Eti Bakir General Manager Asim Akbas: Waste Will Turn Into Products Through Recycling
Eti Bakır has embarked on a pioneering journey to transform waste into valuable products, enhancing Turkey’s competitive edge in the global market. General Manager Asım Akbaş revealed that the company's circular economy approach has resulted in an annual revenue boost of $60 million, turning previously non-exportable products into profitable ventures. This success owes much to robust R&D investments and state-of-the-art production techniques.
Eti Bakır's Path in the Circular Economy
Eti Bakır is at the forefront of promoting sustainable practices within the metal industry. According to Asım Akbaş, redefining waste into valuable commodities not only alleviates waste management costs but also significantly enhances Turkey’s position in the market. These groundbreaking strategies demonstrate a model that other industries can replicate, showcasing the immense potential of environmentally conscious business practices in reshaping the industry.
Eco-Friendly Projects Across Regions
Mazıdağ's Circular Economy Model
In Mazıdağ, Eti Bakır is setting an example by aligning all activities with the principles of a circular economy. This includes recycling sulfuric acid through the production of chemical fertilizers and further processing waste to re-enter the economic cycle. The initiative not only benefits the environment but also bolsters the economy by creating 1,000 new jobs, illustrating a successful model of sustainable development.
Samsun's Resource Contribution
Samsun is poised for a similar undertaking, projected to annually contribute 2,000 tons of cobalt and 4,000 tons of zinc. These ventures are expected to inject substantial economic and employment growth into the region, reinforcing Akbaş's vision of leveraging waste for economic gains, while simultaneously supporting local advancements.
Strategic Investments and Developments
Pioneering R&D Initiatives
Eti Bakır has established a prominent R&D facility in Samsun, fostering innovation by offering complimentary research opportunities to universities. This initiative exemplifies the company’s commitment to fostering academic partnerships and supporting projects that benefit the public sector.
Mardin Mazıdağ's Socio-Economic Impact
Investment in Mardin Mazıdağ is seen as a catalyst for reverse migration and growth in subsidiary industries. As highlighted by Akbaş, such investments are instrumental in invigorating local economies, portraying a successful model of regional revitalization through strategic investment in the circular economy.
Meeting Copper Demand in the Electric Vehicle Era
The rise of electric vehicles has substantially amplified Turkey’s demand for copper, augmenting demands that are primarily met through imports. Electric vehicles consume six times more copper than conventional cars, prompting Eti Bakır to scale their operations to meet this increasing demand. This shift not only proves crucial for the company's growth but also illustrates the broader transition towards sustainable transportation solutions, driving innovation in copper production processes.