Mrs. Özlem Esen, R&D and Quality Group Manager of Evyap Company

We conducted an interview with Özlem Esen, R&D and Quality Group Manager at Evyap Company, and discussed the company's development process, areas of activity, and the remarkable success of Duru.

Can you tell us about yourself and your professional background?

I graduated in Chemical Engineering from Istanbul University. I hold an MSc degree in Chemical Engineering and, after working in various R&D positions, am currently serving as R&D and Quality Group Manager.

Could you please tell us about Evyap's 92-year journey? What is the formula behind Evyap's numerous successes over this long period?

Starting from soap production, we are a company with a product portfolio covering all cosmetic categories and diapers, excluding colour cosmetics, and we have successfully managed these across different international locations. Evyap's significant success over its 92-year journey stems from our ability to produce these products at consistent quality across our facilities in different countries. Throughout this process, Evyap has succeeded by providing strong technical knowledge and investing in its brands. In short, we have a track record built on our ability to manage brand and product portfolios effectively at the same time. Additionally, high employee loyalty and corporate commitment are key factors in our success. Employee satisfaction is very evident at Evyap.

What are your products and in which sectors are you active?

Alongside Evyap Sabun Yağ&Gliserin San. ve Tic. in the FMCG sector, Evyapport is a significant operation in logistics. Evyapport is the closest container port to Ankara, with the advantage of providing transportation to Turkey's interior regions. Evyap also operates in the construction sector. In FMCG, under the Arko Nem brand we offer skin care creams and sun care products; under the Arko Men and Gibbs brands we offer men's care products; under Duru, Fax and Activex brands we offer solid and liquid soaps, cologne and shower gels; under Evy Baby we offer baby diapers and wet wipes; under the Sanino brand we offer oral care products. In the deodorant and perfume category, Privacy, First Class, Emotion, Blade and Bellisima are our brands at Evyap.

What are your domestic and international sales activities? To which product categories do you export to foreign markets?

We produce and sell all our products in 150 countries at the same quality according to country groups. Evyap is a leader in beauty soaps, skin care products, shaving preparations and aftershave categories. In the soap category, our Duru, Fax and Arko brands rank second in the international market, including countries such as Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Romania, Poland, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Albania, Moldova and many others. In the shaving preparation category, our Arko brand is among the most effective in Russia and Ukraine, as well as Central Asia and the Middle East. Additionally, Sanino is the most preferred toothpaste in the Ukrainian market.

Could you please tell us about the success story of Duru Hand Soaps from 1967 to the present, and the milestones during this period?

The foundation of Duru hand soaps was actually established in 1927. However, the first step in the branding process was taken in 1967, when Evyap began introducing its soap heritage through advertisements under the Duru brand. Evyap developed the technical knowledge to operate soap production using both animal and plant-based oils. Subsequently, under the Duru brand name, hair care products, liquid soap and shower gel were introduced to production. Most recently, a new natural laundry cleaning product, Duru Granular detergent based on soap, has been placed on shelves.    

This is a very useful test that you have developed to help your customers find the most suitable soap. Could you tell us a little about this project?

Cosmetics appeal to the senses and emotions as well as their functional properties. Since our personality traits play a role in determining our cosmetic choices, our consumers enjoy and become familiar with our products through this test.

What is your view on R&D?

In 1989, Evyap decided to manage R&D functions separately. This year, according to our establishment, we are celebrating the 30th anniversary of R&D and the 5th anniversary of our R&D center. Particularly in 2014, we entered a period where we began achieving significant breakthroughs with our R&D center. Over the past 5 years, we have advanced by incorporating knowledge gained from 25 years in various markets up to 2014, through both university collaborations and supplier communications.

What future R&D investments do you plan to make next year? What innovations will your investments bring to your products and customers?

We aim to increase the number of PhD-level employees and encourage current employees to pursue master's and doctorate degrees in order to strengthen our research capabilities, in which Evyap is pioneering within the cosmetics category in Turkey.

You are conducting social responsibility projects in many areas. Could you tell us about your social responsibility initiatives?

Evyap has undertaken significant social responsibility projects, particularly in the field of education. Tenzile Ana Primary School and Tenzile Ana Secondary School (Van-Erciş), Mehmet Rıfat Evyap Anatolian Technical and Industrial High School (Ayazağa), Hedise Evyap Primary School (İzmit), and Mürüvvet Evyap Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Mental Disabilities (Kocaeli) are schools we have transferred to the government. As the Evyap Foundation, we aim to reach both our employees and those in need.

What social responsibility projects do you plan to complete in the coming years?

Evyap aims to implement more projects focused on children. Our latest project, "Boxes of Happiness," continues to send gifts to Darülaceze and various schools with the support of our employees.