Taking Concrete Steps Against the Plastic Waste Crisis

11 Ağustos 2025

Plastic has become one of the cornerstones of modern societies. It is used in almost every sector—from packaging and textiles to automotive and electronics. However, this widespread use, when combined with uncontrolled consumption, leads to a serious environmental problem. Especially single-use plastic waste has reached levels that threaten oceans, soil, and even the air.

One of the solutions to this global problem is the documentation and transparency of plastic waste management processes. This is where plastic certification systems come into play.

As Biotrend, we have become the first company in Turkey to complete the registration process in the category of plastic waste collection under Verra’s Plastic Waste Reduction Program.

So what is a plastic certificate, and how does Verra operate?
Let’s explore these questions together.

What Is a Plastic Certificate?

A plastic certificate is a system in which a company’s environmental contribution through plastic waste collection and/or recovery is measured and certified by independent verification bodies. This system ensures that environmentally friendly practices are not just statements but are recorded in a measurable and traceable manner.

Moreover, thanks to these certificates, companies can commercialize the plastic credits they generate, similar to the carbon market. Thus, environmental responsibility can also turn into an economic advantage.

What Is a Plastic Credit?

A plastic credit is a traceable and verifiable environmental contribution mechanism created for each ton of plastic waste collected and/or recovered. Credits are calculated based on the amount of plastic collected or recycled beyond baseline levels—i.e., how much plastic would have ended up in the environment if the project hadn’t been implemented. Like carbon credits, plastic credits can be bought and sold on the voluntary market.

A company can invest in such projects to reduce or offset its plastic footprint, minimizing its environmental impact. This system also offers a significant advantage for companies that aim to achieve sustainability goals but do not have direct operational presence in the field.

 

Who Issues It? What Are Verra and PWRP?

Verra is a globally recognized organization that standardizes and certifies projects in the fields of climate change mitigation, environmental protection, and sustainable development. Its Plastic Waste Reduction Program (PWRP) is a system specifically designed for projects aimed at reducing and managing plastic waste.

Under PWRP, there are two types of projects:

• Waste Collection Credits (WCCs)
• Waste Recycling Credits (WRCs)

Projects under this program are evaluated based on:

• Amount of plastic collected
• Recycling rate
• Source and management of the waste
• Traceability and verification processes

Approved projects earn the right to generate plastic credits, which can be offered to environmentally-conscious companies.

A First in Turkey by Biotrend

As Biotrend, we have defined our sustainability strategy and long-term environmental goals for 2025. By reinforcing this vision with concrete actions, we are proud to be the first company in Turkey to complete the registration process in the plastic waste collection category.

This achievement is not only a corporate milestone but also a significant development in terms of integrating Turkey into international environmental certification systems.

Through this project, our company not only fulfills its legal obligations but also builds an environmentally responsible business model and gains a competitive advantage by certifying it internationally.

Where Is the Project Implemented?

Biotrend’s integrated waste management facilities where the project is being implemented are located in:

• Bursa
• Balıkesir
• İzmir
• Uşak

Thanks to the mechanical separation and material recovery systems in these facilities, plastic waste is efficiently separated from mixed municipal waste and sent to licensed recycling plants.

While approximately 5.6 million tons of plastic waste are generated annually in Turkey, our mechanical separation systems recover 18,710 tons of plastic waste per year—preventing them from ending up in landfills. This amount corresponds to approximately 2.7% of Turkey’s annually recycled plastic waste.

The Biotrend Plastic Project directly contributes to increasing Turkey’s current recycling rate and reducing regional environmental pollution. It also offers a traceable and verifiable impact area in line with international standards (Verra), standing out as a concrete step in Turkey’s fight against the global plastic crisis.

This way:

• The amount of plastic waste leaking into nature is reduced,
• Recyclable materials are brought back into the economy,
• Waste management becomes transparent and traceable.

Contribution to the Circular Economy Model

This project also serves as a concrete example of the transition to a circular economy model, which aims to keep resources in the system for as long as possible and minimize waste generation.

With this model:

• Raw material consumption is reduced,
• Natural resources are preserved,
• Sustainable economic growth is supported.

The plastic certificates obtained contribute not only to the environment but also to sustainable production policies.

A Global Achievement

Approved and registered by Verra, this project clearly demonstrates Biotrend’s capability to develop and implement projects in accordance with international standards. It also shows that our strategy of generating value from waste is being successfully carried out not only at the local level but also globally.

In conclusion, a plastic certificate is a strategic tool that makes companies’ sustainability goals visible, turns them into commercial benefits, and demonstrates global responsibility. As Biotrend, we are proud to lead this process in Turkey and will continue to add value to the environment, society, and the economy.