Türkiye Takes Action for a "Cleaner Future"

Gürallar Cam Ambalaj (GCA) has taken action on behalf of Turkey for "a cleaner future." The Endless Ocean campaign, led by the European Glass Packaging Manufacturers Federation (FEVE) and the social media and information platform Friends of Glass, continues to be actively implemented. Gürallar Cam Ambalaj General Manager Abdullah Gayret, emphasizing the importance of glass being infinitely recyclable, said: "According to research, it is estimated that by 2050 there will be more waste than fish in the seas. Eight million tonnes of waste are dumped into the seas every year, which is a very serious figure. It is important for us to participate in efforts that will raise public awareness on this issue. Within the scope of the 'Endless Ocean' campaign, it was targeted to collect 6,000 kilograms of marine debris from European beaches this year. The campaign, launched to draw attention to pollution in the depths of seas and oceans and to raise consumer awareness, will also protect 300,000 m² of beaches in 2018," he said. Packaging waste is a material that emerges after the use of products and can be recycled and returned to production. If waste recycling does not take place, one of the most important problems that could arise is the pollution of seas and oceans. Recycling packaging waste is extremely important both for environmental health and the economy. Taking into account this problem affecting the entire world, the Endless Ocean campaign was launched simultaneously in twelve European countries on 4 April 2018. GCA, which values nature-friendly and environmentally respectful production and supports projects that will raise consumer awareness for nature protection, continues its campaign work at full speed. While the campaign continues throughout the summer with various events and activities, it also aims to instil environmental awareness in society. GCA, as a member of the European Glass Packaging Manufacturers Federation (FEVE), implements the Endless Ocean campaign under the Friends of Glass platform; actively operating in twelve European countries including France, Britain, Germany, Italy and Spain, as well as Austria, Switzerland, Poland, Croatia, Slovakia, Czech Republic and Turkey.

80 Percent of Consumers in Turkey Prefer Glass Packaging

In order to draw public attention to the dangerous situation of the marine and ocean ecosystem, survey studies measuring consumer habits were conducted as part of the project. According to the survey conducted with more than 6,000 participants from Europe and 700 from Turkey, 78 percent of consumers notice some changes in their own behaviour. Individuals report that they are acting more cautiously about environmental impacts in their daily lives and turning to sustainable choices. In Turkey, 74 percent of survey respondents state that work on waste accumulating in seas and oceans has an impact on their shopping behaviour and product choices. According to the survey conducted in Turkey, 80 percent of consumers prefer glass packaging first among packaging types, while 72 percent say that glass packaging is a "friend of seas and oceans."

GCA General Manager Abdullah Gayret: "Environmentally Friendly Packaging Makes Nature and All Humanity Happy"

Gürallar Cam Ambalaj General Manager Abdullah Gayret spoke about glass recycling and its special position in nature as follows: "Approximately three-quarters of the world is made up of water. The rapid pollution of our seas and oceans can lead to irreversible consequences in the future. Pollution in the depths of oceans threatens all living things on Earth and disrupts the balance of the ecosystem. Glass is made from natural materials found in nature, its main raw material is sand, and it can be recycled infinitely into the same product without any loss of quality. Even if there is glass waste in seas and oceans, it does not spread chemicals that would harm the waters' ecosystem. For this reason, using glass in our daily lives is important for protecting our environment, not offending nature and for recycling. Our request from you is to use packaging products such as glass that have infinite recycling potential. Environmentally friendly packaging will make nature and consequently all humanity happy."