Jiva Kimya Steps Up Ambitions in Sustainability and Innovation

In our interview with Ekin Gülbüken, Vice Chair of the Board and Business Development Director of Jiva Kimya, we examined how the company's investment and sustainability-focused approach shapes its role in the life sciences sector.

Under Gülbüken's leadership, distinguished by expertise in finance and sustainable business management, the company adapts raw material procurement and testing processes to sector-specific requirements, while developing innovative solutions that increase product stability and reduce costs.

Could you provide our readers with brief information about your education and career background?

I currently work as Business Development Director at Jiva Kimya. I began my role at Jiva Kimya in 2018, though I had previously undertaken consulting work from abroad on an occasional basis. I completed sustainable operations training in the United States and then completed my master's degree in investment analysis in the United Kingdom. I have no direct background in the chemical sector, but I turned to this sector both because of my family and my personal interests. Due to the nature of my profession, knowledge of finance and sustainability adds considerable value. For this reason, I believe I bring distinct value to Jiva Kimya. I apply my education in the same way to Jiva Kimya. I work to advance the company to the next level with each passing day.

Jiva Kimya has long experience in supplying high-quality raw materials for the cosmetics and pharmaceutical sectors. What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?

As Jiva Kimya operates in the life sciences sector, the principal challenges we encounter include macroeconomic fluctuations, foreign trade barriers, supply chain vulnerabilities, and increasing regulatory burdens. Particularly in an economy like Turkey with high currency volatility, the exchange rate risk we face in import-dependent raw materials directly impacts our financial statements. To mitigate this risk, we employ advanced financial derivative instruments to hedge currency risk and use forward contracts to ensure price stability.

Additionally, to manage supply shocks resulting from global logistics disruptions following the COVID-19 pandemic, we restructured our supply chain on the basis of a multi-source supply strategy. We reduced dependence on a single supplier and established parallel collaborations with manufacturers from Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Furthermore, to support supply security, we developed a safe inventory model and, through our ERP system, we conduct demand forecasting and optimise minimum stock levels. Thanks to all these measures, we have been able to provide uninterrupted supply to our customers even during crisis periods.

The life sciences industry typically requires adherence to strict quality standards. What is your experience with ensuring compliance with regulations such as GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) when working with raw materials for cosmetics or pharmaceuticals?

GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) must be applied end-to-end not only at the manufacturing level but also throughout all links of the supply chain. As Jiva Kimya, we have developed a risk-based audit system to ensure GMP compliance of the raw materials we procure. In this context, during the supplier selection process we request GMP certifications, audit reports, process validations, API manufacturing process analyses under ICH Q7 scope, and complete file documentation. Furthermore, in line with the spirit of GMP, we have improved our processes such as traceability, contamination control, storage conditions, and transport validations.

For example, for pharmaceutical raw materials with temperature and humidity sensitivity, we provide storage in warehouses compliant with GDP (Good Distribution Practices) standards with temperature and humidity monitoring, and we manage transport processes through validated logistics providers. Thus, we apply GMP requirements not merely as a document received from the manufacturer, but as a quality culture integrated throughout our operations.

Jiva Kimya serves different sectors such as cosmetics, detergents, and pharmaceuticals. How do you adapt your raw material procurement or testing approach based on each sector's specific needs?

Life sciences sectors—pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and detergent—involve different regulations, quality standards, and consumer expectations. For this reason, we apply risk-analysis-based quality management specific to each sector.

In the pharmaceutical sector, compliance with monographs (USP, EP, JP) is a fundamental requirement, with priority given to stability studies, elemental impurities (ICH Q3D), nitrosamine risk, and microbial limit testing. In the cosmetics sector, INCI compliance required for CPNP notification, allergen declarations, ECOCERT/COSMOS certifications, and dermatological validations take precedence. In the detergent sector, REACH registration, biodegradation testing, and environmental toxicity analysis are foremost considerations.

To meet all these differences, we customise our analytical tests and supplier evaluations in line with sector-specific regulations. Additionally, we create special analysis protocols in response to customer requests and conduct collaborations with third-party accredited laboratories.

Innovation is crucial to remain competitive in the life sciences market. Could you share a creative solution you have implemented to improve a product or process related to chemical raw materials?

During the vitamin E derivative supply crisis in 2021, Jiva Kimya pursued the path of developing alternative antioxidant systems to sustain formulation stability. In this context, by proposing combinations of ferulic acid, resveratrol, and phytosterol in place of traditional tocopherol, we both increased oxidative stability and raised the percentage of natural content.

With this solution, we also provided financial advantage to our customers. While tocopherol prices experienced increases of up to 300%, our alternative systems reduced costs by 40% and allowed us to reposition formulations' market claim as "plant-based antioxidant-supported". Furthermore, by supporting this approach with scientific papers, we provided our customers with marketing advantage.

Left to right - Ekin Gülbüken, Vice Chair of the Board - Business Development Director of Jiva Kimya --- Mesrure Gülbüken, Chair of the Board - General Director of Jiva Kimya --- Nilüfer Ürütürk, Marketing Specialist at Artkim Group 

When thinking in terms of proactive solutions, how do you forecast the next raw material requirement?

We feed our forecasts with data-driven market analyses, trend reports, and scientific literature reviews. For example, we forecast that the concept of "skin microbiome balance" will gain prominence by the end of 2025 in the anti-aging skin care market. In line with this, we have expanded our manufacturer portfolio in postbiotics, prebiotics, and microbiome-friendly surfactants. Additionally, through big data analysis, we track search volumes from sources such as Google Trends, Mintel, and Innova to identify which actives will become popular and plan our inventory accordingly.

What safety protocols does Jiva Kimya implement?

In chemical safety, we operate in full compliance with ISO 45001 and ADR regulations. For all products, risk analyses are conducted through current SDS documents; our storage areas have real-time monitoring through temperature, humidity, and air quality sensors. For products in explosive or toxic classes, we implement segregated storage, sprinkler systems designed for fire scenarios, and emergency response plans. Additionally, our personnel receive chemical hazard awareness and response training twice annually.

Could you provide an example of interdepartmental collaboration in your company?

In a dermaceutical project we developed for an anti-pollution serum in 2022, our R&D team ensured the scientific validity of the actives while our sales team extracted competitive formulation analyses, and our supply chain department optimised the logistics planning of raw materials. Thanks to this multidisciplinary structure, we shortened our time to market by 3 months and created a 12% cost advantage.

What are Jiva Kimya's sustainability strategies?

We base sustainability on green chemistry principles. We prioritise raw materials produced from bio-based, renewable sources, and work with manufacturers with low carbon footprints. Additionally, we prioritise ingredients produced through processes with waste water recovery and solvent-free extraction methods. As of 2023, 35% of our portfolio products are ECOCERT and COSMOS approved. We aim to increase this ratio to 50% by 2025.