Circular Economy in Türkiye

Circular economy is a systematic approach aimed at minimizing resource use in production and consumption processes, reducing waste generation, and ensuring that materials are used for as long as possible within the economic cycle to generate value. Unlike the linear economic model, circular economy is based on efficient resource use, product reuse, repair, refurbishment, and recycling. In Türkiye, the transition to a circular economy is addressed within national development strategies and European Union alignment processes, forming the core of green transformation, resource efficiency, and waste management policies.

Representative Visual of Circular Economy (Source: Unsplash)

Data on Resource Use

In 2019, total domestic raw material consumption in Türkiye amounted to approximately 0.9 billion tons, with per capita raw material consumption recorded at around 10.84 tons. The resource efficiency indicator for the same year (GDP/DMC ratio) stood at 0.7 EUR/kg, below the European Union average. This indicates that resource use in the Turkish economy remains inefficient in generating economic output. As of 2022, the Turkish economy consists of 61% services, 31.5% industry, and 7.5% agriculture, with a population exceeding 83 million. Between 2000 and 2019, absolute resource consumption increased alongside economic growth.

Policy and Legal Framework

The concept of circular economy was first incorporated into Turkish legislation in 2020 under the “General Principles” section of Law No. 2872 on the Environment. In this context, the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change is working to align secondary legislation with circular economy principles. In 2022, the “Technical Support Project for the Assessment of Türkiye’s Potential for Transition to a Circular Economy (DEEP)”, supported by TÜBİTAK, was launched with the aim of developing a National Circular Economy Action Plan and Roadmap. According to ministry officials, the National Circular Economy Strategy and Action Plan was completed and made ready for implementation by 2025. This plan plays a vital role in helping Türkiye achieve its zero-emission targets through sustainable resource management, innovative business models, and employment generation potential. Additionally, the “National Strategy Document and Action Plan for the Prevention, Reduction and Monitoring of Food Loss and Waste”, implemented in 2020 with FAO support, supports a circular economy approach specifically in the food sector.

Circular Economy Policies and Strategic Documents

The circular economy approach in Türkiye is reflected in various strategic documents:

• 12th Development Plan (2024–2028): Includes goals on resource efficiency, sustainable production and consumption models, and green transformation.
• Regulation on Eco-design of Energy-related Products: Aims to enhance energy and resource efficiency of products.
• Framework Regulation on Energy Labeling: Covers measures to raise consumer awareness regarding energy and resource use.
• Notice on Fuel, Blending Fuel and Alternative Raw Materials Derived from Waste: Regulates the use of waste as secondary raw materials in industry.
• National Circular Economy Strategy and Action Plan: Defines six strategic objectives, 22 targets, and 52 actions based on impact analyses in packaging, batteries, vehicles, electrical and electronic equipment, food and biomass, construction, plastics, and textiles. These actions encompass legislative development and implementation measures.

Monitoring Mechanisms and Performance Indicators

Under the DEEP project, circular economy indicators have been developed, with analyses conducted using TÜİK and Eurostat data on waste generation, industrial production value, employment, and trade. Key targets include achieving 100% coverage of municipal population by wastewater treatment services (89% in 2022), increasing the reuse rate of treated wastewater from 4.2% in 2022 to 15% by 2030, and ensuring 98% beneficial use of treatment sludge.

Implementation Examples

• Public Policies: Under the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) approach, efforts are underway to reduce waste at source and promote Best Available Techniques (BAT) in cement, automotive, textile, metal, and energy sectors. Zero Waste Project guidelines prioritize extending product life and selecting recyclable products.
• Prevention of Food Loss and Waste: The “Protect Your Food” campaign, led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, reduced household food waste by 40%, achieving an economic saving of approximately 80 million US dollars. Awareness of use-by and best-before dates increased by 20%, and the recycling rate of food waste rose by 22%.
• Private Sector Applications: Clean production pilot projects have been implemented in textile, leather, cement, and automotive sectors, with widespread adoption of wastewater reuse, particularly in high-water-consumption areas. In the Marmara Sea region, textile industry initiatives aim to reduce marine pollution through re-injection of treated wastewater.

Representative Visual of Circular Economy (Source: Unsplash)

Challenges and Barriers

The transition to a circular economy in Türkiye faces structural challenges including inadequate technological infrastructure, legislative inconsistencies, shortages of skilled human resources and expertise, cultural resistance, and lack of transparency in data sharing. Economic challenges such as quality and cost issues with recycled materials hinder market competitiveness, while institutional complexity and sectoral disparities impede policy implementation. Supportive mechanisms such as traceability, data standardization, and sustainable public procurement need to be developed.

Future Perspective

The development of the National Circular Economy Strategy and Action Plan is regarded as a significant step in guiding Türkiye’s transition to a circular economy at institutional and sectoral levels. Under policies aligned with the European Green Deal, clean production legislation is being updated, sectoral training programs are being implemented, and sustainable public procurement is being promoted. Thus, circular economy is positioned as one of the key strategies contributing to environmental and economic sustainability in Türkiye.