SEZAI CANAKCI: “WE DESIGN NOT ONLY TODAY BUT ALSO TOMORROW”

We did an interview with Canakcilar Yapi Malzemeleri A.S. Doxa Board Chairman Sezai Canakci about the group’s locomotive brand Creavit. Founded in the early 1960s by Mehmet and Mithat Canakci brothers in a small workshop in Gokcebey, Zonguldak, Creavit is the face of the company and is now a brand that exports new generation ceramics to more than 65 countries.

FATMA BATUKAN BELGE

Your new R&D center opened last year, congratulations. You are developing new generation ceramics in your R&D center. What does the term ‘new generation’ ceramics mean? What kind of products will they be?

Thank you. As Creavit, we continue to lead the sector by placing R&D and innovation at the center of our business. The “new generation” ceramics we develop in our new R&D center are produced with the aim of bringing innovation to the sector in terms of both technology and functionality. These include our 100% recycled sinks produced with sustainable materials, antibacterial surfaces, smart solutions that save water and energy, and soft-touch surface technologies developed with tactile innovations. For example, the hydrogen-fired zero-emission sanitary ware products we introduced at Unicera are one of our biggest steps towards environmental sustainability. As Creavit, we design not only today’s but also the bathrooms of the future.

You are an organization that embraces the past while looking to the future. How did the idea of ​​the private Museum of Archeology and Ethnography you established in Gokcebey come about?

Creavit is not just a brand, it is also a culture. We are a structure that is closely tied to our roots and a brand born in Zonguldak-Gokcebey. Our respect for the history, culture and heritage of this region gave birth to the idea of ​​an archeology and ethnography museum. Shedding light on Gokcebey's past, keeping the cultural values ​​of the region alive and passing them on to future generations is a responsibility for us. As a brand where history and modern production are intertwined, we draw inspiration from the past and guide the future.

As the importance given to hygiene increased during the pandemic period, there was a transformation in ceramic sanitary ware. What are the important concepts for ‘now’ and ‘future’?

The pandemic has seriously increased users’ awareness of hygiene. In this context, as Creavit, we have focused on surfaces that seriously prevent bacteria from harboring and smart product technologies that do not require contact. Together with hygienic smart toilets, the bacteria-free, easy-to-clean designs that we have gathered under the GreenGuard roof have become the most important parts of the hygiene-focused transformation. When we look to the future, the concept of sustainable hygiene comes to the fore. In other words, it is necessary to develop solutions that are not only hygienic but also environmentally friendly and provide water and energy savings. As Creavit, we will continue to be one of the pioneers of this transformation.

You have won awards from various design competitions since 2014. Can you tell us about your design philosophy?

Design is in Creavit's DNA. Our design philosophy is based on three basic principles: Functionality, aesthetics and sustainability in production. We develop environmentally friendly designs that best meet the needs of our users, have a low water footprint in production and use. The reason we win international design awards is that we do not compromise on this understanding. The new generation ceramic technology that we use in our Ruby series, which is thinner but provides higher strength, is one of the best examples of Creavit's innovation-focused design approach. We will continue to transform bathrooms into living spaces with our designs in the future.

What is the Turquality program that Creavit is also a part of?

Turquality is a state-supported program that Turkiye created with the vision of creating strong brands on a global scale. As Creavit, we are very proud to be included in this program. Turquality not only provides financial support, but also contributes to our branding strategy. As a strong and innovative brand originating from Turkiye, we export to more than 60 countries, and thanks to this program, which reflects positively on our growth rate in global markets, we aim to reach more consumers worldwide.

Industry-university collaboration paves the way for new designers, do you have any work on this subject?

Absolutely. As Creavit, it is very important for us to bring young designers to the industry and support innovative ideas. We are currently collaborating with universities, and our work will continue with projects and competitions for students. For example, we carry out joint projects with design faculties, include young designers in our R&D processes, and offer students the opportunity to experience our production processes. We will also take our work one step further with the Design Center we will establish.

How many years have you been involved in ceramics? What does ceramic mean to you?

Ceramic is an inseparable part of my life and the Creavit family's. I have been involved in ceramic production since I was little. Being involved in the transformation of soil into ceramics has inspired us greatly. As Creavit, we bring together the mastery of the past with the technology of the future.

Let’s imagine two photos: The first is a small workshop 60 years ago, the second is a 200 thousand square meter factory today. What would the third photo look like 60 years later? 

The journey that started with a small workshop 60 years ago has turned into a world-renowned brand today. After 60 years, I see Creavit at a more sustainable, more innovative and more global point. The third photo will show a Creavit that produces completely environmentally friendly products, has high energy efficiency, has smart factories, exports to all corners of the world and is the leader of the sector with its innovations. Because we are not only designing today, we are also designing tomorrow.