Şişecam and EBRD Partnership to Modernize Glass Recycling Sector in Turkey

Şişecam Group and the multilateral European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) are joining forces to lead the industrialization of Turkey's glass recycling sector. Under a partnership that is a world first, Şişecam and EBRD are establishing a new company called "Şişecam Çevre Sistemleri A.Ş." Prof. Dr. Ahmet Kırman, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Şişecam Group, speaking at a signing ceremony held in Istanbul, emphasized that the Group, whose foundations were laid exactly 81 years ago, has become a global player in all basic areas of glass such as flat glass, household glass products, glass packaging and glass fiber, as well as in soda and chromium chemicals. "Şişecam is the world's third largest producer of household glass products, fourth largest in glass packaging and fifth largest in flat glass. In addition to being the world's tenth largest soda producer, we are the global leader in chromium chemicals. With the strength we draw from our 44 production facilities in 13 countries, our sales reaching 150 countries and our workforce exceeding 21,000, we are progressing steadily towards our goal of ranking in the world's top three in our main areas of activity. In line with this objective, we are conducting all our operations with a sense of 'corporate citizenship' in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner," he said. Stressing that they aim to use natural resources most efficiently, minimize environmental impacts and continuously improve energy efficiency, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Kırman continued as follows: "One of the keys to the progress we have demonstrated in reducing carbon emissions as part of combating climate change is integrating our 'Environmental and Energy Policy' into all our operations. Through this policy, we commit to using natural resources efficiently, increasing recycling and recovery. In particular for glass packaging, we have voluntarily assumed the responsibility of leading all stakeholders in the collection and recycling of glass waste. We are continuously working to improve glass recycling infrastructure in our country and to support the transition process to a 'recycling society'."

Knowledge transfer to be provided alongside financial support

Noting that despite the progress and success achieved, there is still much work to be done in glass recycling, Kırman said: "In this direction, we are taking an important step with EBRD, with which we share common values, which will bring significant benefits to the recycling sector. With the aim of pioneering the industrialization of the recycling sector, we are establishing a new company called 'Şişecam Çevre Sistemleri A.Ş.' Through this company, of which EBRD will be a 10 percent partner, in addition to favorable-term and long-term financing support that will accelerate the modernization of our country's leading glass collection and recycling companies, knowledge transfer will also be provided through expert services. Thanks to EBRD, Şişecam Çevre Sistemleri will gain access to global technical expertise. The objective is for it to become one of the most important authorities in our country on environmental and energy matters, particularly waste management. Consulting services will be provided to the sector on recycling, collection, communication activities, bringing suppliers into a corporate structure, as well as on quality, environmental and occupational safety systems."

Innovative approach for recycling sector

Frederic Lucenet, Director of Manufacturing and Services Sectors at EBRD, stated that the partnership with Şişecam is one of the investments that provide environmental benefits in line with EBRD's "Green Economy Transition" approach, noting that the new investment is the product of an innovative approach to overcoming the challenges of the recycling sector. Pointing out that Turkey's glass recycling rate is still considerably lower compared with Western European countries, Lucenet said: "Unlike all other materials, glass can be recycled endlessly, and this recycling process does not adversely affect the quality of the final product. The collection and recycling of glass waste, particularly glass packaging, and its use as cullet in production contributes not only to the economy but also to the environment by significantly reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions."

Equivalent to air cleaned by 20 million trees

Under Turkey's most comprehensive glass recycling project launched by Şişecam Group in 2011, the following has been accomplished to date: • Cooperation has been established with 141 district municipalities in 21 provinces. • 14,000 glass savings boxes have been donated to municipalities. • Awareness training has been provided to over 220,000 primary school students. • Through awareness activities, 2.5 million people have been reached and informed about the importance of glass recycling. As a result of all these efforts: • The amount of recycled glass increased from 67,000 tons annually to 141,000 tons in 2015. • Between 2011-2015, 580,000 tons of glass was prevented from going to landfill. • The rate of cullet use in production increased from 8 percent to 19 percent. • Energy savings were achieved at a level that would meet the heating and hot water needs of 27,000 residential units. • Carbon dioxide emissions equivalent to 230,000 automobiles being removed from traffic were prevented. • Carbon dioxide emissions equivalent to the air cleaned by 20 million trees were prevented.