ASD Webinar Sets the Agenda

08 September 2020 15:46

Packaging industry professionals met on the webinar 'Our Post-Pandemic World of Economy and Psychology for the Packaging Industry' organized by Turkish Packaging Manufacturers Association (ASD). Economist Prof. Dr. Emre Alkin and Psychologist Prof. Dr. Acar Baltaş joined the event as speakers, which was moderated by ASD President Mr. Zeki Sarıbekir and where 315 professionals registered. In his keynote speech, Zeki Sarıbekir said that a webinar with heavy attendance replaced the Iftar meal organization they used to organize every year due to the pandemic this year. Evaluating the agenda, Mr. Zeki Sarıbekir said, "We ensured the safety of food during the pandemic. We maintained the supply chain. Packaging shortages occurred in many countries. However, consumers in Turkey had continuous access to products”.

The impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, which disrupted the world's balance, and the period called the 'New Normal' were discussed during the heavily attended webinar 'Our Post-Pandemic World of Economy and Psychology for the Packaging Industry' organized by Turkish Packaging Manufacturers Association (ASD). Economist Prof. Dr. Emre Alkin and Psychologist Prof. Dr. Acar Baltaş joined the event as speakers, which was moderated ASD President Mr. Zeki Sarıbekir and where 315 professionals registered. Speaking at the event's opening address, President of ASD said the annual iftar meal organization which traditionally brought the industry together was replaced this year with a heavily attended webinar due to the pandemic.

PACKAGING IN ALL AREAS OF LIFE

Mr. Zeki Sarıbekir, President of ASD shared the following economic data regarding the packaging sector: "We closed last year with $4.7 billion export. We're an industry with $1.8 billion current surplus. We have a sales volume of $23 billion. As a sector that employs 100,000 people, we aim to raise exports to $10 billion. Our trade volume target is $30 billion. We have the power and the potential to do this. Packaging consumption per capita in Turkey is around $250-260. This is around $400 in Europe, $500 in the United States and $550 in Japan. Packaging consumption of countries is a symbol of development. We ensured the safety of food during the pandemic. We maintained the supply chain. Packaging shortages occurred in many countries. However, consumers in Turkey had continuous access to products. Packaging isn't solely used in food, hygiene and cleaning industries. There is significant use of packaging in industrial and textile fields as well.”

THOSE WHO ADAPT TO E-COMMERCE SURVIVE

Mentioning that the global pandemic has changed many things, especially in social and commercial life, Mr. Zeki Sarıbekir said, "There are changes in both nature and the economy. We have to adapt to this change. Those who export and adapt to e-commerce will survive. Packaging and logistics will become much more important in the future”.

WHEELS BEGAN TO TURN IN INDUSTRY

Mentioning that the first quarter growth figures were good compared to last year, Economist Prof. Dr. Emre Alkin said the following at the webinar held by (ASD: "We need an economy that highlights industry more. In this context, there are recent approaches which manufacturers can relate to. The wheels are slowly starting to turn. The world wasn't a rose garden without thorns before the pandemic. There's an incredible debt problem around the world. It's not like these debts can be repaid. Certain works will cease to exist after digitalization.”

THE OTHER MEANING OF PACKAGING: "SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY”

Psychologist Professor Dr. Acar Baltaş mentioned that working from home will be an actual choice after the pandemic and added: "The process that we undergo is a real crisis. The world economy had never stopped suddenly. We will leave these times behind as a country. But it won't be that easy. Working from home will be an option. In many ways, it will benefit both the employee and the employer. Female employment will increase. In terms of the level of education among foundations, I can say that ASD is one of the best associations due to the technology used. Your leadership will also have an impact on other sectors you interact with. Packaging carries social responsibility. Producing packages that are suitable for public health will open up entirely different horizons”.

Sincerely,
Turkish Packaging Manufacturers Association (ASD)

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