Eti Bakır has embarked on a groundbreaking journey to transform waste into valuable products, boosting Turkey’s competitiveness in the global arena. General Manager Asım Akbaş emphasized that through a circular economy approach, the company has achieved an annual revenue of $60 million by converting previously non-exportable products into profitable ventures. This success is attributed to substantial R&D investments and state-of-the-art production techniques.
Eti Bakır's Path in the Circular Economy
Eti Bakır stands at the forefront of fostering sustainable practices in the metal industry. Redefining waste into valuable commodities significantly alleviates waste management costs, as noted by Asım Akbaş, while strengthening Turkey’s market position. These innovative strategies offer a replicable model for other industries, highlighting the potential of eco-friendly business practices to revolutionize the sector.
Eco-Friendly Projects Across Regions
Mazıdağ's Circular Economy Model
In Mazıdağ, Eti Bakır exemplifies the circular economy by recycling sulfuric acid to produce chemical fertilizers and processing waste back into the economic cycle. This initiative not only aids the environment but also stimulates the economy by generating 1,000 new jobs, showcasing a successful blend of sustainability and economic growth.
Samsun's Resource Contribution
Samsun is slated for a parallel project, expected to deliver 2,000 tons of cobalt and 4,000 tons of zinc annually. This venture promises to catalyze economic and employment growth in the region, supporting Akbaş’s vision of turning waste into substantial economic gains and advancing local developments.
Strategic Investments and Developments
Pioneering R&D Initiatives
Eti Bakır's esteemed R&D facility in Samsun drives innovation by offering free research opportunities to universities. This initiative underscores the company's dedication to nurturing academic alliances and backing projects that benefit the public sector.
Mardin Mazıdağ's Socio-Economic Impact
Investments in Mardin Mazıdağ serve as a catalyst for reverse migration and the growth of subsidiary industries. As Akbaş highlights, such initiatives are vital for revitalizing local economies, portraying a successful model of regional renewal through strategic investment in the circular economy.
Meeting Copper Demand in the Electric Vehicle Era
The surge in electric vehicles has dramatically increased Turkey’s copper demand, primarily fulfilled through imports. Electric vehicles require six times more copper than conventional cars, prompting Eti Bakır to expand operations to meet this rising demand. This strategy is pivotal not only for the company’s growth but also in illustrating the broader movement towards sustainable transportation solutions, sparking innovations in copper production processes.