Zero Waste Foundation Presents Plastic Waste Report in Istanbul

The Zero Waste Foundation (Sıfır Atık Vakfı) unveiled its Plastic Waste Report at a press conference in Istanbul attended by foundation president and COP31 High‑Level Climate Champion Samed Ağırbaş and Istanbul Governor Davut Gül. The report highlighted that global plastic production has risen from 234 million tonnes in 2000 to 460 million tonnes today, while plastic waste grew from 156 million tonnes to about 353‑356 million tonnes. Turkey’s per‑capita plastic waste generation is 48 kg per year, roughly 44.9 % above the world average.

Governor Gül emphasized that environmental issues are a matter of national security and one of the world’s most critical challenges, urging the city to become a model for zero‑waste practices. He announced that Istanbul will host the country’s largest Plastic Waste Workshop from 31 August to 1 September, involving more than 40 government agencies, universities, NGOs and experts. The workshop will develop a Plastic Action Plan to be released publicly after the event.