Eti Bakir’s Recycling Strategy: Waste Will Become the Products of the Future

Eti Bakır is revolutionizing the recycling landscape by converting waste into valuable commodities, significantly boosting Turkey’s global market standing. Under the leadership of General Manager Asım Akbaş, the company has increased its annual revenue by $60 million, transforming typically non-exportable products into profitable opportunities. This achievement is attributed to substantial R&D investments and cutting-edge production techniques.


Eti Bakır's Impact on Green Practices


Eti Bakır is paving the way for sustainable practices in the metal industry. By turning waste into valuable assets, the company not only reduces waste management costs but also strengthens Turkey’s industry position. This innovative approach serves as a blueprint for other sectors, highlighting how environmentally friendly practices can reshape industrial landscapes.


Regional Initiatives Promoting Sustainability


Transformative Efforts in Mazıdağ


Eti Bakır is championing the circular economy in Mazıdağ, where efforts are made to recycle sulfuric acid into chemical fertilizers, ensuring waste re-enters the economic circuit. This initiative not only supports environmental sustainability but also fuels the economy, creating 1,000 new jobs—a testament to successful sustainable development models.


Samsun's Strategic Resource Use


In Samsun, similar strategies are underway, projecting the annual production of 2,000 tons of cobalt and 4,000 tons of zinc. These efforts promise to enhance economic and employment prospects, emphasizing the importance of waste as a resource, while fostering regional growth.


Forward-Thinking Investments and Developments


R&D: A Hub of Innovation


Eti Bakır’s R&D center in Samsun stands as a beacon of innovation, offering free research facilities to universities. This initiative underscores the company's dedication to fostering academic collaborations and facilitating projects that benefit the public realm.


Economic Transformation in Mardin Mazıdağ


Investment in Mardin Mazıdağ aims to spur reverse migration and boost supporting industries. As noted by Akbaş, such strategic investments are key to revitalizing local economies, illustrating effective regional rejuvenation through focused investment in the circular economy.


Addressing Copper Needs Amid EV Growth


The electric vehicle boom has escalated demand for copper in Turkey, largely reliant on imports. Electric vehicles require six times more copper compared to conventional cars, prompting Eti Bakır to expand operations to meet these demands. This endeavor not only supports the company's growth but also champions the broader shift towards sustainable transportation, encouraging innovation in copper production.