Transformation wave in the Turkish composite industry: Growth, renewal, and global leap
Composite Manufacturers Association (KSD)
Chairman of the Board
Kemal Darcan
The Composite Manufacturers Association is leading the transformation of the Turkish composite sector, which is expected to reach a market size of $3 billion and an increasing export volume by 2024; it is conducting a comprehensive leap process from institutional infrastructure to international representation, from advanced technology investments to new market entry strategies.
The Composite Manufacturers Association has played a significant role in the development of the composite industry in Turkey since its establishment in 2005. Today, the sector has not only increased its production volume, but also its representation power, export potential, and strategic importance.
The year 2024 has become a year of growth and transformation for the Turkish composite industry. As the total market size of the sector reaches $3 billion, export figures have approached $2 billion, showing a 5% increase compared to 2023. Production volume has risen to 245,000 tons, demonstrating the effective results of technological investments and R&D activities. Notably, exports in the defense industry and polyester resin have gained remarkable momentum.
In parallel with this growth, our association is taking significant steps to strengthen its institutional infrastructure. In the new period, the professional staff has been renewed, the membership structure has been updated, the DERBIS system has been organized, and member files have been restructured. A proposal for a change has been prepared in the association's statutes to limit the terms of the president and board members to a maximum of two terms – two years, paving the way for corporate renewal.
In terms of international representation, a collaboration has been initiated with a professional exhibition company to restructure and move the TURK COMPOSITE Fair to a global platform. Additionally, for the first time in the association's history, a physical office has been purchased in Istanbul Kurtköy, marking a concrete step towards becoming a public benefit association.
The composite industry is showing growth not only in Europe but also in the markets of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Especially in composite products aimed at the construction, automotive, and aviation sectors, Turkey's production power and quality stand out, and strategies for entering new markets are being developed. In value-added products, the production of advanced technology products such as carbon fiber reinforced composites, catalysts, and organic peroxides is at the center of industrial transformation.
However, as the industry continues to develop, it faces some fundamental challenges. Among these are dependence on external raw material supply, lack of qualified labor, and difficulties in accessing suitable financing sources. Therefore, it is necessary to promote domestic production, increase vocational trainings, and develop special financing solutions for exporting companies.
For Turkey to become a global design and production hub in this field, investment in advanced manufacturing technologies, automation, and AI-supported systems is essential. At the same time, sustainable growth will only be possible through R&D centers and university-industry collaborations.
The Composite Manufacturers Association has prioritized establishing stronger communication with its members, developing more effective collaboration with public institutions, and enhancing the visibility of the Turkish composite sector in the international arena to achieve these goals.
In our pursuit of building the future of our sector together, the contributions and support of all our members will continue to be our most valuable strength.
Translated by Artificial Intelligence
