Turkey's First Chemical Specialized Industrial Zone Sets Example in Water Efficiency
In industry, water is gaining importance day by day, not merely as a fundamental element of production but as a strategic resource. Drought risk, increasing regulations and sustainable production targets are making it necessary to manage water in industry in a more planned and efficient manner. GEBKİM OSB, Turkey's first Chemical Specialized Organized Industrial Zone, has put into practice a new model in which water is measured, monitored and systematically managed through its "Mavi Damla Su Verimliliği Projesi" (Blue Drop Water Efficiency Project).
Water has become increasingly strategic in industry, going beyond being a basic production element. Drought risk, growing regulations and sustainable production targets are making planned and efficient water management essential. GEBKİM OSB, Turkey's first Chemical Industry Specialized Organized Industrial Zone, has implemented a new model through its "Blue Drop Water Efficiency Project" in which water is measured, monitored and managed systematically.
At a time when water resources are becoming increasingly critical and sustainable use is more important than ever, the project conducted under the 2025 Technical Support Programme of the Eastern Marmara Development Agency (MARKA) has brought water consumption at GEBKİM OSB and participating companies within the scope of TS EN ISO 46001 standard. In this way, water management has transformed from ad-hoc interventions into a data-driven, measurable and sustainable structure.
A Scalable Model Through Pilot Applications
Within the scope of the project developed in line with the Water Efficiency Regulation implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, a structure compatible with the TS EN ISO 46001 Water Efficiency Management System was established. Proceeding with the approach "Measured Water, Managed Future at GEBKİM OSB," detailed technical analyses were carried out at two pilot facilities selected from among 44 companies.
As a result of these studies, an application model that could be rolled out across the OSB was developed based on the data obtained. Water consumption points were defined by process, analyses of losses and wastage were performed and improvement areas were identified. Through evaluations conducted with the Best Available Techniques (BAT) approach, recovery and reuse potentials were clearly demonstrated. This comprehensive approach strengthened operational discipline in water management while creating a standard structure supporting sustainable production.
Training and Awareness Dimension
The project focused on human resources alongside technical infrastructure. Within the scope of the GEBKİM Blue Drop Project Seminar, water efficiency awareness training was provided to 78 participants. Under the TS ISO 46001 standard, a comprehensive two-day training programme was conducted with 52 participants.
Current water consumption and awareness levels were analysed through surveys and data collection activities. The needs analysis report prepared based on the data obtained clearly identified areas for development. Coordination meetings conducted with neighbouring organized industrial zones to disseminate project outputs created an important basis for regional cooperation.
Integrated Development Approach from GEBKİM OSB
While GEBKİM OSB qualified for support for the second time in 2025 under the MARKA Technical Support Programme, it continues to present an integrated development model through projects developed in different areas. With the previously implemented GEB-LINK Project, a digital employment bridge was established connecting GEBKİM Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School graduates with companies, with 237 graduates included in the system during the pilot phase.
With the Blue Drop Project, GEBKİM OSB has taken an important step in natural resource management, strengthening its comprehensive approach that addresses human resources and environmental sustainability together. The goal is for this developed model to contribute to the spread of sustainable production understanding in industry.
V. İbrahim Aracı: "We Must Produce While Protecting Resources"
GEBKİM OSB Board Chairman V. İbrahim Aracı, in his assessment regarding the project, stated: "Water is one of the most critical topics for the future of our industry. We attach importance to every step we take in this area being measurable, monitorable and efficient. Through the Blue Drop Project, we have established a system at GEBKİM that tracks every stage of water with data. Our aim is to advance further an industrial approach that protects its resources, grows production on a sustainable basis and plans its future today."
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