The Tissue World Istanbul exhibition which was held recently was quite a successful event bringing 1602 participants from 65 countries together, despite the fluctuations in the general atmosphere
of Turkey. As stated in the conference on “how Turkey will maintain its pace of success” it is absolutely clear that Turkey will continue to preserve its significant position in the MENA region in the years
to come, mainly because it has the highest growth rate of tissue consumption today with 290.000 tons between 2005 and 2015.
On the other hand paper-cardboard exports in 2015 reached a value of USD 1,6 billion, but according to the report by Central Anatolian Exporters Association on Furniture, Paper and Forestry Products
Sector 2016, actual export data shows a decrease in 2015 at a rate of 52,5% in wall paper, 49,6% in rolling paper, 18,6% in corrugated paper and cardboard compared to 2014.
Despite this, the Turkish Paper Sector continues its investments and prepares for 2017 which seems to be a difficult year to come. High energy costs and foreign-dependent raw material supply are still big
problems for the sector and companies are in search of a solution on the matter.
“SEKA Paper Museum” opened Turkey’s first paper mill and one of the most important symbols of Turkish Republican history, SEKA Paper Mill was opened as a museum recently. The museum located on a land of 12.345 square meters with 4 floors and 19 different halls, is pointed to be the largest of its peers in the world. Paper Machine No 2 which was owned and operated for 70 years nonstop by the first SEKA Paper Mill since the first day the factory was installed until the day it was closed, is the most impressive piece displayed at the museum. As SEKA has been one of the most valuable institutions in Turkey’s industrial history and is still significant in lives of several generations for people of Kocaeli, it is a good thing that SEKA continues to exist at least as a museum today despite everything.
As we conclude 2016 which has been a turbulent year on political, economic and social sides for Turkey and for the world, we wish that the new year will bring opportunities for peace and growth.