Mustafa Çomu: “We Are Building an Ecosystem That Draws Strength Locally to Create Value in Global Markets”
Sunar Investment, one of Turkey’s leading groups in food, agriculture, and bio-industry with over half a century of production history, shared its sustainable growth strategy with members of the press. While the group pioneers environmentally compatible industrial transformation through investments in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and bio-based production, it continues to provide added value to the national economy through its integrated structure and global export network. Making statements on the subject, Mustafa Nuri Çomu, Chairman and CEO of Sunar Investment, pointed out that the bio-industry is one of the most strategic fields of the future, saying: “With this next-generation production approach inspired by nature, we both protect the environment and contribute to the increase of our country’s industrial capacity. By producing at world standards with local resources, we aim to permanently increase Turkey’s competitive power. An increase in production in this field means a reduction in our foreign trade deficit.”
Carrying its experience of over 50 years in food, agriculture, and bio-industry into the future with sustainability-oriented investments, Sunar Investment shared the concrete results of its renewable energy projects, bio-based product development efforts, and sustainable agriculture program at a press conference held in Adana. Speaking at the meeting, Mustafa Nuri Çomu, Chairman and CEO of Sunar Investment, stated, “Success in the world of the future depends on adopting production models that are efficient and compatible with the environment. As Sunar, we are realizing this transformation. Our goal is not just to produce, but to build lasting value and trust in harmony with nature.” Emphasizing that sustainability is an integral part of business practices rather than just a trendy concept, Çomu added, “We strive to redesign every stage of production based on respect for nature, society, and people. For us, growth is the responsibility of transferring the abundance we receive from this land to the future, alongside economic input.”
Growing Globally While Drawing Strength Locally
Stating that Sunar products currently reach more than 100 countries across 6 continents and that export revenues exceed 250 million dollars, Çomu mentioned that they are among Turkey’s export leaders in the sorbitol (of which they are the sole producer in Turkey), dextrin, corn oil, and starch segments. Mustafa Nuri Çomu said: “With our production chain spreading from Adana to the world, we draw strength locally and grow in global markets. For us, globalization means carrying local values to the world. Both regional development and international competitiveness are at the heart of our investments.”
Çomu also reminded that they are the first company to produce sodium gluconate, which was largely imported in Turkey, stating: “On May 25, 2025, the Ministry of Trade opened a dumping investigation into sodium gluconate imports of Chinese origin upon the application of local producers. The investigation noted that the prices of sodium gluconate and other components harmed local producers and that the application of anti-dumping duties was being evaluated. As Sunar, we are pleased that our efforts toward fair competition and the protection of local industry have resonated with the public authorities.”
Biodegradable Plastic That Disappears in Nature Within 180 Days
Biodegradable and plant-based raw materials developed through R&D studies conducted within Sunar NP, which disappear in nature within 180 days, offer alternative solutions in the packaging and plastics sectors. While the group contributes to circular economy goals with steps taken in thermoplastic starch (TPS) and biopolymer production, it aims to make concrete progress toward reducing foreign dependency by commercializing these products.
Pointing out that the bio-industry is one of the most strategic areas of the future, Çomu said: “With this next-generation production approach inspired by nature, we both protect the environment and contribute to the increase of our country’s industrial capacity. By producing at world standards with local resources, we aim to permanently increase Turkey’s competitive power. Increased production in this field also means a reduction in our foreign trade deficit.”
Çomu also noted that biodegradable bags should be classified separately without being subject to the Recovery Share (GEKAP) tax, explaining: “Regulations to be made in this regard will accelerate the spread of eco-friendly products.”
Sustainable Agriculture on 20,000 Decares with 180 Farmers over 10 Years
Mustafa Nuri Çomu also provided information about the project that group company Elita Gıda—which ranks first in Turkey and among the top three in the world in corn oil exports—has been carrying out uninterruptedly for nearly 10 years regarding agricultural sustainability: “Our program has been implemented in an area exceeding 20,000 decares in cooperation with 180 producers so far. Elita Gıda, the first company to implement the sustainable agriculture model in sunflower production in Turkey, recently successfully passed the FSA (Farm Sustainability Assessment) audit conducted by the SAI (Sustainable Agriculture Initiative) platform. With our project focusing on water and energy savings, soil fertility, and carbon emission reduction, we aim to contribute to the future of agriculture by providing training and technology transfer to farmers.”
Çomu also touched upon the sectoral effects of drought and increased imports, evaluating: “In the 2024–2025 period, Turkey’s corn imports increased by 45 percent, and a decrease of more than 10 percent is expected in sunflower production due to drought. This situation further increases the strategic value of local production. Sunar’s integrated production structure has the power to close this gap.”
Focus on People, R&D, and Technology
Emphasizing that they have Turkey’s first R&D center in the starch sector, Mustafa Nuri Çomu stated: “In our center, which has a technology infrastructure valued at over 1 million USD, we have an expert team consisting of engineers, bioengineers, and food engineers. Our projects contribute to Turkish industry through commercialized products. Since its establishment, the ratio of products we have developed through R&D studies and offered to the industry has exceeded 30 percent of all our products. Furthermore, it is a source of pride for us to have a high rate of female colleagues and post-graduate trained teammates in our R&D team.”
Sharing that they have received the EXCIPACT GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) certification, Çomu said: “This document is an international indicator that we can produce with high safety and quality standards for the pharmaceutical and excipient industry. We are among the few producers in Europe to hold this certification.”
Green Transformation in Energy and Carbon Targets
Expressing that they contribute directly to Turkey’s green transformation policies, Mustafa Nuri Çomu stated that they increased their renewable energy capacity with solar power plants commissioned in 2025. Announcing that they will meet 95 percent of the energy needs of all their facilities with SPP (Solar Power Plant) investments by the end of 2026, Çomu said: “Our SPP projects prevent over 80,000 tons of carbon emissions annually. Our goal is to make a full transition to a carbon-neutral production model by 2030. We see the green transformation in energy not only as an environmental value but also as an economic one.”
About Sunar Investment
Operating in the fields of agriculture, food, and bio-industry with a deep-rooted history of over half a century, Sunar Investment produces corn starch-based industrial raw materials, vegetable oils, flour, feed, and biodegradable plastics, delivering them to over 100 countries across 6 continents. Establishing a broad value chain with more than 1,400 employees, as well as farmers, consumers, business partners, local governments, and all other stakeholders, Sunar leads agriculture-based and eco-friendly sustainable production through investments in R&D and advanced technologies.
