Development of Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy Applications for SMEs in Gaziantep

The “Development of Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy Applications for SMEs in Gaziantep” project, which we implemented with the cooperation of Gaziantep Chamber of Industry and EBRD support, has been successfully completed. In this study, which was carried out with four SMEs from the chemical, food and plastic sectors, detailed analyses were carried out in the areas of production processes, raw material use and waste management.

Opportunities that will increase the resource efficiency of enterprises and encourage circularity were determined through on-site visits and technical meetings. The project aimed to contribute to both the increase of operational efficiency and the adaptation processes to the EU Green Deal.

Climate Resilience Enhancement in Dairy Farming (CliResDairy)

The Climate Resilience Enhancement in Dairy Farming (CliResDairy) project carried out in Aydın province aims to increase the resilience of the dairy sector against the effects of climate change. The project, supported under the Horizon Europe program of the European Union, has been shaped by the climate risk assessment and adaptation strategy development process under the coordination of the Aydın Province Cattle Breeders Association.

Aydın, which stands out with its agriculture and livestock sector, is faced with climatic threats such as increasing temperatures, drought, sudden rains and floods. This situation can cause serious pressures especially on milk yield, animal health, feed production and infrastructure sustainability. In order to find solutions to these challenges, a comprehensive climate risk assessment process will be carried out in the project using the CLIMAAX Tool. This tool, developed by the European Commission, will enable the transparent and holistic analysis of regional and sectoral risks, and will enable the identification of priority climate threats and the creation of adaptation strategies specifically for Aydın.

Climate-Ready İzmir: Enhancing Resilience Strategies (CRIZ-ERS)

Climate-Ready İzmir: Enhancing Resilience Strategies (CRIZ-ERS) is a comprehensive initiative supported by the European Union’s Horizon Europe Program. It aims to transform İzmir into a city resilient to climate change. Coordinated by the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality, the project scientifically analyzes the main climate risks facing the city, including extreme rainfall, heatwaves, agricultural drought, and coastal flooding, and develops adaptation strategies to address them.

The project actively utilizes the CLIMAAX tool (Climate Risk Assessment and Adaptation Toolbox) developed by the European Union. This tool combines high-resolution climate projections and socio-economic data for İzmir as a whole and the Konak district in particular, allowing for detailed analysis of key climate risks such as extreme rainfall and floods, heatwaves, agricultural drought, and sea-level rise. By the project’s end, public institutions, academic organizations, private sector representatives, non-governmental organizations, and citizens will be actively involved. Stakeholder opinions, local knowledge, and technical analyses will be integrated to conduct a multi-dimensional assessment. This participatory process will lead to concrete intervention proposals in various areas, such as strengthening green and blue infrastructure, establishing early warning systems for disasters, increasing the resilience of critical infrastructure, reducing the urban heat island effect, and preserving cultural heritage.

Upon completion of the process, Climate Action Plans for İzmir province and Konak District will be prepared, and İzmir province’s SECAP (Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan) study will be updated.

TUBITAK: 1831 Green Innovation Technology Mentorship Program

“Türkiye Green Industry Project”, coordinated by the Ministry of Industry and Technology of the Republic of Türkiye, is financed by the World Bank and implemented by TUBITAK and KOSGEB. As one of the solution partners in this project, GTE will support SMEs across Türkiye in their green transformation processes. The project aims to provide mentorship and consulting services to SMEs striving to align with green transformation requirements.

In this context, services such as technology consulting, capacity analysis, situation analysis, problem identification, and solution roadmapping will be offered in line with green innovation principles. These services will enable local businesses to adopt sustainable production practices, helping them reduce environmental impacts and improve resource efficiency. The project seeks to promote circular economy and green transformation practices in Türkiye, enhancing the global competitiveness of SMEs.

Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Action Plan (SECAP)

The Municipality of Çankaya has launched preparatory work on a Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Action Plan (SECAP) to address climate change and implement sustainable energy policies. In this project, for which GTE provides technical consultancy, the goals include identifying climate-related risks in Çankaya, developing strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and taking steps to adapt to climate change.

As part of this effort, a comprehensive greenhouse gas inventory for Çankaya District and the Çankaya Municipality will be prepared, the climate-related risks faced by Çankaya will be analyzed and prioritized, options to reduce carbon emissions will be identified, and a detailed roadmap to strengthen climate resilience will be developed. The project is expected to be completed by May 2025.

MATE4MEAT: Sustainable and Antimicrobial Materials for Meat Packaging

The project “MATE4MEAT: Innovative Antimicrobial Packaging Solutions for Meat Products,” coordinated by The International University College of Turin (UNITO), is supported under the Horizon 2020 program. In addition to GTE, the consortium also includes Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Université de Sfax (USS), UM6P – University Mohammed VI Polytechnic, Université de Fribourg (UFR), University of Constantine 1 (UFMC1), Cadi Ayyad University (UCA), and Computomics (COMPU).

