On October 21, 2024, Kastamonu University, in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Technology's General Directorate of Industry, held the “Panel on Forest Products Industry in the Context of Green Transformation and Innovative Approaches” at the Sezai Karakoç Hall in the University’s Central Library.
Prior to the panel, an exhibition themed around the forest products industry and green transformation was launched. The exhibition showcased sustainable and environmentally friendly products, as well as innovative materials and technologies. Attendees had the opportunity to explore the exhibition before the panel, gaining insights into the innovative products and technologies employed in the green transformation process.
The panel featured representatives from public institutions, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, and the academic community. Discussions focused on the adaptation of the forest products industry to the green transformation process, the contributions of innovation to the sector, and the industry's future.
In his opening speech, our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, emphasized that green transformation has made the concept of sustainability a necessity and highlighted its vital importance for the forest products industry. He also noted that Kastamonu University specializes in forestry and nature tourism, viewing collaboration with public institutions, the private sector, and NGOs as a responsibility while supporting academic knowledge and R&D efforts. He expressed hope that the panel would pave the way for new ideas contributing to green transformation.
Büşra Pınarbaşı, a representative from the Ministry of Industry and Technology, pointed out that the green transformation process presents significant opportunities for the sector and stressed the need for adopting innovative approaches to achieve sustainable development goals. She particularly highlighted the importance of increasing resource efficiency and developing environmentally friendly business models, stating that the Ministry is focusing on supporting the sector with relevant projects during this process.
Göksel Korkmaz, President of the Turkish Forest Products Exporters' Association, discussed the impact of the green transformation process on the export sector, stating that the forest products industry needs to shift more towards environmentally friendly practices. He emphasized that innovative approaches would enhance competitiveness in exports and bring new opportunities to the sector.
Mehmet Celalettin Akça, President of the National Wood Union, expressed that wood products are central to sustainability and that natural resources must be used efficiently. He stated that green transformation will play a crucial role in the future strategies of the wood industry and that the sector will have a key role in this transformation.
Hüseyin Güler, Global R&D and Innovation Director at Kastamonu Entegre, noted that the integration of green transformation with innovation adds significant value to the sector. He shared information about the company’s efforts in this area, explaining that Kastamonu Entegre is developing environmentally friendly products using sustainable materials, and highlighted the importance of green transformation in the company’s growth strategies.
Finally, Hacer Yücel, a representative of the Furniture Associations Federation, addressed the importance of green transformation in the furniture sector, stating that the industry needs to adopt more environmentally friendly practices alongside innovative approaches. She emphasized that using sustainable materials in furniture production would positively impact the environment and enhance the sector’s competitiveness.
The panel, which thoroughly examined the processes of green transformation and innovation in the forest products industry, provided a platform for participants to exchange ideas about the future of the sector. Following the presentations, a Q&A session was held, during which significant ideas and solutions related to the sector were proposed.