The year 2025 was a period when a long-felt change materialized for the Turkish economy, policy preferences became clear, and the pursuit of stability permeated all sectors. This year was etched in memory as one where the fight against inflation took center stage, and the return to traditional policy tools reshaped economic psychology. High interest rates, cooling domestic demand, and a slowdown in growth are seen as the necessary costs of a healthy normalization process. This challenging but essential backdrop served as a canvas showcasing all the colors, their tones, and the resilience of the economy. And on this canvas, the plastics sector stood out as one of the most vibrant and dynamic colors.
Plastics rank among the nerves of Turkey's manufacturing industry, much like steel. In 2025, these nerves demonstrated incredible flexibility against global fluctuations, cost pressures, and the transformation in the domestic market. The sector did not just survive; it harnessed the winds of change, filling its sails for new routes. The cost inflation created by the inflationary environment forced companies to find more creative solutions in terms of efficiency, energy saving, and waste management, while also pushing the sector to internalize that the circular economy is not just a "slogan" but a "survival strategy".
Exporters opened up to new markets
On the export front, the traditional strength of the Turkish plastics sector was crowned by opening up to new markets. While maintaining its strong presence in the European market, fragilities in global supply chains and new quests opened doors of opportunity for our firms across a spectrum extending from the USA to Africa, from the Middle East to Latin America. The Turkish manufacturer's fast, flexible, and quality-focused production capability became the key to positioning itself as a reliable supplier in these geographies. This situation meant increasing the sector's dependence on foreign markets rather than reducing its external dependence. However, perhaps the most lasting legacy of 2025 was the beginning of sustainability becoming ingrained in the sector's DNA. The regulations brought by the EU Green Deal ceased to be a distant threat and permeated factory floors, R&D laboratories, and product design processes. The use of recycled raw materials began to be seen not as a cost item, but as a competitive advantage and a market entry ticket. This was a strategic evolution that reduced the sector's environmental footprint while also extending its economic lifespan.
So, what will 2026 bring us?
For the Turkish economy, 2026 could be a year when the fruits of the strict measures taken in 2025 begin to be reaped. The strengthening downward trend in inflation could pave the way for a more lasting improvement in consumer and investor confidence. This environment is also preparing a new stage for the plastics sector. Competition will now be shaped by innovation, smart material development, and green identity, rather than just price. Circularity will cease to be a "sign of good intention" and will transform into a "business model" directly affecting profitability and market share. In conclusion, 2025 was a year of trial, resilience, and also awakening for Turkey and the plastics sector. While experiencing transitional pains, our sector grasped clues to exist more strongly in the global arena. 2026 has the potential to be a concrete step towards a more stable, innovative, and sustainable future by following these clues. Challenges may not end, but our capacity to deal with these challenges became the most valuable treasure that 2025 brought us.
This content has been translated using artificial intelligence technology.