The Ceyhan Polypropylene Plant, alongside its integrated Liquid Bulk Terminal, is designed to address these gaps. Developed by Rönesans Holding, the project reflects a broader trend, already visible across several regions, towards reinforcing local production and strengthening supply security as global economic patterns shift. Its significance lies not only in its potential to reduce import dependence but in its scale and ability to strengthen the local economy and support the growth of high-value-added sectors, a priority identified by the Ministry of Industry.
“In recent years, we have all witnessed how quickly globalization can be disrupted, and how vital resilient supply chains have become for national economies. Our investment in the Ceyhan Polypropylene Plant and its integrated terminal is a response to this reality,” says Rönesans’ founder and president emeritus, Erman Ilıcak.
Ceyhan’s logistics edge
The site’s proximity to key downstream production centers coupled with the availability of key infrastructure within the DAPEK industrial zone, maximizes logistical advantages for both domestic use and exports thanks to the on-site facilities. Focusing on sustainable, long-term growth and impact rather than rapid expansion, the team has taken significant steps to reduce Turkey’s vulnerability to global short-term price volatilities and supply chain disruptions, while also supporting the growth of its downstream manufacturing sector. Looking further ahead, the project is expected to catalyze broader industrial development within the DAPEK-organized industrial zone.
International partnerships and robust financing
Delivering a plant and terminal of this scale required considerable financial resources and technical expertise. The project team successfully secured funding from a consortium of international lenders, amounting to a $1.3 billion loan for a total investment of $2 billion. These achievements reflect international confidence in the project and underscore the importance of strong partnerships with global technology providers and engineering firms. The project employed advanced production techniques and strict safety protocols through a collaborative investment model, ensuring the facility meets the highest international standards while remaining agile amidst a changing global landscape. Ilıcak added, “The international partnerships and financing behind the projects represent a key industrial development model that balances global collaboration with local expertise.”
Sustainability and innovation at the core
Importantly, industrial development cannot come at the cost of the environment; modern plants must reduce their carbon footprint as much as possible. The Ceyhan plant’s technology prioritizes low-carbon production and resource efficiency, using hydrogen generated as a by-product to eliminate fossil fuel consumption. The facility is committed to transitioning to 100% renewable electricity, further enhancing its environmental credentials and long-term impact. Independent experts estimate the plant will produce just one-third as much carbon per ton of polypropylene as its nearest European competitor. These innovations are not only environmentally responsible but also strategically sound from a business perspective. The low-carbon footprint will help the facility to stay ahead of the competition as global markets increasingly prioritize low-carbon products and sustainable production.
Catalyzing local and national growth
Expected to generate a substantial number of jobs both during construction and long-term operations, the project will also foster advanced manufacturing skills and expertise boosting the local economy and bolstering Turkey’s industrial self-sufficiency and resilience. Once operational, these investments will directly contribute $300 million annually to reducing Turkey's current account deficit; while also reducing the polypropylene imports by 472,500 tons annually, corresponding to c. 17% of national consumption.The project’s success centers on its effective assembly of a global network of partners, seamless technology transfer, and adoption of best-in-class standards combined with growing local talent and skills.
A blueprint for international collaboration
The Ceyhan Polypropylene Plant is more than a new facility; it serves as an inspirational case study in how strategic investment, collaborative partnerships, and innovation can transform a nation’s industrial landscape. As supply chains shift toward regionalization and sustainability becomes a central economic priority, the projects provide valuable insights into how to achieve sustainable growth amidst a shifting global economic landscape. With coordinated policy support, innovative financing mechanisms, and incentives for import substitution and export growth, Turkey has the potential to replicate the success of the Ceyhan project across other strategic sectors. The project demonstrates how emerging markets can attract high-quality international investment by focusing on business fundamentals: clear market demand, credible partnerships, and a commitment to innovation. In an era of shifting global supply chains and rising protectionism, this collaborative model presents a compelling and sustainable alternative.
As Ilıcak concludes: “The world is continuing to adapt to new patterns of trade and production. We believe that combining international partnerships, advanced technology, environmental responsibility, and strong local expertise will be key to sustainable growth. Not just for Turkey, but for the region as a whole”.
Source: Forbes