The TUBİTAK Supported R&D Project Turned into a Sustainable Brand

Tercan Kemal Beyaz and Tezcan Raşit Beyaz, Akar Textile R&D engineers, obtained dyestuff from hazelnut leaves with the project they developed and showed that natural resources in waste state can also be used effectively in industry.

Synthetic dye, which is frequently preferred in the textile industry, contains raw materials harmful to the environment and human health, but it can negatively affect the country’s economy because it is an imported product. Considering these disadvantages, Akar Textile R&D engineers, who aim to produce local and natural sources that are harmless to health and the environment, have obtained organic dyestuff by including the hazelnut leaves, which are natural waste, into the production.

While the R&D project approved by TUBİTAK (The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey) and receiving financial support draws attention with its sustainable aspects, it also looks after the public interest with its purpose and principle.

Nature-Friendly

Nihal Fidan, Akar Textile R&D Center Manager, stating that they aim to bring together R&D and sustainability under the same roof within the scope of the project, pointed out that the organic dyestuff they obtained is completely harmless to human health and the environment, and is also nature-friendly.

Nihal Fidan, noting that the project is supported by the “TUBİTAK’s 1501 Industry R&D Support Program”, which aims to use public resources more effectively for the country needs and national targets, stated that “We, as Akar Textile R&D Center, are proud to bring such a project to the sector. Our project, 60 percent of which is supported by TUBİTAK, is an exemplary project with its academy-industry cooperation and sustainable features.” Nihal Fidan, explaining that the Turkish textile and ready-made clothing sector has a significant percentage in exports, also pointed out that such R&D projects will increase the sector’s recognition abroad and export share.

Tercan Kemal Beyaz, one of the engineers of Akar Textile R&D Center, who gave information about the project, said that with the project they developed, they can reduce the use of imported and synthetic dyes and produce with natural and domestic resources. Tercan Kemal Beyaz, stating that organic textile dyes will be more preferred in production in the coming years, also stated “As Akar Textile R&D center, we successfully completed the prototype production and made the necessary measurements and tests. Within the scope of the project, we produced nearly two thousand pieces of clothing. We did not stop there, and we registered our products under the name “Athelina” and turned them into a brand. After establishing the necessary infrastructure, our brand will take its place on the shelves.”

Production Miser

Athelina designs, reflecting the natural colors of waste hazelnut leaves, come to life with pastel tones of green, cream and yellow. Tercan Kemal Beyaz stated that there are different products such as t-shirts, shorts and sweatshirts in women, men and children clothing, informed that Athelina is miser in production. Beyaz continued his words as follows: ” Athelina is a brand that has proven its sustainability in every sense. Compared to a production where synthetic dyes are preferred, it is 20% more efficient in water consumption, 15% more in painting time and 20% more in energy use. Considering these, it is also quite stingy in production.”