnect between education and production can be eliminated, and young people can enter the sector more prepared.

It is necessary for educational institutions to update their curricula and increase practical training opportunities by collaborating more strongly with the sector. Employers supporting their existing employees with continuous training programs will facilitate their adaptation to new technologies. Additionally, making the sector more attractive with environmentally friendly practices and innovative projects can rekindle the interest of young people.

As BAPSİD, we also prioritize building bridges among universities, vocational high schools, and industrial organizations as a stakeholder in this process. We must create not only employment but also a vision for the future for young people gravitating towards industry.

The problem of qualified personnel in the plastics sector is a complex issue that requires both educational institutions and employers to work together. The solution to this problem will determine not only today's production capacity but also tomorrow's competitiveness. The renewal of the education system, the strengthening of teachers' knowledge, and the repositioning of the sector in the eyes of young people will be the key to sustainable growth in 2026 and beyond.