"We Are Preparing Companies for the Future with Sustainable and Smart Water Management Against the Climate Crisis"

Drawing attention to the rapid depletion of water resources worldwide in the face of the climate crisis, Canbay made exclusive statements to Demir Çelik Store. At a time when declining water resources and energy efficiency have become decisive factors in global competition, he emphasized that they are among Turkey's leading firms in the field of water and energy engineering. Alkan Canbay noted that they are developing projects aimed at reducing carbon footprint and water footprint under the European Green Deal, stating: "Building a sustainable industry is our fundamental goal. In this direction, we continue our work as a solution partner to Turkey's leading production companies."

First, could you tell us about yourself and your company? Could you share the history of your firm?

Hello, I am Alkan Canbay, Chairman of the Board of ARC Su Enerji Sanayi Ve Ticaret Anonim Şirketi. I was born in Malatya in 1979. After completing my undergraduate education in 2001, I conducted research in water and environmental technologies, then gained four years of experience at a private company. In 2005, I founded ARC SU TEKNOLOJİLERİ. Knowing the need for sustainable use of drinking water and industrial water, we specialized in our field by applying total water management, prioritizing water savings and recycling, producing innovative and environmentally friendly devices and projects, thinking globally, and collaborating with the world's leading companies.

We Established Our Libya and Kazakhstan Regional Offices in 2022

In 2008, we began production of our first water treatment devices and obtained a domestic product certificate from the public sector. In 2009, with the joining of my two brothers ENGİN CANBAY and OGÜN CANBAY, we became a legal entity as ARC LTD ŞTİ. In 2011, we developed our production factory and specialized in turnkey (EPC PROJECTS) water facilities and pre-treatment. That same year, we signed a contract for a turnkey, high-value-added zero-waste process water facility — capable of treating rainwater and domestic wastewater — for a steel plant established abroad. In 2012, we increased our exports by establishing the ARCE subsidiary.

In 2012 we established our Antalya regional office; in 2019 our İzmir regional office; in 2020 our Istanbul regional office and international sales and development unit. In 2020, we expanded our international product portfolio by founding EBA engineering. In 2021, we commissioned our 8,000 m² production factory. Our factory building received the LEED certificate — the world's most prestigious green building certification — in 2022. In 2022, we established our LIBYA and KAZAKHSTAN regional offices. That same year, we signed a contract with the Libyan government for the manufacturing, installation and operation of packaged container treatment facilities to supply water to 200 settlements. In 2024, our company adopted the name ARC SU ENERJİ SANAYİ ANONİM ŞİRKETİ due to our water and energy partnership. With our expert engineering staff, experienced production and assembly teams, and global suppliers, we aim to become a significant and sought-after global company developing sustainable total water management and environmentally friendly technologies. Alongside my work, I am a private art collector.

"We Carry Out Turnkey Projects in Line with Total Water Management"

What activities are carried out within your company? Could you tell us about the products and services you offer to your clients?

Within our company, we carry out the planning, development and implementation of industrial water treatment and environmental technologies, water recovery and efficiency improvement, development of environmentally friendly technologies for sustainable industrial production models, and turnkey projects with low carbon footprints in line with total water management.

Our services include:

Packaged drinking water treatment systems
Seawater treatment systems
Wastewater treatment systems
Industrial treatment systems
Wastewater recovery systems
Chemical treatment systems
Urban conventional treatment systems
Engineering and installation services
Laboratory services
Cooling services
Pump station installation, pump selection and procurement services
Chemical production and water conditioning services
EPC projects and construction services
Piping and commissioning services

Electrical panel production, ADP panels, MCC and PLC panels, automation and software are handled by the Energy unit of our company.

ZERO DISCHARGE Delivers a Major Advantage in Water and Energy Efficiency

Do you have a new product or project you are developing or working on for the sector? Could you tell us about the features of your treatment systems?

Of course — we are working on the ZERO DISCHARGE system. This is an advanced wastewater treatment technology designed to treat and recycle virtually all of the wastewater produced. It is used to economically reduce wastewater and produce clean water suitable for reuse. Today, the importance of water and the water footprint is becoming better understood with each passing day. I can say it is a highly significant system that contributes from the source of water through its use, treatment and return to the system.

We Are Leaving a Cleaner World for Future Generations with Sustainable Projects

Could you tell us about the advantages your products offer to your clients?

The projects and services we provide are environmentally friendly, sustainable and innovative systems aligned with total water management — designed to reduce carbon footprints, improve water efficiency and achieve high water recovery.

Installing the right treatment system not only delivers financial savings, but also contributes to meeting sustainability goals and leaving a better world for future generations. The motors and pumps used in circulation circuits operate at high efficiency, and the drives providing motor movement offer particularly significant advantages. We have special designs for open-circuit and closed-circuit systems in water facilities where water loss occurs only through evaporation. We can also immediately provide high-value-added designs and applications that prioritize technology in water facilities, regardless of space constraints.

Our Strong Collaboration with Industry Leaders Will Continue to Grow

Could you list the institutions and companies that use your products and services?

ŞİŞECAM
ETİ KROM
EKİNCİLER DEMİR ÇELİK
YAZICI DEMİR ÇELİK
KARDEMİR
İÇDAŞ
İZMİR DEMİR ÇELİK
CLASSIC FASHION
YEŞİLYURT DEMİR ÇELİK
SASA
KIVANÇ TEKSTİL
KOÇ METALURJİ
KIA MOTORS
NAB HOLDİNG
KAPTAN DEMİR ÇELİK
AKKUYU NÜKLEER SANTRAL
BAŞTUĞ METALURJİ
AVES ENERJİ VE YAĞ
İSDEMİR

and many more companies.

