Türkiye Boosts National Strategy to Combat Plastic Waste
Plastic Recycling | 2026-09-03 10:29:53
The findings are expected to support the development of the 2053 Türkiye Plastic Vision and preparations for COP31, which is to be hosted in November by the country.
By Paul Ploumis
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Türkiye has decided to move ahead with a nationwide plan to reduce plastic pollution and build a more circular plastics industry. The move follows a two-day workshop, which brought together approximately 600 representatives from government, local authorities, academia, civil society and industry.
The Türkiye Plastic Waste Workshop, held in Istanbul on August 31 and September 1, examined the country's plastics system through 15 specialist discussion groups. The findings are expected to support the development of the 2053 Türkiye Plastic Vision and preparations for COP31, which is to be hosted in November by the country.
Participants called for wider use of recycled materials, better source-separated collection and greater investment in advanced recycling technologies. They also emphasized the need for improved tracking systems as well as stronger testing and certification facilities. Expansion of mechanical recycling, along with development of chemical and other advanced technologies, could reduce dependence on imported raw materials, they said.
The workshop also highlighted the need to gradually reduce single-use plastics and strengthen enforcement measures. It also recommended better use of digital tools and artificial intelligence techniques to improve monitoring.
Türkiye aims to develop the country into a regional circular plastics and recycling hub by 2053.
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POLL
Which measure should Türkiye prioritize to build a circular plastics industry?
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Türkiye’s new plastics initiative focused on?
Türkiye is developing a nationwide strategy to reduce plastic pollution and strengthen circularity in the plastics industry. The initiative seeks to increase recycling, improve waste collection and reduce dependence on imported raw materials while supporting the country's longer-term 2053 plastics vision.
- What recommendations emerged from the Türkiye Plastic Waste Workshop?
Participants called for greater use of recycled materials, improved source-separated collection, stronger tracking systems and increased investment in recycling technologies. They also emphasized the need for better testing and certification infrastructure and stronger enforcement against plastic pollution.
- How could advanced recycling technologies benefit Türkiye?
Expanding mechanical recycling alongside chemical and other advanced recycling technologies could increase the amount of plastic waste recovered and reused. According to the workshop findings, this could also help Türkiye reduce its reliance on imported raw materials and strengthen its domestic plastics value chain.
