Eti Bakir General Manager: Transforming Waste Into Economic Value Through Recycling

Eti Bakır has ventured into the innovative realm of transforming waste into valuable products, thereby boosting Turkey's global market position. General Manager Asım Akbaş announced that the circular economy approach adopted by the company has elevated their annual earnings by $60 million. This shift has turned previously unused products into profitable opportunities, made possible through substantial R&D efforts and cutting-edge production techniques.

Eti Bakır's Circular Economy Trailblazing

Eti Bakır stands as a leader in the promotion of sustainable practices within the metal industry. As highlighted by Asım Akbaş, transforming waste into valuable commodities not only reduces waste management expenses but also enhances Turkey's competitive strength. This pioneering strategy sets a replicable model for other sectors, emphasizing the potential of environmentally responsible business practices in shaping future industrial landscapes.

Eco-Friendly Initiatives Across Regions

Mazıdağ's Circular Economy Model

In Mazıdağ, Eti Bakır exemplifies the circular economy in action, strategically aligning activities with its principles. This involves recycling sulfuric acid for the creation of chemical fertilizers and further processing waste to return it to the economic cycle. These efforts not only protect the environment but also invigorate the economy by generating 1,000 new jobs, presenting an effective model for sustainable growth.

Samsun's Resource Contribution

Samsun is on the brink of a similar initiative, anticipated to annually produce 2,000 tons of cobalt and 4,000 tons of zinc. These efforts are expected to significantly enhance economic and employment growth in the region, supporting Akbaş’s ambition to transform waste into economic drivers while fostering local development.

Strategic Investments and Advances

Leading R&D Endeavors

In Samsun, Eti Bakır has erected a state-of-the-art R&D facility that encourages academic collaboration by offering free research opportunities to universities. This move illustrates the company's dedication to fostering academic cooperation and sponsoring projects beneficial to the public arena.

Mardin Mazıdağ's Economic Influence

Investments in Mardin Mazıdağ are recognized as a force for reverse migration and the expansion of secondary industries. As emphasized by Akbaş, such investments are crucial in rejuvenating local economies, serving as a successful example of regional revitalization through targeted investment in the circular economy.

Embracing Copper Demand in the Electric Vehicle Era

The rise of electric vehicles has significantly increased Turkey’s copper requirements, demands largely fulfilled through imports. Electric vehicles consume six times more copper than traditional cars, prompting Eti Bakır to expand their operations to accommodate this surge. This strategic adaptation is pivotal not only for the company’s growth but also in advancing towards sustainable transportation, spurring innovation in copper production methods.