Ömer Karadeniz: Plastic Restrictions Are Creating Pressure
Growing restrictions and bans on single-use plastics are increasing uncertainty and cost pressure in the plastics industry. PLASFED President Ömer Karadeniz stated that these regulations are creating a wide-ranging impact, from production to the supply chain, and said the sector is facing a predictability problem.
Rising restrictions and bans on single-use plastics are increasing uncertainty and cost pressures in the plastics industry. PLASFED Chairman Ömer Karadeniz stated that these regulations create broad impacts spanning from production to the supply chain, and that the sector faces a predictability problem.
Karadeniz emphasized that sustainable solutions must be achieved through a robust Source Separation System (KAS) and effective circular economy infrastructure, rather than prohibitive approaches to single-use plastics.
"Uncertainty affects investment decisions"
Stating that rising regulations in the sector create not only an environmental transformation but also economic pressure, Karadeniz said, "Restriction and ban trends delay investment decisions, complicate production planning, and increase fragility risks in the supply chain."
Noting that rising costs and the underdeveloped state of alternative products are increasing concern across the sector, Karadeniz expressed that the plastics industry faces structural uncertainty.
"The entire value chain is affected"
Pointing out that decisions on single-use plastics create cascading effects, Karadeniz stated that this process affects not only production but the entire value chain, including raw material supply, logistics, and SMEs.
Karadeniz assessed that "one of the most important problems facing the sector today is uncertainty and the lack of foresight connected to it."
Solution: Source separation and circular economy
Emphasizing that the plastics industry supports sustainability goals but that the transition must be conducted in a planned manner, Karadeniz drew attention to the critical role of the Source Separation System (KAS).
Pointing to the importance of properly obtaining the necessary raw materials for recycling in waste management, Karadeniz said that joint implementation of the Deposit Return System and KAS could reduce raw material gaps.
Cost pressure on SMEs increasing
Noting that the transition process creates additional costs particularly on SMEs, Karadeniz stated that environmental goals can only be sustained through policies aligned with production realities.
Calling on decision-makers, Karadeniz added that environmental policies must be implemented with consideration for industrial balance, strengthened infrastructure, and within a long-term planning framework.
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