Implementation of laws
Laws do exist (Food Codex, etc.), but are not implemented. For instance, although there are provisions stating that food covered by the Food Directive (Codex) may not be sold unpacked, many products including bread are delivered to consumers un-packed neglecting hygiene and public health and this practice is not punished.
There are problems related to EU harmonisation. Legislation about packaging includes regulations that hinder the provision and supply of raw materials. The amount of for-maldehyde used as binding agent in the production of cardboard and similar packag-ing materials and the rule that production chips from rigid plastic packaging produc-tion may not, even if uncontaminated, be used for food packaging are examples of is-sues that were hot in 2007.
Preparation of a general data bank
Although various import and export analyses can be made, sound and clear produc-tion figures cannot be calculated and conclusions and directions can only be based on estimates. Therefore, the reliability of any decisions is based on how close these esti-mates are to the actual values. In an industry that has a minimum volume of more than 4 million tons, it is highly important for operations to at least be able to transfer data about basic capacity and production. It is foreseen that the work must be per-formed within TOBB to establish a packaging profession category within a very near future and the companies that operate in that sector can make it possible for the Is-tanbul Chamber of Commerce to include packaging branch into the analyses that are carried out every year and that shed light on the Turkish Industry. On the other hand, the reliability of these analyses shall be enhanced when Voluntary Non-Governmental Organisations have access to data banks that are open to Exporters’ Unions.
Information and solidarity bridges
One of the ongoing projects is establishment of an information and solidarity network which foresees using internet and other communication media in order to avoid re-petitive work and to make references to global markets and help any possible coop-eration within the sector.
Turkish Packaging Industry Inventory
In an effort by ASD (Packaging Manufacturers Association) , 2650 companies in Turk-ish Packaging Industry are being listed for the entire country. Chamber addresses, participants of all packaging fairs in Turkey and addresses collected from the existing related address catalogues are updated by making phone calls at intervals of 3-6 months and are presented in CD format. Potential buyers and Turkish manufacturers can meet more easily and regularly by making this address and product list more comprehensive and easily accessible through internet. This will facilitate trading and contribute to the sector development.
Trade Platforms
Trade platforms where both manufacturers and commercial sector activities are pre-sented in the most comprehensive and qualified manner and where buyers and sup-plier can meet have important roles in sector development. Among them, fairs have the most significant place. Although there are various fair organisations, this activity is becoming focused on Istanbul Packaging Fair (TUYAP) . This fair which keeps on de-veloping with the support of sector associations has its alternatives at local level only. On the other hand, the existence of a single specialised fair in the country shall pro-vide the expected commercial benefit and efficiency. This international trade platform and similar promotional activities shall better con-tinue as part of the efforts to develop an organisational identity. This year the 14 th exhibition will be held during 23-26 October 2008.
