The Turkish plastics market Provides Excellent Opportunities for British Companies

The Turkish plastics industry is one of the youngest and most rapidly developing industries in Turkey, generating an impressive 17% economic growth over the last few years. There are nearly 6,000 companies in the Turkish plastics industry, out of which 98% comprising of small and medium sized enterprises. The industry is currently employing more than 200,000 people and creating employment opportunities for an 20,000 new employees each year!

At 50kg per capita, the plastic consumption in Turkey is currently considerably behind developed countries, but it is growing fast and only serves to prove that the potential demand for plastics in the marketplace.

The use of plastics is lead by packaging along with construction and electronic appliances. Despite being light in terms of polymer and petrochemical production there is expertise in masterbatch and compound production, and a growing interest in recycling.  There are 34 masterbach companies in Turkey including Clariant, Sisan, Aksoy, Vira and Gulsan.

The plastic processing capacity, with its annual average growth rate of 15% is expected to increase to 13 million tons between 2007-2014 and to position Turkey in first place among EU countries in terms of plastic processing capacity.

In spite of the rapid growth trend, the domestic plastics raw material production capacity fails to meet the growing demand. Consequently about 80-85% of the plastic raw material demand is met by imports.

Turkeys largest plastics trade fair, Plast Eurasia, is being held this year berween 27th -30th of Novemeber. The show is growing year on year and 2008 will see the biggest show ever with 10 exhibition Halls, over 1000 exhibitors and nearly visitors expected.  At the fair the British Plastics Federation is co-ordinating a British Pavilion with over 100 sqm. space reserved for UK companies.  Located in one of the major Halls at the show the British Pavilion will be a strong drive for visitors from all over the world!   UK Trade & Investment has grants available for Small and Medium companies, which haven’t exported to Turkey in last 12 months. The price of exhibiting at the British Pavilion is €240 per sqm.for fully constructed stand and with the government support of £1000, eligible companies can still book a 9sqm stand for as low as £700!

For more information and to book a stand visit www.bpfevents.co.uk or contact:

Justyna Jaworska on 02074575001 or [email protected]