The packaging industry realized an export of 3 billion 44 million dollars in the first 6 months of 2021 and achieved an increase of 26 percent. Accordingly, total packaging exports, which were 1.39 million tons in the first 6 months of 2020, increased by 6 percent in the first 6 months of 2021 to 1.48 million tons. While the packaging industry imports was 898 tons in the first 6 months of 2020, it was calculated as 930 tons in the first 6 months of 2021. On the basis of value, the figures were 1.5 billion dollars and 1.8 billion dollars, respectively, while the total imports of the packaging industry were 4 percent in quantity and 19 percent in value, compared to the previous year.
Commenting on the export figures of the packaging industry, Zeki Sarıbekir said, “As in 2020, we continue to have a foreign trade surplus in 2021, despite the pandemic process. When we look at the general totals by packaging type, we see that in the first 6 months of 2021, plastic packaging ranks first with a share of 67 percent, and paper/cardboard packaging takes the second place with a share of 22 percent. The countries to which we export the most in 2021 are respectively the UK, Germany, Iraq, the USA and Israel.”
“Circular Economy and Sustainability should be our main agenda”
Pointing out that two important points are of great importance in packaging production, Zeki Sarıbekir said these points are ‘Sustainability’ and ‘Environment’. Zeki Sarıbekir concluded his words as follows: “Sustainable development goals, circular economy and green reconciliation should be our main agenda. These issues are of great importance for Turkey’s reputation and the Green Deal harmonization process. The most important point for us within the scope of sustainable development goals is ‘responsible consumption and production’. As a country, we should proceed within this framework in the production and consumption cycle. In order to achieve our export targets, we must closely monitor the transition to a carbon-neutral economy. As ASD, we will continue to provide our industry with the support we can by doing our part in this regard.”