ANKARA

Türkiye has decided to phase out single-use plastics in line with the European Union's acquis, aiming to further contribute to its environmental progress.

The Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change is finalizing a new regulation modeled after the EU’s Single-Use Plastics (SUP) directive, which was adopted in 2019 to prevent and reduce the impact of certain plastic products on the environment and human health.

The ban aims to significantly reduce plastic pollution by prohibiting common disposable items such as plastic cutlery (forks, knives, spoons, and chopsticks), plates, straws, and plastic-stemmed cotton buds.

Currently in the draft stage, the regulation is expected to take effect by the end of the year following consultations with industry leaders and NGOs.

The policy encourages a shift toward sustainable alternatives made from glass, porcelain, wood, and cardboard.

The ministry estimates an annual reduction of 1.5 million tons of carbon emissions and savings of approximately $44 million in waste management costs.

Future phases of the initiative will introduce stricter labeling requirements and consumption targets for composite beverage cups, food containers, wet wipes, and all types of plastic bags used for shipping.

This follows 2022 data showing that Türkiye consumed over 700,000 tons of single-use plastics.

Public sentiment strongly supports the transition.

A joint survey by the ministry and the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat) found that over 76% of citizens favor restrictions on disposable plastics, while 80% support a shift toward reusable materials like metal and ceramic.

This high level of public support aligns with Türkiye’s National Circular Economy Strategy and Action Plan, which was officially announced and entered into force on Oct. 20, 2025.

This roadmap specifically targets the reduction of single-use plastics, marine litter, and microplastics across the country through 2028.

*Writing by Selcuk Uysal