Process oils – one of the indispensable components of Turkish industry – have evolved into a strategic topic not only for production lines but also for global competitiveness. These specialized oils, which directly impact production quality, sustainability, and efficiency across diverse sectors such as rubber, plastics, textiles, and metalworking, are gaining increasing importance due to rising demands for technical standards, environmental compliance, and customer-focused formulations.
In this issue, we spotlight Alkim’s rapid rise in the process oils market. We spoke with Alkim’s Sales Director, Ahmet Altunkaya, about the company’s journey that began fourteen years ago in process oils, and its vision spanning from R&D to eco-friendly product strategies and global market ambitions. With his field experience and technical expertise, Alkim’s young executive offers illuminating insights into the sector’s dynamics and future opportunities – making this interview a must-read for professionals seeking to explore the evolving landscape of process oils.
How did Alkim’s interest in process oils begin?
Our journey with process oils began exactly fourteen years ago. Back then, Alkim’s focus was primarily on exports and finished products, with a strong presence in the domestic automotive sector. Process oils were a completely new and uncertain territory for us – no customers, no ready market. Yet I saw something very clearly at the time: these oils would become a strategic force, not just for a few industries, but for the entire backbone of manufacturing. With that vision, I visited nearly 40% of production facilities across Türkiye. Rubber, plastics, textiles, mold release oils, paints, metalworking… I entered each production line and observed firsthand what they technically needed, studying their applications on site. This wasn’t just a sales process; it was about reading the true dynamics of industry, identifying needs ahead of time, and building tomorrow’s solutions today.
Where we stand now, the journey we envisioned fourteen years ago has brought us from zero to 1,580 active process oil customers. That figure isn’t just a success; it’s the result of vision, courage, and technical dedication in the field. We have never seen process oils as ordinary raw materials. We have treated them as strategic levers that define production quality, sustainability, and competitiveness. And today, thanks to that vision, Alkim has become an indispensable solution partner in the “invisible kitchens” of industry, across hundreds of sectors. In short, the step we took fourteen years ago with nothing but an idea and boldness has evolved into a global success story. But we see this as a beginning rather than an ending. Because shaping the industry of tomorrow through process oils remains one of the greatest opportunities ahead.
WIth over 1,500 actIve customers In TUrkIye and abroad, Alkim Is now a key player In the process oIls market. TImely delIvery, a sustaInable supply chaIn, and consIstent qualIty are the company’s core strengths that InspIre trust across the Industry.
Process oils have a remarkably wide range of applications. Could you tell us more about process oils and their areas of use?
Process oils are far from being uniform products. On the contrary, they vary significantly depending on the specific needs of each industry. In the rubber sector, they enhance flexibility and durability; in plastics, they improve processability and surface quality; in textiles, they reduce friction on yarn and fabric, boosting both quality and production speed; and in metalworking, they optimize cutting and cooling performance, extending tool life and ensuring operational safety.
At Alkim, we have always approached process oils as “multi-dimensional engineering solutions.” Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all formula, we have developed distinct formulations for rubber, plastics, textiles, and metalworking. This approach has allowed us to demonstrate – across every sector – that process oils are not just invisible components, but essential building blocks of industrial performance. Today, when you look at where process oils are used, you will find they touch nearly every corner of manufacturing. Our mission is to read this broad spectrum accurately and deliver the most suitable technical solution for each customer. That’s what makes us strong: we don’t see process oils as generic raw materials, but as strategic tools operating at the heart of industry.
Process oIls are used across a wIde range of IndustrIes, IncludIng rubber, plastIcs, textIles, mold release, paInts, and metalworkIng. By developIng taIlored formulatIons for each sector, Alkim consIstently delIvers the most effectIve technIcal solutIons to Its customers.
What criteria do you focus on when producing process oils to meet the needs of different industries?
The characteristics of process oils used across various industries differ sharply. Since each sector requires a formulation tailored to its specific processes, there is no single recipe in production. For us, the core priority in product development is to clearly understand what performance the customer expects in their final product. To achieve this, we reconfigure technical parameters such as carbon structure, volatility, oxidation resistance, color stability, and environmental compatibility according to the customer’s expectations. At Alkim, we never treat process oils as standard raw materials. Every product we develop is a custom formulation designed to deliver the exact performance our customer envisions. That’s why, for us, a process oil is not merely an additive used on the production line; it’s a strategic tool that adds value to the final product, defines its quality, and enhances its competitiveness.
Viscosity, volatility, color, and purity are critical technical parameters in process oils. Which international standards or customer requirements guide your formulation process?
In process oils, parameters such as viscosity, volatility, color, and purity are not merely technical figures; they are the chemical expression of the performance the customer expects in their final product. At Alkim, we design our product development process not only within the confines of the laboratory but also in direct alignment with the customer’s production line and international standards. Alongside ASTM, ISO, and DIN norms, we place REACH, NSF, and European Green Deal criteria at the core of our work. Today, an oil must meet not only production efficiency requirements but also environmental, human health, and sustainability standards.
