Turning Challenges into Opportunity: Hasan Hayani's Journey from Syria to Reviving a Recycling Business in Türkiye
Turning Challenges into Opportunity: Hasan Hayani's Journey from Syria to Reviving a Recycling Business in Türkiye
September 24, 2024 | Nawar Maarri
Hasan Hayani, the CEO of Al Rayan Plastic Company in Gaziantep, has been in the recycling business since he was just a teenager. Back in Syria, his family owned a factory where they recycled plastic to make products like mats and chairs. But when the war broke out, