‘Let's Recycle Our Waste' Message from ASD at Türkiye Environment Week

ASD Turkish Packaging Manufacturers Association, the umbrella organization of the packaging industry, underlined the significance of Türkiye Environment Week, which will be celebrated on the week of June 5 together with World Food Safety Day on June 7 and drew attention to the issues of zero waste, recycling and safe packaging. Noting that the celebration of June 5 World Environment Day as “Türkiye Environment Week” in Türkiye as of this year is an important message, Mr. Zeki Sarıbekir, President of ASD stated that complete recycling of its own waste by Türkiye would be a very valuable step for the environment and that this issue should be emphasized.

Based on the Presidential memorandum, World Environment Day will be celebrated as “Türkiye Environment Week” in Türkiye covering the week in question starting from this year. This year, the emphasis will be on sustainable, nature-friendly, cleaner and greener life. In the memorandum noting that environmental awareness in Türkiye is increasing day by day regarding protection of the natural environment, creation of sustainable living areas, and combating climate change, it was stated that environmental problems and developments will thus be handled in a more participatory and multi-stakeholder manner.

TÜRKİYE ENVIRONMENT WEEK IS A VERY IMPORTANT MESSAGE

Stating that celebration of World Environment Day for a week in Türkiye carries a significant message in terms of the importance of the environment, Mr. Zeki Sarıbekir, President of ASD noted that these celebrations that will become a tradition will contribute to development of environmental awareness in our country. Mr. Zeki Sarıbekir underlined the significance of support provided by relevant institutions and organizations to all activities organized in the scope of Türkiye Environment Week and noted stated that environmental awareness must be developed starting from young ages thus, future generations can have the chance to live in a much cleaner environment.

Pointing out that one of the most important issues regarding environmental protection is waste management, Mr. Zeki Sarıbekir emphasized that the 'zero waste' project must be embraced by all segments of the society and kept on the public agenda. Stating that packaging became an economic resource to the extent that it can be recycled, Mr. Zeki Sarıbekir noted: “Packaging is not a factor that creates environmental pollution. As much as we can recycle packages, we do not harm the environment and also turn it into a significant input for the economy. Thus, we can prevent the importation of waste that has been on the agenda recently, creating added value for the environment and economy from our own waste. However, in order to do this, the recycling sector in our country needs to be further empowered.”

SAFE FOOD GOES THROUGH PACKAGING

Drawing attention to June 7, World Food Safety Day, Mr. Zeki Sarıbekir stated that the way to safe food goes through safe packaging. Noting that packaging plays a vital role in preserving the freshness of food and preventing spoilage, Mr. Zeki Sarıbekir noted that: “The main challenge here is the products that are sold in the open without consideration to any hygienic conditions. These products carry health risks and cause significant waste. Packaging, on the other hand, provides full protection in the process from production to the end user and ensures that the products are delivered to their places in the most hygienic and clean way. Thus, raising awareness of consumers is very important. As long as we use packaged products and send these packages to recycling, we can make an increased contribution to the environment and national economy.”

Sincerely,

ASD Turkish Packaging Manufacturers Association