Kemal DARCAN
Composite Manufacturers Association (CMA)
Chairman of the Board
As the Composite Manufacturers Association, we have created a comprehensive roadmap to make our sector stronger and more sustainable internationally. Turkey has significant potential in composite production. Utilizing this strong infrastructure more efficiently can transform Turkey into a strategic production and export hub in the global composite market.
Today, innovative materials have become one of the most important factors driving industrial transformation. Composite materials play a critical role in many sectors, from aviation to automotive, wind energy to construction, thanks to their superior properties such as lightness, durability, and flexibility. Despite having a strong production infrastructure in this field, Turkey must take some important steps to achieve its rightful place in global competition. As the Composite Manufacturers Association, we have created a comprehensive roadmap to make our sector stronger and more sustainable internationally.
Turkey has significant potential in composite production. Our country has a unique production infrastructure in the sector, with two glass fiber factories, one carbon fiber factory, six weaving facilities, 12 resin manufacturers, one organic peroxide and initiator manufacturer, and three accelerator production facilities.
Few countries in the world have such a diverse range of production facilities. Utilizing this strong infrastructure more efficiently can transform Turkey into a strategic production and export hub in the global composite market. The global composite market is growing by an average of 6-8 percent annually, and this growth brings new business opportunities. Thanks to Turkey's geographical location and strong industrial infrastructure, access to European and Middle Eastern markets is easy. To capitalize on this opportunity, as a sector, we must implement specific strategies.
CHALLENGES FACED BY THE SECTOR
To ensure our sector gains an advantage in global competition, some critical issues need to be resolved. Some advanced technology composite raw materials are imported, which increases costs. Encouraging domestic production and strengthening the supply chain will enhance the sector's sustainability. Composite production is a field requiring advanced engineering and technical knowledge. The lack of skilled labor in the sector is an important factor limiting efficiency and innovation. Domestic manufacturers need to invest in Industry 4.0, automation, and digital production systems to compete in the global market. Under the European Green Deal, the requirement for sustainable production is steadily increasing. The sector needs to be more aware of the recyclability and environmental impacts of composite materials.
We have set some strategic goals to shape the future of our sector. One of them is to support R&D and innovation. Encouraging innovation in the composite sector will increase our competitiveness. In this context, we will conduct studies on advanced technologies such as nano-composites, biodegradable materials, and lightweight carbon fiber by developing joint R&D projects with universities, research centers, and industrial organizations.
We will prioritize education and human resource development. We plan to establish a Composite Industry Vocational High School in cooperation with the Ministry of National Education. We will create sector-specific training programs by collaborating with engineering and material science departments at universities. We will take steps to strengthen international collaborations. We will work on the Green Deal and sustainability. We will prepare guide documents and training for the industry on recycling and waste management processes. Transparency and participation in association management are important elements for us. We will adopt a dynamic and innovative management approach by limiting association presidency and board membership to a maximum of two terms and two years.
As the Composite Manufacturers Association, we aim to shape the future of our sector not only with our existing potential but also with a broader vision through new collaborations, projects, and strategic steps. With our transparent, inclusive, and innovative management approach, we aim to make the voices of all stakeholders in our sector heard, act with common sense, and transform Turkey into a global power in the composite sector.
This content has been translated using artificial intelligence technology.