Turkey's plastics industry in numbers: 10 million tons a year, more than 7 billion dollars in exports
According to PAGEV, Turkey's plastics industry is Europe's second-largest producer; it exports to about 200 countries and, driven by the EU carbon border mechanism, is investing in carbon-footprint measurement and energy efficiency.
Ekonomi Gazetesi's report "Plastics and rubber industry is being reshaped by green transformation" brings together the sector's current size and its transformation themes.
Industry figures (PAGEV 2025 Turkey Plastics Sector Monitoring Report):
- About 10 million tons of annual production
- Turnover approaching 45 billion dollars
- More than 7 billion dollars in direct exports
- Europe's second-largest and the world's sixth-largest plastics producer
Exports: According to the Trade Ministry's Easy Export Platform, plastic and rubber product exports have exceeded 15.9 billion dollars; the sector exports to about 200 countries, the largest markets being Germany, Italy and the USA. Citing a PAGEV assessment, the report says plastics and plastic goods exports reached 3.06 billion dollars in the first four months of the year and that the sector accounts for 29.5% of chemical exports.
Green transformation: The EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and sustainable-production criteria directly affect how companies produce. Under the "twin transformation" projects run by PAGDER and PAGEV, companies are investing in carbon-footprint measurement, energy efficiency and digital production infrastructure. Industry representatives say plastic use cannot be eliminated entirely; the goal is "sustainable use and effective recycling". The TOBB Plastics, Rubber and Composites Industry Council stresses that energy and raw-material costs put serious pressure on the sector.
The report also states that the sector's economic size exceeded 35 billion dollars in 2024, that it has an average annual growth potential of 8.4% through 2030, and that the price of a paid plastic bag is 1 lira as of 2026. Note: turnover (45 billion dollars) and economic size (35 billion dollars) are differently defined figures from different sources.
What does this mean for a molder?
For parts makers exporting to the EU, carbon footprint and energy use are becoming a customer criterion alongside price. Measuring cycle time, cooling time and machine load is a good start for seeing energy use per part; our cooling time calculator can help.
Is something missing or wrong in this article? ; verified errors are corrected.
