Tarım Plast Factory: using recycled plastic to make efficient drip irrigation pipes
Tarım Plast Factory (Drip Irrigation Pipe Production Facility) is a circular economy and sustainable agriculture initiative implemented by Bursa Metropolitan Municipality and Tarım Peyzaj Inc. The project was developed to address water scarcity, inefficient irrigation practices and agricultural plastic waste problems in Bursa, Türkiye. Since agriculture consumes nearly 77% of Türkiye’s water resources, improving irrigation efficiency is essential for climate adaptation and sustainable rural development.
The initiative encourages farmers to replace traditional flood irrigation with modern drip irrigation systems that reduce water consumption and improve agricultural productivity. Within the project, an idle pepper drying facility in Mustafakemalpaşa district was converted into a modern production plant capable of manufacturing both flat and round drip irrigation pipes suitable for different agricultural needs.
A key innovative aspect of the project is the use of recycled plastic waste as raw material. Plastic waste collected from municipal facilities, parks, the Bursa Intercity Bus Terminal and used irrigation pipes returned by farmers is processed and reused in production. This approach supports waste reduction and resource efficiency and lowers production costs.
The produced pipes are distributed to farmers through grant support programmes implemented by Bursa Metropolitan Municipality. In addition, training and awareness activities are organised to promote efficient water use and sustainable irrigation practices.
The project integrates sustainable agriculture, recycling, climate resilience and rural development in a replicable municipal model.
- Tarım Plast Factory has transformed an idle 8 500 m² municipal facility into a modern drip irrigation pipe production centre.
- The project has established an annual production capacity of 17 200 km for round pipes and 43000 km for flat pipes.
- Since its launch, 14.6 million metres of drip irrigation pipes have been distributed free of charge to 2 393 farmers across Bursa’s 17 districts.
- The initiative supported the transition to modern irrigation systems on 25 633 decares of agricultural land, contributing to more efficient water use and climate adaptation.
- 25 069 kg of plastic waste has been recycled and reused in production, strengthening circular economy practices and reducing environmental pollution.
- See the video.