The project aims to develop bio-based and biodegradable antimicrobial packaging solutions for meat products in line with circular economy principles. These innovative packaging systems, which work through the synergistic effect of antimicrobial compounds and bio-based polymers, aim to enhance food safety, extend shelf life, and reduce food waste. While promoting sustainability, MATE4MEAT also seeks to reduce reliance on fossil resources.

For more information, you can visit the project’s website:

https://mate4meat.com/

BIOMEDPACK: Shelf-life Enhancing Packaging Systems and Solutions for Mediterranean Food Based on Agri-Food Cascade Biorefinery

The project “BIOMEDPACK: Shelf-life Enhancing Packaging Systems for Mediterranean Food through Innovative and Circular Solutions,” coordinated by the University of Córdoba (UCO), is supported under the PRIMA (Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area) program. In addition to GTE, the consortium includes The International University College of Turin (UNITO), Université de Sfax (USS), UM6P – University Mohammed VI Polytechnic, Université de Fribourg (UFR), University of Constantine 1 (UFMC1), Cadi Ayyad University (UCA), and Computomics (COMPU).

The project aims to develop sustainable packaging and bio-preservation solutions through a circular approach specific to Mediterranean food systems, by valorizing lignocellulosic and bioactive components of agricultural by-products. Supported by food microbiome information and computational techniques, these innovative packaging solutions improve the shelf life of Mediterranean food products through the synergistic combination of bio-based polymers and bioprotective agents, while also considering the nutritional value of edible packaging.

CircularPSP: Innovative Solutions for the Circular Economy

The “CircularPSP: Innovative Solutions for the Circular Economy” project, coordinated by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, is supported under the European Union Horizon 2020 program. The consortium, which includes GTE, also comprises stakeholders such as Circular Berlin, Forum Virium Helsinki, Sandyford Business District, Município de

CircularPSP is a project that fosters collaboration among eight leading cities representing 45 million citizens to accelerate the transition to the Circular Economy (CE). Bringing together public procurers from across Europe, the initiative includes globally influential capitals such as Berlin, Helsinki, London, and Istanbul.

Within the project:

  • Cities, regions, government organizations, and public procurers have the opportunity to connect with consortium representatives.
  • They receive updates on the solution development timeline, key milestones, and collaboration opportunities.

Following the Call-off Phase II in September 2024, three suppliers were selected to further develop an innovative Circular Economy solution and test the CircularPSP prototype systems.

One of the supplier consortia, CircularAI, offers an AI-powered solution to help municipalities, their employees, and local businesses adopt circular economy practices more effectively and at scale. GTE is a partner in the CircularAI consortium, which leverages advanced AI and data analytics to support cities in becoming more sustainable, resource-efficient, and resilient.

For more information about the project:

https://circularpsp.eu/

Follow CircularAI on Linkedin:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/circularai

The Technical Feasibility of Izmir Resource Efficiency Center

“Izmir Resource Efficiency Center” project, initiated by Izmir Development Agency (IZKA) in coordination with the Ministry of Industry and Technology, aims to enhance the productivity and sustainability capacities of businesses in the Izmir Atatürk Organized Industrial Zone by providing guidance on industrial symbiosis, digital transformation, clean energy, and carbon management. GTE plays a crucial role during the technical feasibility phase, offering consultancy in critical areas such as infrastructure setup, human resource planning, cost-benefit analysis, and the development of sustainable business models.

Following the feasibility study outcomes, the center will create shared spaces for the private sector, accelerating production, R&D, and innovation activities while boosting regional competitiveness.

Sanliurfa OIZ Wastewater Recovery Efficiency Project

The “Wastewater Recovery Efficiency Project,” led by GTE with the support of the Karacadag Development Agency and under the advisory of Prof. Dr. Erkan Sahinkaya from Istanbul Medeniyet University, is being implemented in alignment with the priorities of the World Bank-Financed Turkey Organized Industrial Zones Project financial support program.

The project, in collaboration with Sanliurfa Organized Industrial Zone, aims to ensure the effective and efficient management of water resources and serves as a model for the green transformation of industry in Turkey. Existing technologies for wastewater recovery in SUOIZ have been evaluated, preliminary designs have been developed, and feasibility studies have been conducted to assess the project’s economic, technical, and environmental aspects, including approximate investment and operating costs.

You can access the full feasibility report below.

Şanlıurfa OIZ Wastewater Recovery Efficieny Project Technical Feasibility Report