Toyo Printing Inks: From the Heart of Ink Production in Turkey to the Global Market

Yakup Benli, CEO and Board Member of Toyo Printing Inks, a pioneer in printing ink manufacturing in Turkey, shared the company’s sustainability-focused production approach, R&D investments, and global market strategies with Gözlem Newspaper. Answering questions from Gözlem Newspaper’s Publisher Çetin Gürel and Editor-in-Chief Zeynep Gürel, Benli highlighted that Toyo Printing Inks, originally founded by Yaşar Holding in 1968 and growing through a Japanese partnership since 2015, is now fully integrated into the global market with 100% Japanese capital. Benli also stated that the company’s core mission is to maximize production in Turkey, reduce imports, increase exports, and contribute to the national economy.

Could you tell us about your company’s vision and mission?

The foundations of our company were laid by Yaşar Holding in 1968. We have a legacy that extends from that day to the present; this legacy is our commitment to our work and our understanding of doing the job in the best possible way. Producing within the framework of ethical values is a fundamental principle for us. Since 2015, with our Japanese partnership, and after 2019 with 100% Japanese capital, we have been globalizing our business while preserving the same chemistry and culture. Our mission is to maximize production in Turkey, add value to the country, and reduce imports as much as possible. In fact, our main objective is to contribute to the country’s development by increasing our exports. Additionally, sustainability and job creation are also among our priorities.

How do you see the future of printing products and inks as digitalization becomes more widespread?

On the publishing side, the market has contracted to some extent due to the impact of digitalization. However, as a company operating on a global scale, we are able to create new export opportunities in various regions. On the other hand, when we consider the packaging sector, packaging is important not only for its environmental impact but also for its role in preventing food waste. For instance, extending the shelf life of dairy products is one of the most concrete benefits provided by packaging. For this reason, the importance of the printing and packaging industries will continue; in particular, innovative products integrated with environmentally friendly solutions will continue to drive growth in these fields.

What steps have you taken as TOYO Printing Inks in terms of sustainability?

Sustainability is critically important not only from an environmental perspective but also from an economic standpoint. Packaging helps reduce food waste and enables consumers to access more affordable products.

With this awareness, we are working to produce packaging from recyclable materials and to reduce unnecessary printing practices. In our new factory, we prioritize environmentally friendly technologies such as energy efficiency, rainwater harvesting, and advanced automation systems. With these investments, we aim to integrate a sustainable production approach into all our processes.

How are your R&D activities structured in your new factory?

R&D has been an integral part of our company’s DNA since our establishment. We have been continuously investing in R&D since 1968 and we proudly hold the distinction of being Turkey’s first ink R&D center. In our new factory, we increased the area allocated for our R&D center to two to three times its previous capacity. Once the installation process is completed, we will be able to simulate our customers’ production conditions in-house with our test machines and carry out product development processes much more quickly. With this investment, our capacity to provide faster and more customized solutions to our customers will increase significantly.

What strategies do you implement to reach your target markets?

The wide production network and strong infrastructure of the artience Group are among our greatest advantages. Thanks to the strong cooperation between our group companies, which operate in more than 20 countries, we can reach the required markets quickly and efficiently. Our export teams operate actively at both regional and local levels. Our export team, composed of professionals from various nationalities, enables us to provide solutions tailored to the cultural dynamics and specific needs of our customers. We work closely with our customers and shape our product development processes according to their expectations and feedback. This approach is among the most important strategic elements that enhance our competitiveness in global markets.

What differentiates you from your competitors?

First and foremost, we have a customer-oriented approach. Instead of offering our products with a “ready-to-use” approach, we provide flexibility according to our customers’ production conditions and technical requirements and make product revisions when necessary. Our ability to provide fast and effective technical support is one of the key features that sets us apart from our competitors. When a problem arises, we provide a solution as quickly as possible, ensuring that our customers’ operations continue without interruption. In addition, we focus on long-term collaborations rather than short-term business relationships. We aim to grow together with our customers and create sustainable value.

