Akcoat, a global performance coatings partner

Akcoat, the world’s second largest enamel coating manufacturer, offers a wide range of products to several manufacturing industries. In the ceramic sector it supplies frits, composite glazes, digital inks and effects produced at its Onda factory in Spain.

For nearly half a century, Akcoat has been producing a wide range of products across five main product groups (enamel, ceramic, glass, non-stick and decorative coatings and pigments) and with operations spanning two continents.

The company’s highly qualified R&D team develops innovative high-performance solutions at its well-equipped research centre. As the market leader in Turkey and the world’s second largest enamel coating manufacturer globally, Akcoat maintains its leadership in the sector with steadily increasing international sales and production capacity. Through its R&D activity, digitalization and innovations, the company transforms scientific developments into real-world solutions and pursues new investments based on this vision.

Akcoat’s manufacturing facilities are based in Turkey and Spain and extend over a total area of 100,000 square metres. The company has a warehouse in Mexico and offices in the USA and China. Its sales representatives and technical services operate across various regions such as Europe, South America, Asia and Africa.

Akcoat offers chemical coating materials solutions to global brands and has an annual production capacity of 155,000 tons and a team of approximately 500 people.

CWW spoke to Burç Yildirim, Akcoat’s General Manager, to find out more about the company and its new projects.

CWW: Could you tell us more about Akcoat’s solutions for the ceramic industry?

Burç Yildirim: We offer a wide range of products for the ceramic industry, including coating solutions for ceramic tiles, sanitaryware, roof tiles, tableware and high-tech ceramics. Our plant in Spain is located in Onda, in the Castellón district, where the latest trends in the industry are emerging. We offer comprehensive solutions to ceramic industry manufacturers based on our wide range of products, from frits to composite glazes, digital inks and effects.

In addition to our innovative solutions, we are proud to offer revolutionary innovations in our business processes. In 2021, we developed a world-first solution called LESSBOX, a 100% recyclable inkjet packaging system that reduces plastic use by a factor of as much as three. This project, which won the Alfa de Oro and Liderpack global awards, prevents ink waste, improves the recycling process and takes into account all-round environmental impacts from production to end-use. We also provide our customers with stocking and logistical advantages in accordance with sustainability principles. LESSBOX reduces our environmental footprint while increasing operational efficiency and cost effectiveness.

CWW: Which sectors do you mainly serve and how many countries do you export to as an international brand?

Burç Yildirim: We offer advanced technological solutions focused on innovation. Our products serve a wide range of sectors including white goods, small household appliances, building materials, architectural solutions, kitchenware and industrial production. Most of our product portfolio is resistant to high temperatures, has high scratch resistance and provides protection against chemicals.

As Turkey’s market leader and the world’s second largest chemical coating brand, we export to more than 65 countries on 6 continents, from America to Africa. Our consistent growth in international sales and production capacity has been recognized for years by the sector’s export associations.

CWW: How did Akcoat perform in 2023?

Burç Yildirim: In 2023, we achieved growth through new investments and R&D activities, contributing an added value of US $71 million in exports. We have one of the largest R&D centres in Turkey and are making significant strides towards our goal of global leadership, driven by our commitment to technology, digitalization and innovation. We have been included in prestigious performance rankings such as the Istanbul Chamber of Industry and Fortune 500, and have been honoured for the 16th consecutive year in the Stars of Export awards of İKMİB.

CWW: What are your targets and strategies in the European market?

Burç Yildirim: We aim to expand our share of the European market by increasing customer satisfaction. We develop customized solutions for local markets and establish regional collaborations. We aim to be a pioneer in sustainability and innovation. We optimize our supply chain and improve customer experience by enhancing our digital transformation efforts. We strive to positively contribute to the industry and maintain our leading position by building strong relationships with our stakeholders.

CWW: What are the main features of Akcoat’s products? Which areas have you focused on in your R&D efforts recently?

Burç Yildirim: Akcoat’s products have superior features in terms of durability, aesthetics and functionality. Our environmentally friendly production processes and sustainability-oriented approach set us apart from our competitors. As of the end of 2023, we continued to develop innovative solutions and strengthened our position in the global arena with a total of 99 patent applications, 88 design registrations and 91 national/international publications/papers/posters.