Engineering in the Sole, Difference in Every Shoe

Who is Dr. Başar Yıldız?

Dr. Başar Yıldız is a graduate of Istanbul Technical University’s Department of Chemical Engineering and completed his master’s and doctoral studies at the same university; he conducted his doctoral research in the field of polymer science and technology. He further strengthened his management expertise through the Executive MBA program at Koç University.

Having started his career in the polyurethane industry in 2003, Dr. Yıldız has held various technical and operational roles, including R&D, production, and plant management. After many years in senior executive roles, he joined İdeakim as General Manager in 2021; he led the company’s restructuring process focused on production and R&D.

◆ How would you summarize İdeakim’s transition from trading to manufacturing and its current production capacity?

İdeakim’s transformation can be summarized as a shift from a commercial structure to an integrated production model based on high technology. In 2021, we commissioned a modern polyurethane systems house in Kayseri with a capacity of 80,000 tons per year and a fully automated infrastructure. At our facility:
• Recipe-based automatic dosing systems
• Closed-loop process control infrastructure
• Batch-based traceability system
• Digital data monitoring and integrated quality control are actively used.

Today, we offer a wide product portfolio including footwear systems (slippers, sports shoes, safety footwear), insole solutions, and rigid and flexible foam systems. Our production approach is not focused solely on volume; it is built on performance optimization and process stability.

◆ What are the main technical focus areas of your R&D approach?

1. Performance Optimization
   • High mechanical strength at low density
   • Energy return (rebound) optimization
   • Increased abrasion and hydrolysis resistance
   • Long-term elasticity stability

2. Process Improvement
   • Reactivity control (optimization of cream, gel, and tack-free times)
   • Mold filling stability
   • Reduction of scrap rates
   • Development of systems compatible with production line speeds

3. Sustainability
   • Low-VOC systems
   • Alternative raw materials
   • Carbon footprint reduction initiatives
   • Research on recyclable systems

Our R&D investments, which started with KOSGEB support, now continue through EU-funded projects and customer-partnered TÜBİTAK programs.

◆ What is the technical foundation of your growth strategy?

Our growth strategy is built on three technical pillars: developing high value-added customized systems, achieving product differentiation through R&D, and ensuring global quality standardization. Our R&D center in Kayseri forms the core of this model. Our goal is not only volumetric growth, but also to achieve a sustainable, technology-driven competitive advantage.

◆ How do you evaluate the position of polyurethane technology in the industry?

Polyurethane offers significantly greater formulation flexibility compared to thermoplastic materials such as polypropylene and polyethylene. Through isocyanate-polyol combinations, parameters such as hardness, density, elasticity, cell structure, and mechanical performance can be precisely tailored.

This capability is particularly valuable in the footwear and occupational safety sectors, as it enables an optimal balance between lightness and durability, improved shock absorption, long-term comfort, and the simultaneous optimization of chemical and mechanical resistance within the same system.

Looking ahead, we believe polyurethane systems will play an increasingly strategic role in performance engineering-driven product development.

◆ How is your strategy for expanding into global markets taking shape?

For sustainable growth in international markets, technical competence, quality standardization, and a reliable supply chain are of critical importance. For this reason, we conduct the technical validation processes of our products in accordance with global standards, adapt our formulations to different climate and process conditions, and extend our technical service support to the markets where we export.

Our goal is not only to increase export volume, but also to become a systems house preferred for its technical expertise.

◆ How do İdeakim’s polyurethane systems add value to the footwear and occupational safety sectors?

İdeakim designs polyurethane systems for the footwear and occupational safety segment not merely as a “chemical formulation”, but as an engineering approach centered on human movement, comfort, and safety. For us, a sole is not simply the part that touches the ground. It is a performance surface that carries load throughout the day, absorbs impact, and protects the user.

With this perspective, the polyurethane systems we develop offer manufacturers not just a standard raw material, but a performance and comfort proposition capable of elevating their brands to a higher segment.

Thanks to İdeakim solutions:
• Shoes become lighter
• Steps feel softer
• Soles become more durable
• The overall user experience becomes more comfortable and safer

In occupational safety footwear, the shock-absorbing structure reduces fatigue during long shifts, while in sports and casual footwear, the elasticity profile ensures long-lasting comfort. This reflects the core philosophy behind İdeakim’s formulations.

However, what truly differentiates İdeakim is not only the product itself, but also the partnership culture behind it.

We work closely with our customers not only during the sales stage, but also throughout production, from the mold station and formulation optimization to pre-launch testing. Instead of offering a standard product, we develop customized polyurethane solutions tailored to the DNA of each brand.

This approach provides three key advantages:

Branding: Enhanced comfort and quality perceived by the end user
Efficiency: More stable processes, lower scrap rates, and faster production
Competitive Advantage: Products that stand out in the market and support premium positioning

In short, İdeakim does not simply supply polyurethane to the footwear and occupational safety industries; it delivers solutions that help products truly stand out in the field.