R&D Success from Ekokimya at Istanbul Gelisim University TEKMER with TUBITAK 1507 Support

Ekokimya Kimyevi Ürünler San. ve Tic. A.Ş., operating under the Technology Center (TEKMER) of Istanbul Gelisim University, has been awarded support under the TUBITAK 1507 – SME R&D Startup Support Program with its R&D project titled “Development of a Highly Effective, Stable, and Environmentally Friendly Organic-Certified Mineral Filter Sunscreen through Encapsulation Technology.” The project’s authorized representative is Hale Yedier, and the project manager is Filiz Arıkan Yazıcı.

Scientifically Based, Innovative, and Sustainable Project Structure

The project, deemed worthy of support by TUBITAK, stands out with its scientifically grounded approach, advanced technological applications, and sustainability-oriented structure. Within the scope of the project, the existing sunscreen formulation containing zinc oxide (ZnO) as a mineral UV filter and holding COSMOS organic certification will be further developed using advanced encapsulation technologies.
Through the application of encapsulation techniques, the dispersion and effectiveness of mineral filters within the formulation will be enhanced, while maintaining long-term product performance.
Over the course of the 18-month R&D activities, the project aims to reduce the white cast commonly associated with mineral sunscreens, increase UV protection efficiency and stability, and improve user comfort.
The newly developed formulations, based on plant-derived lipid matrices and environmentally friendly coating approaches in compliance with organic certification criteria, are expected to provide a sustainable alternative to silicone- and microplastic-containing products.

Expected to Establish Infrastructure for Future R&D Activities

At the conclusion of the project, it is planned to obtain innovative sunscreen prototypes that preserve organic certification requirements, demonstrate high performance, and are supported by skin compatibility tests, along with technical documentation and production processes ready for commercialization.
In addition, the encapsulation technology to be developed is expected to serve as a technological infrastructure for future R&D studies involving the encapsulation of different active ingredients.

Aiming to Enhance Competitiveness in Global Markets

The TUBITAK support received represents a significant indicator of Ekokimya’s R&D- and innovation-driven growth strategy, while also aiming to strengthen the company’s competitiveness in the U.S. and Chinese markets where it already operates, and to contribute to the international visibility of Turkey in the field of natural and organic cosmetics.

Continued Support for Innovative Initiatives

Through projects carried out under TEKMER, Istanbul Gelisim University considers the transfer of academic knowledge to industry, the support of innovative ventures, and the development of sustainable, high value-added technologies among its strategic priorities. By means of R&D projects supported by national and international funding mechanisms, the University continues to contribute to the development of environmentally responsible and competitive products.