With the aim of preparing companies supplying to European firms for human rights and environmental due diligence (HREDD) regulations, and to strengthen practices in this field, the Responsible Business Helpdesk (RBH Türkiye) — launched last year by TÜRKONFED in cooperation with German institutions GIZ and BMZ — came together with the business community in Bursa. At the event, the research report titled ‘Responsible Business Conduct in Türkiye’, prepared to reveal the awareness, risks, and needs of companies operating in Türkiye’s largest export sectors, automotive and textiles, was also shared publicly for the first time. According to the report, the implementation rate of HREDD practices remained at 18% in the textile sector and 6% in automotive, with an overall average of 12% across both sectors.
RBH Türkiye Conducts ‘Responsible Business Conduct in Türkiye’ Research
February 25, 2025 / Bursa – The Responsible Business Helpdesk (RBH Türkiye), established last year to provide Turkish companies with information, consultancy, and training services in the field of human rights and environmental due diligence (HREDD), held an event in Bursa. RBH Türkiye was implemented by the Turkish Business Confederation (TÜRKONFED) in cooperation with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) and with financial support from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). Hosted by the Marmara and Central Anatolian Industry and Business Federation (MARSİFED), the event took place at Nilüfer Organized Industrial Zone (NOSAB), where the ‘Responsible Business Conduct in Türkiye’ report was publicly launched for the first time.
Onur Ünlü: “We must embrace sustainable production models”
In his opening remarks, TÜRKONFED Vice President Onur Ünlü emphasized that companies must act with an approach that considers environmental and social impacts, as this constitutes one of the cornerstones of sustainable competitiveness. He highlighted that global frameworks such as the European Green Deal compel the business community to reduce carbon footprints, transition to a circular economy, and adopt sustainable production models.
Ünlü stated: “To preserve and strengthen our trade relations with the European Union — our largest export market — businesses must quickly adapt to this transformation. Compliance with the Green Deal will not only reinforce our position in global supply chains but also ensure that our economic development gains a more sustainable and resilient structure. RBH Türkiye represents an important step in guiding Turkish business in green transition and combating climate change. The spread of responsible business practices aims to ensure that companies not only minimize their environmental impacts but also build more sustainable structures in the social and governance fields. Businesses acting with sensitivity to human rights, minimizing environmental impacts, and adopting transparent governance principles is no longer a choice, but a necessity.”
Erol Gülmez: “At NOSAB, we are making significant strides in human rights and sustainability”
Erol Gülmez, Chair of Nilüfer Organized Industrial Zone (NOSAB), one of Türkiye’s first ‘Green OIZs’, underlined that NOSAB had already proven its awareness of environmental impacts. He added: “In addition, with our equality and justice policy, we are taking significant steps in both human rights and sustainability. Through projects that increase the participation of disadvantaged groups in the workforce and create awareness — with the hashtag ‘#nosabdaeşitiz’ — we are enhancing social consciousness. As a strong institution, we are aware of our responsibility to contribute to the country’s future, and we are pleased to host this meaningful event.”
Osman Akın: “Regulations create both opportunities and responsibilities”
President of MARSİFED Osman Akın drew attention to the fact that global regulations create both opportunities and responsibilities for businesses operating in international markets. He said: “This event, organized by RBH Türkiye in Bursa — a province within our federation’s responsibility area — will serve as a guide for businesses in sustainable production, supply chain management, and compliance with new export-related regulations. By fostering cross-sectoral collaboration, RBH Türkiye also makes important contributions to our companies by developing innovative solutions that enhance competitiveness in international markets.”
Seminars and Panel Discussions on Regulations and Best Practices
Following the opening, two seminars were held: “Human Rights in Business in the Context of EU Corporate Sustainability Regulations and Legal Obligations” and “Creating a Roadmap for Compliance with EU Corporate Sustainability Regulations.” A panel titled “Good Practice Examples for Sustainable Export”, moderated by MARSİFED Board Member and TÜMKAD Chair Ülfet Öztürk, featured Borusan Pipe Global Sustainability Manager Ahu Olgun and Korteks Management Systems and OHS Manager İsmail Kağnıcı as speakers.
SMEs Show Lower Awareness, Large Enterprises Face Implementation Challenges
RBH Türkiye Director Şeyda Dağlı Karadişoğulları presented the ‘Responsible Business Conduct in Türkiye’ research report. The survey covered 100 companies — 50 from the automotive sector and 50 from textiles — and included in-depth interviews with 14 industry representatives and experts.
The findings revealed that SMEs showed particularly low levels of awareness regarding HREDD. Large companies, though more aware, still faced various implementation challenges. Only 8% of automotive companies and 2% of textile companies had heard of the German Supply Chain Act, while awareness of the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) was higher — 60% in automotive and 62% in textiles.
Barriers to HREDD: Financing, Supplier Policies, and Lack of Expertise
Implementation of HREDD practices was found to be 18% in textiles and 6% in automotive, averaging 12%. In automotive, HREDD practices typically included establishing risk management, defining areas of responsibility, and conducting regular risk analyses. In textiles, these practices also included issuing a principle-based declaration. The three main challenges identified in implementing HREDD were: Lack of financing, Suppliers without appropriate policies, Insufficient in-house expertise.
Spotlight on Second and Third-Tier Suppliers
The report emphasized that companies in both sectors face risks in their supply chains regarding HREDD practices, highlighting the need for closer monitoring of second- and third-tier suppliers on human rights and environmental compliance, and for greater transparency in these processes.
It also noted that while sustainability policies and reporting are becoming more widespread among large companies, SMEs continue to suffer from a lack of technical knowledge and resources. The report further underlined that RBH Türkiye, established to increase awareness and provide technical support on human rights and environmental due diligence, offers training, consultancy, and guidance services to help companies implement HREDD practices.
The full ‘Responsible Business Conduct in Türkiye’ report can be accessed via the following link: