In an era where technical regulations are tightening in global markets, and quality and sustainability criteria have become an integral part of exports, testing and analysis processes stand out for companies not merely as a mandatory step, but as a strategic field of competition. The İKMİB Chemistry Research Technology and Innovation Center (KATİM) offers a holistic support model, ranging from analysis to interpretation and from reports to technical guidance, to ensure that the Turkish chemical and plastics sector can manage this transformation accurately, quickly, and reliably.
As the technical barriers, regulatory requirements, and sustainability pressures faced by the Turkish chemical and plastics sector on its export journey increase every day, managing these processes accurately has become a critical need for companies. At this very point, the İKMİB Chemistry Research Technology and Innovation Center (KATİM) goes beyond the traditional laboratory approach, positioning itself not just as a facility providing testing and analysis services, but as a strategic solution partner to the sector.
Discussing the background of this transformation and the contributions KATİM provides to the sector, İKMİB Board Chairman Adil Pelister points out that technical competence in exports has become as decisive as price. Emphasizing that companies are responsible not only for producing goods but also for fully documenting the compliance of those products with all regulations, Pelister states that KATİM is a critical structure that lightens the burden on industrialists at this juncture.
Stating that the work carried out with an accredited infrastructure, advanced analytical testing capability, and expert technical staff is not limited to producing reports, Pelister highlights that interpreting analysis results to provide a roadmap for companies is the most important element that distinguishes KATİM from classical laboratories. We spoke with Pelister about the questions we had regarding KATİM.
From what need was the Chemistry Research Technology and Innovation Center born?
KATİM was established with the aim of reducing the foreign dependency of the Turkish chemical and plastics sector, particularly in the fields of testing, analysis, and technical verification, and to provide rapid, reliable, and regulatory-compliant test-analysis solutions to exporting companies.
The increasing technical regulations, quality, and sustainability requirements in global markets have become not only a cost factor for companies but also a field of competition. At this point, KATİM was brought to life with the vision of going beyond a classical laboratory approach and offering the sector a holistic support model that extends from analysis to interpretation and from reports to technical guidance.
What are the main differences that distinguish KATİM from similar structures in Turkey and abroad?
KATİM is not just a laboratory providing test and analysis services; it is a technology center that knows the needs of the sector closely, has an export reflex, facilitates the exports of our companies, provides them with technical guidance in the light of scientific principles, and addresses technical processes by considering the companies' priorities as well.
The most important element that differentiates the center is its specialization in certain sectors and its focus on the concrete needs of companies. The technical barriers, regulatory requirements, and sustainability pressures faced by companies operating particularly in the plastics and chemical sectors are addressed with an integrated perspective within KATİM. R&D analyses, training, technical information activities, and consultancy services are positioned as strategic elements that complement testing and analysis processes.
How do the technical infrastructure and expert staff provide a competitive advantage to companies?
Thanks to its extensive equipment infrastructure, advanced analytical testing capability, and expert technical staff, KATİM offers companies the opportunity to verify the quality, safety, and regulatory compliance of their products quickly and reliably. KATİM has placed knowledge and experience at the center of this business by gathering the best experts in the field under the same roof, just as much as it has invested in infrastructure.
What is KATİM’s accreditation status, and what does it mean?
The Chemistry Research Technology and Innovation Center has been accredited by TÜRKAK (Turkish Accreditation Agency) within the scope of the TS EN ISO/IEC 17025 standard.
This accreditation documents that the tests and analyses performed by KATİM are internationally recognized, impartial, reliable, and traceable. For companies, this is not just an indicator of technical competence; it also means ease of trust and acceptance in export markets.
What conveniences do the test and analysis services received from KATİM provide to companies in their export processes thanks to accreditation?
Thanks to TÜRKAK’s memberships in ILAC and EA, accredited test reports issued by KATİM are valid in many international markets, especially in the United States and European Union countries.
In this way, companies significantly reduce the need to turn to foreign test centers, gaining advantages in terms of both cost and time. While the time-to-market for products is accelerated, technical uncertainties and the risks of objection are minimized. By having their tests done at KATİM instead of sending them abroad, companies gain in shipping and analysis times. This means new export opportunities for each of our companies.
What kind of privileges and differences does the Chemistry Technology Center offer for PLASFED members? What advantages does it bring in terms of time, cost, and quality for members to benefit from KATİM?
PLASFED members gain significant advantages from the services offered by KATİM in terms of time, cost, and quality. Infrastructure and expertise specifically for the plastics sector, regarding raw materials, products, and mechanical tests, are available within KATİM. Providing more economical, faster, and local solutions compared to foreign test centers directly increases the competitiveness of the companies.
How do the services offered by KATİM, specifically for companies in the plastics sector, contribute to sustainability and green transformation goals?
KATİM supports our companies in the plastics sector with tests regarding the quality, safety, and regulatory compliance of recycled plastic raw materials. Our work on the detection of harmful substances, chemical content analysis, and efforts to reduce environmental impact are among the important tools that support the compliance of the plastics sector with the EU Green Deal and sustainability goals.
“We call on PLASFED members to benefit from KATİM”
Mr. Chairman, what is the main message you want to give to industrialists who do not yet know KATİM closely and to PLASFED members? Why should our members work with the Chemistry Technology Center?
KATİM is not just an accredited testing and analysis laboratory; it is a reliable solution partner in the sector’s transformation journey. It is here to provide cost advantages, speed, and quality to our industrialists. In this context, we look forward to having all our industrialists, especially PLASFED members, benefit from KATİM and work together.
We can write this success story with the contributions of our industrialists and the plastics sector. We believe that in the coming years, KATİM will become one of the most powerful R&D and technology centers in its region.
“KATİM is a strategic partner of the sector…”
How do you position KATİM with a mission in terms of the sector?
We position the İKMİB Chemistry Research Technology and Innovation Center not just as a structure that answers today's testing and analysis needs, but as a strategic partner in preparing the Turkish chemical and plastics sector for the future.
The technical regulations, sustainability obligations, and quality expectations faced by our exporters are increasing day by day. Our goal with KATİM is to contribute to our companies managing this process not only by complying, but by generating competitive advantages.
This center operates as a technology center that produces knowledge, provides guidance, and moves the sector forward with a common mind, beyond being an accredited laboratory that performs analyses. I invite our industrialists, researchers, and all stakeholders to benefit from these opportunities offered by KATİM and to be a part of this transformation journey.
This content has been translated using artificial intelligence technology.