Do your future plans include new products and markets?

Work is ongoing for the second phase of our new investment. We aim to modernize and expand our product groups. We have new construction and product development plans within our 62,500-square-meter facility and we expect these projects to be realized within the next two to three years.

What are the advantages of being a Japan-based company?

Japanese and German companies are recognized as global leaders in the ink industry. Being part of a Japan-based group provides us with significant advantages, including the exchange of ideas, access to technological expertise, and the sharing of market insights across the group. For instance, during the pandemic, we were able to support each other effectively across regions. We also benefit from the financial stability and technological strength that come with being part of a large international group. In particular, the advanced testing equipment available in Japan contributes greatly to improving our product quality.

How do the additional customs duties imposed by the United States affect your market?

The dynamics of foreign trade are quite complex and subject to rapid change. Sudden changes in trade policies can create uncertainty in the short term. However, in the long term, market balances are reestablished. As a company engaged in production and export on a global scale, we focus on minimizing such impacts through different markets and sales channels. On the other hand, with our quick decision-making and adaptability, which are part of Turkish business culture, we are able to develop flexible and agile solutions for markets experiencing sudden changes. Today, when we encounter similar situations, we are able to minimize the effects thanks to our global network and strategic planning. For example, the fact that some Turkish companies are exploring production opportunities in the United States is an indication of this adaptability. We also maintain our sustainable growth due to this flexibility.

The artience Group has a total of five factories in the region: three in Europe and two in Turkey. While many Turkish businesspeople complain about the current economic situation, you are making significant investments in Turkey. This, of course, demonstrates your confidence in our country. What are your future plans as you make such significant investments in the Turkish economy? Could you elaborate a bit more on the sense of trust and loyalty shown by your headquarters in Japan towards Turkey?

A factory investment is not made with a short-term plan of just a few years. An investment of this scale must be evaluated with a perspective of at least 30 to 40 years. Of course, it is not ideal for economic fluctuations to coincide with the initial phase of an investment; however, such challenges are a natural part of long-term planning.

Turkey offers great potential in the long term with its strategic location, production capacity, and young population. We continue our investments with confidence in this potential. Our headquarters in Japan closely monitors our operations and achievements in Turkey. The trust and commitment toward this place are demonstrated not only in words but also through concrete investments. The mutually trust-based relationships we have established with our business partners in Turkey and the success of our local operations form the fundamental basis of these investments. In the upcoming period, we aim to increase our production capacity in Turkey, enhance our R&D activities, and make our country a regional center for exports. This approach is the most concrete indicator of artience Group’s confidence in Turkey. Of course, the economic slowdown can occasionally cause concern. Particular attention is paid to the economic developments in the European market, where Turkey carries out 50% of its exports. However, I hope that this process will be resolved quickly in the short term for both Turkey and the global economy, and that the 70 million dollar investment made by artience Group will be one of the most significant investments for our group.

During the conversation, you mentioned your company’s multinational structure. You even have a Congolese employee here. What kind of work do you do regarding company culture and employee motivation?

Our multicultural structure is a source of strength for us. With the contributions of our employees from different cultures, we create an innovative and inclusive work environment. We offer continuous training programs, career development opportunities, and open communication channels to increase employee motivation. We also aim to create an environment that respects cultural diversity and where everyone feels valued. As a result, our employees show loyalty to our company and demonstrate high performance.

Our efforts in this regard are not new; we took the first comprehensive step toward corporate culture in 2014–2015. We are one of the few companies in Turkey that measure corporate culture using scientific methods. During that period, we conducted corporate culture analysis studies together with Yaşar University. Thanks to these analyses, we determined the extent to which the company’s overall goals align with the goals and culture of senior management, middle managers, and employees. We have developed and continued this process over the years. A significant effort has been made in this regard.