Sustainable Growth in the Packaging Industry

Sustainable Growth in the Packaging Sector The packaging sector, which generated more than USD 2 billion in trade surplus last year with exports exceeding USD 5 billion, continues to contribute indirectly to Turkey's economy. The sector is targeting USD 28 billion in turnover for 2021. According to a statement from the Packaging Manufacturers Association (ASD), the sector enables approximately USD 400 billion in economic activity in Turkey through packaging. The packaging sector, which has launched serious initiatives for sustainability—the most important agenda item of the future—aims to contribute further to the country's economy in the coming years by generating greater trade surpluses. According to the information provided, packaging professionals met at a webinar organized by ASD titled "Global Economy and Working Life After the Pandemic." The webinar, moderated by ASD Chairman Zeki Sarıbekir and attended by 240 registered participants, featured economist Prof. Dr. Emre Alkin and psychologist Prof. Dr. Acar Baltaş as speakers. Topics discussed included the current state of the packaging sector, current agenda items, and the sector's future prospects. ASD Chairman Zeki Sarıbekir, whose views were included in the statement, noted that turnover rose from USD 23 billion in 2019 to USD 25 billion in 2020, stating: "Our target for 2021 is USD 28 billion. We believe we will reach a size of USD 30 billion by 2023. We enable approximately USD 400 billion in economic activity in Turkey through our packaging products. Our products are directly exported to 180 countries worldwide. Last year, we generated a trade surplus of USD 2.028 billion. Our 2020 exports were USD 5.147 billion. In the first six months of 2021, we exported USD 3.044 billion and generated a trade surplus of USD 1.222 billion. The packaging sector's contribution is significant in the country's economy's second-quarter growth rate, which realized at 21.7 percent. Our export target for this year is USD 6 billion. Per capita packaging consumption in Turkey has doubled over the past 15 years. The global average is USD 120, but we have reached USD 272. In Europe, this figure is above USD 400, around USD 500 in America, and above USD 550 in Japan. We also view packaging consumption as a symbol of development." Zeki Sarıbekir, noting that sustainability is the most important issue for the coming period, stated that the Turkish packaging sector has a strong infrastructure and competence to compete with global rivals, and continued: "There is intense competition in global markets. To keep pace with this competition, we consistently say that sustainability will be the most important issue of the coming period. We must work towards a sustainable world and produce sustainable packaging. Sustainable development goals, circular economy, and green agreement have become very important topics and will constantly remain on our agenda. As ASD, we will continue to provide various webinars and training on this subject."