Turkish Cement Industry Sends Message from China on Global Transformation Agenda

TÜRKÇİMENTO Chairman Adil Sani Konukoğlu outlined the transformation efforts led by Turkey's cement sector at the Cementtech event held in China, focusing on sustainability, digitalization and international cooperation. Konukoğlu emphasized that the sector has accelerated investments in alternative fuel use, energy efficiency and low-carbon production technologies in line with green transformation targets.

Cementtech, one of the most important organizations in the global cement sector, brought together industry representatives in China on 13 May. TÜRKÇİMENTO Chairman Adil Sani Konukoğlu made remarks on the opening session of the event regarding Turkey's cement sector's production capacity, sustainability investments and international cooperation.

In his assessment of the sector's transformation process, Konukoğlu stated: "As the Turkish cement sector, we view this process not merely as a compliance requirement, but as a strategic transformation that will determine our long-term competitive strength."

"We are operating with a triple transformation approach"
Expressing that the sector is pursuing its transformation journey with a "triple transformation" approach, Konukoğlu noted that this approach is centered on green transformation, digital transformation and human-centered transformation.

Emphasizing that Turkey's cement sector is advancing with an approach that is not merely following but leading the way, Konukoğlu drew attention to the critical role digitalization plays in sustainable production.

"Green transformation cannot be separated from digitalization"
Stating that data-driven management approach, artificial intelligence applications and advanced production technologies are decisive in many areas from reducing carbon emissions to resource efficiency, Konukoğlu emphasized the importance of technology investments for sustainable production.

Sharing current data on the sector's sustainability investments, Konukoğlu said that Turkey's cement sector used 2.1 million tonnes of alternative fuel as of 2024 and met 13% of total thermal energy needs from alternative sources.

Noting that waste heat recovery facilities with 17 plants and 27 production lines operate across Turkey, generating a total of 164.5 megawatts of energy, Konukoğlu stated that this production is equivalent to the daily electricity consumption of approximately 658,000 households.

"Widespread use of green cement is of critical importance"
Expressing that the sector has accelerated its transformation investments in line with Turkey's 2053 net zero emission targets, Konukoğlu said that increasing alternative fuel use rates, reducing clinker ratios and promoting low-carbon next-generation production technologies are critically important.

Noting that regulations promoting the use of green cement in public projects aim to achieve approximately 11 million tonnes of CO₂ emission reduction over the next 10 years, Konukoğlu expressed that the sector is working with determination for sustainable growth.

Emphasis on Turkey-China cooperation
Also referring to the strategic cooperation developed with the China Cement Association in his remarks, Konukoğlu said that Turkey's strong production infrastructure combined with China's experience in digitalization and automation would create significant synergy.

Konukoğlu assessed: "This strong cooperation established between Turkey and China will serve as an exemplary model not only for the two countries but also for the global cement sector's sustainable future."

Volkan Bozay, CEO of TÜRKÇİMENTO, also participated in the panel session organized as part of the event. Bozay shared his assessments regarding developments in the sector focused on sustainability, digital transformation and international cooperation.

About TÜRKÇİMENTO
TÜRKÇİMENTO is a sector organization founded in 1957 that represents a total of 69 facilities operating in Turkey, comprising 53 integrated and 16 grinding mills. As the international representative of Turkey's cement sector, TÜRKÇİMENTO has been a member of the European Cement Association since 1972 and continues its activities in the fields of education, research and development, certification, data management and international cooperation.