Turkish Plastics Industry Ranks Second in Europe

According to the Turkey Plastic Sector Monitoring Report by the Turkish Plastics Manufacturers' Research, Development and Training Foundation (PAGEV), production in 2023 is estimated to increase by 2.5% in volume terms compared to 2022, while declining by 11.1% in value terms, reaching 10.8 million tonnes and USD 39.3 billion. With the production capacity it has achieved, the sector has risen to second place in Europe and sixth place globally. In 2022, the plastics and plastic products sector maintained its position as the top exporting sector within the total chemicals sector with USD 10 billion in exports and a 30.3% share. The contribution of the plastics sector to the country's economy is increasing, with total production approaching 10 million tonnes, turnover around USD 33 billion, and direct exports approaching USD 10 billion.

"We must shift towards high value-added products"

Assessing the decline in value while production increases, Necati Yağmur, Regional Sales Manager at Özemek Plastik Turkey, noted that costs are rising because most raw materials are imported, and stressed the necessity for the country to invest more in high value-added innovative products. Stating that Özemek Plastik exports to 55 countries, Yağmur drew attention to the importance of investments in innovative products for the Turkish plastics sector and continued as follows: "For the development of the sector, we must produce higher value-added products. We emphasize that we have made substantial investments in roller shutter systems. Roller shutter systems are an impressive solution particularly in tight spaces such as kitchens, offices, caravans and boats. Furthermore, since they offer horizontal and vertical operating options, they provide additional usage areas in all confined spaces—essentially, they elegantly expand living areas wherever they are used. We believe it is beneficial to focus on such initiatives and useful products that make life easier."

PVC demand growing

Noting that demand for PVC products, which are widely used in all industries, has increased further in recent years, Yağmur stated: "Roller shutter systems offering ease of use and application, PVC edge banding, PVC profiles, case seals for wooden doors and similar products are essential requirements in many sectors including construction, industry, furniture, automotive and electrical. The market share of PVC products within the plastics sector is rising, the PVC sector has recorded rapid growth and has a bright future. With the development of e-commerce, to facilitate easier access to roller shutter systems, PVC edge banding, profiles, wooden door case seals and accessories, and to respond more quickly to constantly increasing PVC product demands, we established our online sales channel a1pvcmarket.com six years ago. We complete the research and development work and all necessary tests of the products we manufacture in our facilities in our own laboratories. As a brand that has achieved firsts in the PVC profile sector and has been a source of inspiration, we will continue to contribute to the plastics sector and the Turkish economy."