Türkiye is poised to ban single-use plastics, including food-contact materials (FCMs), in line with EU regulations, according to state-run news outlet Anadolu Agency.

Aiming to significantly reduce plastic pollution, the regulation would prohibit items like plastic cutlery, plates, and straws. Instead, a shift toward sustainable and reusable alternatives made from glass, porcelain, wood, and cardboard will be encouraged.

Future phases of the regulation’s implementation would include stricter labeling requirements and consumption targets for articles including composite beverage cups, food containers, and all types of plastic bags used for shipping.

The Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change (MEUC) is finalizing new regulation modeled after the EU’s Single-Use Plastics directive. The regulation is expected to take effect by the end of 2027 following stakeholder consultations.

Data from 2022 shows that Türkiye consumed over 700,000 tons of single-use plastics. MEUC estimates an annual reduction of 1.5 million tons of carbon emissions and savings of approximately $44 million in waste management costs.

The single-use plastics regulation aligns with Türkiye’s National Circular Economy Strategy and Action Plan.