Held on 9 December at Hilton İstanbul Bosphorus, Sustainability Talks İstanbul 2025 was organized to deepen awareness of sustainability in the textile and apparel sectors and to accelerate solution-oriented transformation. Now in its sixth edition, the event provided a comprehensive platform addressing the sector’s critical agenda items, from raw material sourcing and traceability to energy and water efficiency and circular production models. Having become an international meeting point, the event enabled leading brands to share best practices, innovative solutions, and future strategies with industry professionals.
Decarbonization Emphasis from Korteks
As one of the Large Sponsors of the event, Korteks stood out with its low-carbon production solutions and sustainability vision. Güray Budak, Deputy General Manager of Korteks, shared the company’s sustainability approach and assessments regarding sectoral transformation during the panel titled “Shared Pathways to Net Zero: Decarbonization in the Textile Value Chain.” Budak emphasized that decarbonization is not only an environmental objective but also a strategic factor determining companies’ long-term competitiveness.
“Decarbonization and Profitability Are Mutually Reinforcing Goals”
In his remarks, Budak highlighted Korteks’ “Today for the Future” approach and the Akıllı Hayat 2030 strategy implemented across the group, stressing that sustainability lies at the core of all business processes. Pointing out that the textile industry has a multi-layered value chain, Budak underlined the strategic importance of carbon management at every stage, from yarn to the final product.
According to Budak, the transition to renewable energy, the transformation of production processes, sustainable raw materials, and digitalization should not be viewed as short-term cost factors, but rather as long-term investments that enhance operational resilience and create value.
Significant Reduction in Emissions Through Renewable Energy
At Korteks, an energy-intensive operation, renewable energy stands at the center of the sustainability strategy. Güray Budak stated that thanks to the cooperation launched with Zorlu Energy in 2022, electricity-related greenhouse gas intensity was reduced by 83% through the use of energy generated from geothermal sources. Efforts to reduce natural gas-related emissions are ongoing. Budak emphasized that it is critically important for all industrial companies with high energy consumption to turn toward renewable energy partnerships and to benefit from I-REC certified solutions for the sector as a whole.
Strong Interest in Sustainable Products at the Korteks Stand
Throughout the event, the Korteks stand attracted significant attention from visitors interested in closely examining the company’s innovative and low-carbon product portfolio. TAÇ REBORN® recycled polyester filament yarns, produced from manufacturing processes and raw material yarn waste, stood out with environmental assurances verified by GRS and RCS certifications. TAÇ BIOLOOP® biodegradable yarns, developed with the aim of reducing microplastic pollution, drew attention among innovative solutions, while yarns colored using DOPE DYED technology emerged as sustainability-focused applications thanks to a production model that requires nearly zero water consumption and delivers up to 98% electricity savings compared to conventional dyeing methods.
A Shared Transformation Platform for the Industry
Sustainability Talks İstanbul 2025 concluded with strong messages highlighting that sustainable transformation in the textile industry is only possible through collective intelligence, collaboration, and innovation. Once again, the event reinforced its role as an important meeting point that encourages knowledge sharing and solution-oriented approaches among industry stakeholders.
