Selçuk GÜLSÜN
Plastics Industrialists and Businessmen Association (PLASİAD)
Vice Chairman of the Board
Decarbonized industry is no longer an option… Turkish industry, by adapting to this transformation in a timely manner, will not only maintain its competitiveness but also gain an advantage in global markets through new technologies, energy sources, and export opportunities.
The climate crisis is no longer just an environmental problem; it is a reality that is fundamentally transforming economic balances, technological developments, and trade relations. Industrial production worldwide is undergoing perhaps its biggest transformation in history. Today, the decarbonization of industry has ceased to be a voluntary choice and has become central to countries' development strategies and international trade policies. The European Union's Green Deal, the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), and rapidly increasing "net zero" commitments worldwide are forcing industrial sectors into an irreversible process of change.
The most important feature of this transformation is that it is not limited to merely reducing carbon emissions. It entails the redesign of production processes, the diversification of energy sources, the acceleration of digitalization, and the restructuring of supply chains. The decarbonization of industry also means redefining new business models, innovative technologies, and global competition.
GLOBAL PICTURE: OBLIGATION AND COMPETITIVE RACE
Industrialized countries are making significant investments in decarbonized production. Germany, Japan, and South Korea have allocated billions of dollars to low-carbon technologies and green hydrogen. China is strengthening its global leadership in solar panel production and electric vehicle technology, while aggressively increasing its renewable energy capacity. The European Union, on the other hand, is tightening carbon pricing mechanisms in line with its "net zero" target by 2050.
TURKEY'S SITUATION: A TWO-SIDED PICTURE
From Turkey's perspective, this transformation harbors both risks and opportunities. Firstly, when considering the risks, the prominence of energy-intensive sectors stands out. Sectors such as cement, iron-steel, chemicals, plastics, and textiles form the basis of exports and are also prominent due to high carbon emissions. These sectors will face significant cost pressure due to the CBAM, which will come into force in 2026. Turkish companies exporting to the European market will have to measure and report their carbon footprints. If this compliance is not met, Turkish products will face carbon costs similar to customs duties and will lose their competitive advantage.
On the other hand, Turkish industry also has significant opportunities for transformation. Turkey has significant potential in terms of solar and wind energy. Projects initiated in the field of energy efficiency, especially in organized industrial zones, are becoming increasingly widespread. European Union funds and international green financing sources are creating new opportunities for low-carbon investments.
THE MULTIDIMENSIONAL IMPACT OF DECARBONIZATION
Decarbonization in industry is not just a technical issue. It requires fundamental changes in management understanding, business practices, and corporate culture. Producers are now expected to demonstrate not only cost advantage but also environmental and social responsibility. Major brands are making carbon footprint a criterion when selecting their supply chains. Therefore, for Turkish industrialists, sustainability must be seen not merely as an "environmental issue" but also as a "trade issue".
TURKEY'S CRITICAL CHOICE AHEAD
Today, Turkey faces a historic choice. Adapting to this transformation in a timely manner can elevate the country to a strong position in global value chains. Delaying, however, could lead to market loss in exports, increased costs, and falling behind in international competition. The decarbonization of industry is no longer an option; it is an imperative path for the sustainability of the economic future.
If correct investments are made, effective policies are implemented, and industrialists take ownership of this process, Turkish industry will not only mitigate risks but also create new opportunities. Decarbonization is not a burden for Turkey; on the contrary, it can be a new development story.
This content has been translated using artificial intelligence technology.