A Turkish Signature in Water and Energy Management Through Turnkey Global Projects

If you export, could you tell us about your overseas markets? Which countries stand out in your exports? Do you have a target market in mind?

We carry out turnkey projects in overseas markets. Our first international project was implemented at the production facilities of a textile company operating in Jordan, across three separate locations. Within this scope, we successfully completed the installation of a 4,000 m³/day wastewater treatment system and a 9,000 m³/day zero-discharge system.

In our projects, we design and implement water treatment, water cooling and electrical-automation systems in an integrated approach. We are also carrying out turnkey projects at construction sites in Kazakhstan, Algeria and Uzbekistan. We have previously completed projects in the Netherlands as contractor.

In Australia, we have taken on the role of water treatment technology supplier for a strong local company; in Libya, we signed a contract covering the manufacturing, installation and operation of packaged treatment container facilities for the desalination of saltwater into drinking and utility water to serve 200 settlements.

We continue our strategic investments to meet demands from all markets experiencing water stress — both near and far — in order to provide solutions to the water scarcity caused by global climate change.

In 2025, We Strengthened Our Relevant Unit by Specializing in Water Conditioning

How did 2025 go for your company? Could you share your 12-month sales figures? What are your goals for 2026?

2025 was an intensive and productive year for our company. We grew by winning and successfully completing more work across the many sectors in which we operate. We earned the world's most prestigious Gold LEED certificate. We strengthened our relevant unit by specializing in water conditioning.

There Is an Acceleration in Demand for Our Projects

For 2026, I can say this: awareness of the adverse conditions caused by the climate crisis will grow. An acceleration in demand for our projects is anticipated. It will be a year in which we anticipate opportunities and make the necessary preparations to capitalize on them effectively. We will continue to build environmentally friendly systems that reduce carbon and water footprints. Our goal is to become a global company that is a sought-after partner for strategic projects. Creating added value through our energy efficiency work — particularly in the iron and steel sector — is our priority. We are also working on technologies that will contribute to the water footprint in order to increase water efficiency in existing facilities.

We Have Been Working with a Sustainable Engineering Approach for the Iron and Steel Industry for Over 20 Years

How are rising energy costs affecting your operations? What benefits do your products offer to companies, particularly in the steel sector where water use is intensive?

In the face of the climate crisis, our planet's water resources are depleting rapidly. Today, all countries urgently need to place water management at the centre of their agenda. We must no longer talk about investment costs, but about the risk of running out of water. We must not forget that the cyclical management of water is the most strategic defence against the climate crisis.

We have been working with a sustainable engineering approach for the iron and steel industry for over 20 years. Efficiency in every drop, strength in every project. With our engineering approach offering solutions as solid as steel and as smart as water, we stand beside the sector. At a time when water resources are rapidly declining and energy efficiency has become the main driver of global competitiveness, we are among Turkey's leading firms in water and energy engineering.

We Enable Maximum Output with Minimum Water Consumption

In the iron and steel sector and many other production and cooling processes, treated water is used at multiple stages. Due to the possibility of natural water depletion, using water recovered from wastewater treatment processes is widely preferred in the iron and steel sector.

For this reason, we develop a water treatment system project tailored to the needs of each stage, enabling maximum output with minimum water consumption. In the iron and steel industry, the water used must always be of the same purity as the other materials used in production. Chemical-free membrane-based treatment methods are preferred in the steel sector because chemical treatment is more costly than membrane methods. Furthermore, water purified using chemicals cannot always achieve uniform purity, which can slow production and reduce quality. For this reason, filtration methods — particularly Reverse Osmosis methods using membranes — are the most widely preferred in this industry.

ARC's 2030 Goals: Taking Our Place at COP31, with Sustainable Turkish Engineering at Global Standards

At COP31, to be held in Antalya in November, ARC Su Enerji will be taking its place. Building a sustainable industry is among our fundamental goals — through projects we have developed to reduce carbon and water footprints under the Green Deal.

Strengthening our international engineering capabilities, increasing qualified employment and becoming a Turkish brand recognized as a model in sustainability reporting are the main pillars of this vision.

We Are Working to Increase Our Efficiency by Accelerating Digital Transformation

Could you assess the impact of the ongoing global economic slowdown on the sector and your activities? What alternative solutions have you developed in response to the contraction in the domestic market?

The global economic slowdown is naturally affecting many sectors in both domestic and international markets in the post-pandemic period. In such challenging times, the first solutions that come to mind include conducting research, developing innovative products and services, and expanding into foreign markets to offset the contraction in the domestic market. Our efforts in this direction are ongoing. Additionally, a focus on digital transformation and productivity gains is essential. We are working to optimize our business processes and increase our efficiency by accelerating digital transformation. Beyond this, growing awareness, the climate crisis, regulatory requirements, cost and tax advantages, and the needs of various different sectors all help sustain demand for the services we provide.

"Flexible Pricing, Strong Financial Management, High Customer Satisfaction"

By the very nature of the services we provide — turnkey projects developed specifically to meet our clients' needs and solutions targeting water, one of today's most critical priorities — the gap between domestic and international markets has, at times, narrowed considerably for our business. We have developed flexible pricing policies to respond to customer demands more quickly and effectively. Our expertise and experience in meeting demands from all markets, making the necessary investments, applying strong financial management principles, effective liquidity management and risk minimization allow us to overcome potential bottlenecks. In line with this approach, we aim to resolutely continue our sustainable service approach focused on customer satisfaction. I believe that the referrals of our satisfied customers are the strongest guarantee for the future activities of our business.