About TKSD

The establishment of the Turkish Chemical Manufacturers Association (TKSD) traces back to 1985, when the idea of forming an industry association was initiated by Alber Bilen. His proposal was first shared with Ali Mansur and Adnan Şener, and was later developed into a concrete initiative with the contributions of Timur Erk, Serdar Eraslan, and Enver Tunalı.

A major milestone in this process was the First National Industry Congress, held in Ankara in 1985. The written support of 320 delegates attending the congress established a common foundation for the creation of the Association. Throughout the preparation process, Prof. Dr. Ali Rıza Berkem also made significant contributions, and with the support of the scientific community, the initiative quickly evolved into a well-structured organization. Following these efforts, the Turkish Chemical Manufacturers Association (TKSD) was officially established in 1986 and has since become one of the leading non-governmental organizations representing the Turkish chemical industry.

During the first fourteen years under the leadership of its Founding President, Alber Bilen, the Association established its institutional framework, unified the representation of the Turkish chemical industry under a single umbrella, and strengthened the sector’s visibility before public authorities. Throughout this period, TKSD developed into a respected industry organization that voiced the common concerns of the sector, proposed practical solutions, and fostered collaboration among its members.

TKSD’s relationship with the European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC) began in 1993, marking a significant milestone in the Association’s international development. Through its growing cooperation with the European chemical industry, the principles of the Responsible Care® initiative gradually became established throughout Türkiye’s chemical sector.

Having successfully served as President of the Association until 23 February 2000, Alber Bilen continues to hold a distinguished place in TKSD’s history as its Honorary President.

On 13 February 2000, Timur Erk, a founding member who had previously served as Vice President for eight years, assumed the Presidency of the Association. During his tenure, TKSD experienced remarkable growth at both the national and international levels and became one of the most influential representative organizations within the Turkish chemical industry.

During this period, TKSD further strengthened its relationship with CEFIC and attained Full Membership in 2001, reinforcing its position within the European chemical industry. Key priorities included closely monitoring European Union chemicals legislation, supporting the industry’s compliance with regulations such as REACH, expanding international knowledge exchange, and ensuring effective representation of the Turkish chemical industry on European platforms.

Under Timur Erk’s leadership, TKSD also became the national implementer of the Responsible Care® initiative in Türkiye, playing a leading role in promoting a culture of environmental protection, health, safety, and security. Through training programs, verification processes, and sector-wide awareness initiatives, the Association made significant contributions to the advancement of the program across the industry.

During the same period, TKSD established strong cooperation with public institutions and actively contributed to legislative developments concerning chemicals management, environmental protection, occupational health and safety, foreign trade, and sustainability. Serving simultaneously as Chairman of the TOBB Chemical Industry Council and Co-Chair of the Chemical Industry Platform, Timur Erk played a pivotal role in strengthening dialogue between the public and private sectors and in representing the common interests of the industry.

Through its active participation in international meetings, technical committees, educational programs, and initiatives aimed at strengthening industry representation, TKSD became one of Türkiye’s most respected and influential sector organizations.

In 2018, Haluk Erceber assumed the Presidency of the Board of Directors, leading the Association into a new era focused on the priorities shaping the global chemical industry. Sustainability, the green transition, the circular economy, climate policies, and digital transformation became central pillars of the Association’s strategic agenda.

Today, TKSD continues to inform and support its members on strategic issues including the European Green Deal, the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, the revision of REACH, the implementation of KKDIK (Turkey REACH), carbon regulations, and emerging sustainability legislation, while maintaining effective coordination between the industry and public authorities.

Further priorities during this period include the continuous development of the Responsible Care® Management System, the expansion of educational activities, the strengthening of cooperation with international organizations, and the implementation of innovative projects supporting the digital transformation of the chemical industry.

Building on nearly four decades of experience, TKSD continues under the leadership of Haluk Erceber to create lasting value for its members, strengthen its influence at both national and international levels, and contribute to the sustainable growth and global competitiveness of the Turkish chemical industry as one of the country’s leading industry associations.

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