The ban on plastic forks, knives, and straws is on the way.

The Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change is working on a new regulation to reduce plastic pollution. The regulation, which is nearing completion, aims to ban the sale of certain single-use plastic products that harm the environment by the end of the year.

The regulation aims to reduce plastic pollution, prevent marine litter, and mitigate the negative environmental impacts of microplastics. It is also considered an important part of the process of aligning with the European Union's Single-Use Plastics Directive.

The products slated for inclusion in the ban specifically feature some commonly used plastic items from everyday life.

Products Planned to be Included in the Ban

According to the draft regulation, the products slated for market ban are listed as follows:

• Plastic forks, knives, and spoons.

• plastic plate

• Plastic straw

• Cotton swabs with plastic sticks

• Food containers made from expanded polystyrene (EPS – foam)

• Some plastic beverage containers

These products are known to cause environmental damage, forming a significant portion of marine debris and remaining undegraded in nature for many years.

A New Step Towards Circular Economy Goals

In recent years, significant steps have been taken in Türkiye to combat plastic pollution. The “2025–2028 National Circular Economy Strategy and Action Plan” and the “Single-Use Plastics, Marine Debris and Microplastics Roadmap,” published last year, form the basic framework for policies and practices in this area.

The roadmap aims to reduce single-use plastics, increase recycling rates, and promote sustainable production models.

A New Era for the HORECA Sector

With the regulation coming into effect, alternatives to some single-use products, especially those used in the hotel, restaurant, cafe, and takeaway sectors, will become more prominent. An increase in demand for biodegradable products, reusable serving equipment, and sustainable packaging solutions is expected in the sector.

Experts say the regulation will not only reduce environmental impacts but also encourage new sustainability-focused business models in the food service sector.

Source: HORECA TREND and the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change