“We Need to Reduce Waste Imports to Zero in 3-4 Years”

Mr. Zeki Sarıbekir, President of ASD Turkish Packaging Manufacturers Association made a clear evaluation on waste imports that have recently appeared in the agenda: “We should gradually reduce the import of waste to zero in 3-4 years, just as China did."

Turkey's ranking first in waste imports in Europe continues to appear on the agenda. ASD Turkish Packaging Manufacturers Association made a statement on the matter. Zeki Sarıbekir, President of ASD said that waste imports should be reduced to zero within 3-4 years. According to Mr. Zeki Sarıbekir, everyone needs to be aware of this issue in order to develop the recycling sector. Quality recycling can be achieved by collecting wastes separately at the source and collecting them separately via local governments.

“Sustainable development goals, circular economy and European Green Deal are our main agenda”

Stating that wastes should be collected separately under the supervision of municipalities, Mr. Zeki Sarıbekir, President of ASD said, "Sustainable development goals, circular economy and European Green Deal matters should be our main agenda. These issues are of great importance for country's reputation. The most important thing for us within the scope of sustainable development goals is 'Responsible consumption and production'. As a country, we need to pursue this framework in the production and consumption cycle. Turkey cannot and should not be the country that imports the most waste from EU countries. The carbon footprint, circular economy and European Green Deal will be decisive elements in the new world order. As an export, production and employment-oriented packaging industry, we strongly oppose this situation. This may also negatively affect Turkey's total exports”.

Key point in exports to Europe: European Green Deal

Underlining that 'Sustainability' and 'Environment' factors are decisive in packaging production, Mr. Zeki Sarıbekir said: “Recycling of packaging is highly important to contribute to the country's economy and the environment. Packages are not garbage, they are materials that create economy. We also import recycled plastic, which is an input in our production. We should reduce these imports to zero over time by reinforcing our country's recycling infrastructure. Recycling our own waste will make great contribution to our economy. We also include the European Green Deal, Circular Economy and Recycling vision for a sustainable environment in our agenda. The European Union also aims to gradually implement the European Green Deal within the framework of the climate – neutrality objective  for 2050. As ASD, we will closely follow the transition to a carbon-free economy and continue to provide our sector with the best support we can offer as we do our part in the next period”.

Sincerely,

ASD Turkish Packaging Manufacturers Association