Abstract:

The packaging sector is considered critical in terms of environmental sustainability due to its intensive use of raw materials and energy, the environmental impacts of production processes, and the generation of post-use packaging waste. Key sustainability challenges facing the sector include the use of fossil-based raw materials—particularly in plastic and composite packaging—material diversity, and difficulties associated with post-use recycling processes (Verma et al., 2024; Vassallo & Refalo, 2024). Recent studies conducted in Türkiye also highlight the importance of material reduction, reuse, and design for recyclability in sustainable packaging design (Çeken & Büyükçakılcı, 2024). Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that recycling packaging waste in Türkiye holds significant potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting circular economy objectives (Çapar et al., 2025).