According to the information given by the General Secretary of the Association of Packaging Industrialists (ASD) Mr. Doğan Erberk,  packaging materials in Turkey are basically divided into 5 main categories; namely, paper/cardboard, plastic, glass, metal and wood. However, the requirement to arrange the packaging materials in a manner to ensure physical and chemical compatibility with the product that is contained, highlights the importance of  the processing of the principal materials with new technologies and the diverse modes of utilization of the said packaging materials to be more specific, a flexibility is ensured in the materials used from the standpoint of their capability for protection,  as well as the enhancement of the shelf life of the packaged products.

In packaging industry, the principal materials can be used directly; or can be offered to the markets in the form of flexible packages through binding of the materials to each other, or through coating one or both sides of the package with the concerned substance.

Although packaging industry contains diverse material groups and a range of different processes, when assessed from the basic standpoint of the target consumers and the end users, it is noted that in spite of these differences, the industry implies an integrated totality from the standpoint of its functional characteristics.  

- Packaging is an Indication of Welfare in Developed Societies

On the whole, the packaging industry is defined as an indication of welfare in societies that are developed in terms of industry by the World Packaging Organization, of which ASD is a member.  The number of packaged products and the increase in the number of packaged products, is also considered as an indicator of qualitative and quantitative progress.  According to the figures of WPO, packaging consumption, which is 170 dollars per capita on the average amongst the EU countries, reaches 250 dollars per capita in North America and Canada, and 350 dollars in Japan; whereas, in Turkey, the average consumption per capita is currently at the level of 50 dollars. 

The assessments of ASD General Secretary Mr. Doğan Erberk regarding the packaging industry, are as follows:  “The principal branches of the packaging sector in Turkey, are not different from the principal branches of the production industry in Turkey.  However, the basic matters that are undergoing a progress concurrent with the technological progress, and that require a more intensive research and development studies, consist of the Management of the Waste Products of the Packaging Materials, ensuring of compliance by the manufacturers of packaging materials for food products with the regulations concerning hygiene, transformation from passive designs into active and original designs;  hence the accomplishment of a solid basis in the global markets; and within this context,  conducting of research and development studies both at the academic level and at the level of the enterprises, the promotion of sector specific training opportunities at various levels of training, ensuring of solidarity in global markets through professional organizations, and to promote joining of forces.

- Recruitment is Based on Qualified Labor

The majority of the work force in packaging industry, which requires a relatively developed production technology, consists of qualified labor. In the sector, the professional organization is included amongst the process based groups of the Chambers of Industry and Commerce, and the professional organization is basically not represented. Besides our Association of Packaging Industrialists consisting  of 180 members, which operates under a  structure like a federation, and which includes all packaging branches under its umbrella,  various other organizations, classified according to the raw materials used in the product, are also active. 

General Market Size: 3.5 Billion US Dollars (the figures for the year 2004 is likely to grow at a rate of around 15-20%)
General  Market Volume: 3.5 Million Tons
Export Total : 1.1 Billion US Dollars (2004)
Imports  (including raw materials) 0.3 Billion Dollars
Number of firms operating in the Sector: 2,500 firms (Of whose addresses were compiled and published in a catalogue prepared by our Association)

Total Number of Personnel Recruited : estimated to be around 55,000 – 60,000 persons