What truly sets Alkim apart is its dedication to evaluating products through 23 distinct testing methods, all conducted under TURKAK accreditation. This is not just a technical assurance; it’s a promise to our customers that we uphold internationally recognized, scientifically validated standards without compromise.
Our forward-looking vision is clear: there is no longer room for oils containing toxic residues or aromatic bases. We focus on process oils that are zero-aromatic, low-emission, and biodegradable. This is not merely a regulatory obligation – it is our conscious choice. Because we believe the industry of the future will be built with raw materials that do not harm people or the planet. Today, we have already introduced our biodegradable solutions to active customers; tomorrow, we aim to elevate this field even further and set new benchmarks for the sector. Alkim’s mission is crystal clear: to develop process oils at the intersection of technical performance and environmental responsibility, shaping the future of industry starting today.
Alkim embraces envIronmental responsIbIlIty not as a regulatory requIrement, but as a conscIous choIce. The company excludes toxIc resIdues and aromatIc-based oIls from Its productIOn, focusIng Instead on low-emIssIon, bIodegradable process oIls. All products are evaluated usIng 23 testIng methods under TURKAK accredItatIon and In full complIance wIth InternatIonal standards.
Which sectors are driving faster growth in demand for process oils in Türkiye and global markets? Could you share insights into market dynamics?
Process oils are not confined to a single industry; they are indispensable across hundreds of different applications. That’s why, when we analyze market dynamics, one thing becomes very clear: every factory in Türkiye or anywhere in the world is a potential customer. Today, Alkim is not only active in Türkiye but also a strategic supplier to some of the world’s largest manufacturers. We are not just a local player – we are a trusted solution partner embedded in the production lines of global industry leaders. This brings a unique responsibility: not just to observe where the market is heading, but to help shape it.
Looking ahead, we anticipate accelerated growth in two key areas:
- Eco-friendly and low-emission products: The European Green Deal and global regulations are steering demand in this direction across the process oils segment.
- High-performance technical applications: Rising expectations for durability and efficiency in the automotive, rubber, and plastics sectors are driving demand for specialized formulations.
For us, the essence of market dynamics is this: process oils will continue to be everywhere, but what will truly differentiate them moving forward is their environmental compatibility, technical excellence, and customization for each customer. At Alkim, we are advancing on all three pillars, aiming to be not only Türkiye’s but the world’s most trusted supplier in this field.
WIth an export network spannIng 102 countrIes, Alkim has become a trusted supplIer In the process oIls sector. Its dynamIc team has helped the company reach over 1,500 actIve process oIl customers In just fourteen years, securIng a strong posItIon In the Industry.
What is Alkim’s promise to its customers in the field of process oils? What unique advantages do you offer through your R&D efforts?
Our core promise is reliability. For our customers, timely delivery, a sustainable supply chain, and consistent quality are top priorities. In addition, we offer an extensive product portfolio with dozens of sector-specific alternatives across varying viscosities and carbon structures.
What sets Alkim apart is not just selling oils but providing tailored engineering support for each customer’s process. That’s why we stay close to the field. Our R&D team continuously analyzes production lines to refine our formulations. Key performance attributes such as low volatility, color stability, high oxidation resistance, and environmental compatibility are all customized based on the customer’s specific requirements.
We also operate a robust logistics network, ensuring rapid access across Türkiye and maintaining active export operations in 102 countries. This infrastructure provides our customers with both technical assurance and supply reliability. In short, Alkim’s promise is clear: the right product, at the right time, with the right service – delivering solutions that make a real difference in the customer’s process.
Could you tell us about Alkim’s future goals? Where do you see the company in the process oils sector over the next 5–10 years?
Today, Alkim actively exports to 102 countries. For us, this is not just a milestone; it marks the beginning of our vision to become a global player. Over the next 5 to 10 years, our goal is to establish Alkim as a leading brand in the global process oils market, beyond Türkiye. To support this ambition, we participate in approximately 25 international trade fairs annually. Because we don’t just sell products, we deliver knowledge and vision. Direct engagement with customers, on-site observation, and close monitoring of global trends keep us at the forefront of the industry.
Our greatest strength lies in our young yet highly knowledgeable team. Personally, I share my 17 years of experience with them, and they carry us forward with their energy and drive. This synergy is the most critical factor that sets Alkim apart from its competitors. Our future plans include overseas warehouse investments, joint ventures, and strategic partnerships. Because we know that becoming a global player requires not only production capacity but also building a strong international infrastructure. If we were to summarize Alkim’s vision in a single sentence: “To be the trusted solution partner in process oils not only in Türkiye, but worldwide.” This is both our mission and our motivation for the next five years.
Alkim exports to 102 countrIes worldwIde and partIcIpates In 25 InternatIonal trade faIrs annually to stay alIgned wIth global trends.
