TÜRKÇİMENTO: Circular Economy Will Accelerate the Net Zero Transformation of the Cement Sector

TÜRKÇİMENTO CEO Volkan Bozay, speaking at a panel he attended during the 16th TÜRKTAY event held in Ankara on October 21-22, drew attention to the importance of circular economy practices in the net zero transformation of the cement sector. Noting that the use of alternative fuels and raw materials offers significant opportunities in terms of protecting natural resources, reducing fossil fuel consumption and increasing resource efficiency, Bozay emphasized that infrastructure, logistics, policy and financing conditions need to be developed together in order to widen the adoption of these practices.

Stating that making use of the energy content and mineral components of suitable waste provides important contributions in terms of both waste management and resource efficiency, Bozay noted that the 2.3 million tons of alternative fuel used in 2025 corresponds to approximately 1.21 million tons of petcoke savings.

Bozay said, “These figures reveal the progress our sector has made in the field of circular economy. However, we have significant potential for the widespread adoption of these practices. Our goal should not be merely to increase the amount of waste used, but to ensure that suitable waste is incorporated into production processes in a safe, efficient and sustainable manner.”

A holistic approach for low-carbon production

Noting that the contribution of circular economy practices to emission reduction is not limited to the use of alternative fuels and raw materials, Bozay said that clinker substitution, energy efficiency and renewable energy investments also need to be addressed together.

Stating that the Green Cement Communiqué is an important regulation supporting the use of low-carbon cement, Bozay noted that the communiqué is expected to provide approximately 16.5 million tons of clinker savings and 11 million tons of CO₂ emission reduction over the next 10 years.

Also touching on the sector’s environmental transformation investments, Bozay noted that total environmental investments reached TRY 6 billion in 2025, while renewable energy investments reached TRY 4.1 billion. He reported that both investment items increased approximately threefold compared to the previous year.

Drawing attention to the fact that the main obstacles to the widespread adoption of alternative fuel and raw material use include the proper separation of waste, the establishment of the necessary infrastructure and the effective management of logistics processes, Bozay emphasized that cooperation between municipalities, waste management organizations and industry needs to be strengthened. He stated that developing long-term and accessible financing opportunities is also important for accelerating the transformation.

Stating that in order to increase the contribution of the circular economy to net zero targets in Türkiye, an integrated recovery system extending from the separation of waste at its source to its reuse in industry needs to be established, Bozay pointed to the importance of the public sector, industry and the financial sector acting in coordination.

Bozay said, “The circular economy alone is not the solution to the net zero target, but it is one of the fundamental tools for achieving this target. If we can establish an integrated model that turns waste into resources, reduces natural resource consumption and clinker use, increases energy efficiency, and manages remaining emissions with new technologies, we can both accelerate the transformation of the cement sector and make a significant contribution to our country’s 2053 net zero targets.”

About TÜRKÇİMENTO

Representing 50 integrated and 16 grinding plants across the country, TÜRKÇİMENTO is a non-governmental organization established in 1957 as an association with the aim of developing a higher quality product and more efficient service approach in the sector, and finding solutions to sectoral problems with an approach committed to social, environmental, legal and ethical values.

TÜRKÇİMENTO has been a member of the European Concrete Paving Association (EUPAVE) since 2009, the European Cement Research Academy (ECRA) since 2014, the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) since 2021, and the Turkish Building Materials Federation (YÜF) since 2005. The association carries out activities within the scope of cooperation protocols with cement producer associations in European, Arab, Chinese, Indian and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries, and develops similar collaborations at national and international levels.