Özlem Esen, R&D & Quality Group Manager at Evyap

Interview with Özlem Esen, Research & Development and Quality Group Manager at Evyap

 

Could you tell us about yourself and your professional background?

I graduated from the Chemistry Engineering Department at Istanbul University. I hold a Master's degree in Chemistry Engineering and after working in various R&D positions for approximately 16 years, I currently serve as Research & Development and Quality Group Manager.

What would you like to say about Evyap's 92-year journey? To what do you attribute the countless successes during this period?

In our journey that began with soap, we have now evolved into a company that covers all cosmetic categories except color cosmetics and diapers, and has successfully managed these products at different international locations. The fact that we are able to produce these items at the same quality at our locations in different countries is an important success in Evyap's 92-year journey. Evyap has achieved success by building solid technical knowledge and making the right investments in its brands. In short, we have a history of success because we are a company capable of managing a good brand and product portfolio simultaneously. Additionally, the high institutional loyalty of Evyap employees is among the factors that increase our success rate. Employee satisfaction is notably visible at Evyap.

What are your products and which sectors do you serve?

Besides Evyap Soap Oil and Glycerin Manufacturing and Trading Inc., which operates in the FMCG sector, Evyapport is an important business line in logistics. With the transportation advantage it provides to Turkey's inland regions, Evyapport is the closest container port to Ankara. Additionally, we also operate in the construction sector. In FMCG, we manage skin care creams and sun care products under the Arko Nem brand; men's care products under the Arko Men and Gibbs brands; bar and liquid soaps, shower gels and cologne under the Duru, Fax and Activex brands; diapers and wet wipes under Evy Baby; and oral care products under the Sanino brand. In the deodorant and perfume category, Privacy, First Class, Emotion, Blade and Bellisima are also our brands within Evyap.

What are your domestic and international sales activities? In which category do you export your products to the international market?

We produce and sell all of our products manufactured domestically at the same quality to 150 countries according to country groups. Evyap is a leader in beauty soaps, skin care products, shaving preparation and after-shave categories. In the soap category, our Duru, Fax and Arko brands rank second in the international market, which includes countries such as Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Romania, Poland, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Albania, Moldova and others. When preparing for the shaving category, our Arko brand is among the most effective brands in Russia and Ukraine in addition to Central Asia and the Middle East. Additionally, Sanino is Ukraine's most preferred toothpaste market.

Could you share with our readers the success story of Duru Hand Soaps from 1967 to today and the developments that occurred during this period?

Actually, the foundation of Duru Hand Soaps was laid in 1927. However, in 1967, the first step was taken in the branding stage and we began promoting soap heritage under the Duru brand through advertising. Currently, Evyap has accumulated in its 92-year history the technical knowledge to carry out soap production using both animal-based oils and plant-based oils. Subsequently, hair care products, liquid soap and shower gel production began under the Duru brand. Most recently, Duru Granülmatik, a new natural laundry detergent product based on soap, is on shelves.  

Your "Your Duru" test, which you have prepared to help customers find the most suitable soap, is quite entertaining. Could you tell us a bit about this project?

Cosmetics appeal to emotions as well as their functions. Since our personalities also play a role in determining our cosmetic choices, through this test our consumers both have fun and learn about our products.

Could we learn your thoughts on R&D?

Evyap is a company that decided to manage R&D functions separately in 1989. This year we are celebrating our 30th year from the initial establishment year; and our 5th year as an R&D center. Particularly with the establishment of our R&D center in 2014, we entered a period where we began to make real breakthroughs. We transformed the information we gained from various markets over the 25 years until 2014, further improving it in the last 5 years through both university and advanced supplier communications.

What investments do you plan to make in R&D in coming years? What innovations will these investments bring to your products and customers?

We aim to strengthen the research side where Evyap is pioneering in the cosmetics category in Turkey by increasing the number of doctoral degree holders among our R&D center staff and encouraging our internal staff to pursue master's and doctoral degrees.

You implement corporate social responsibility projects in many areas. Could you tell our readers about the corporate social responsibility projects you have implemented?

Evyap has undertaken important corporate social responsibility projects, particularly in the field of education. Tenzile Primary School and Tenzile Secondary School (Van-Erciş), Mehmet Rıfat Evyap Anatolian Technical and Industrial Vocational High School (Ayazağa), Hedise Evyap Primary School (İzmit), and Mürüvvet Evyap Mental Disabilities Rehabilitation Center (Kocaeli) are schools whose construction we completed and transferred to the Ministry of National Education. Through the Evyap Foundation, we aim to reach both our employees and those in need.

What are the corporate social responsibility projects expected to be completed in coming years?

Evyap aims to implement more projects focused on children. With our latest project "Box Box Happiness," we continue to provide gift assistance to Darülaceze and various schools with the support of our employees.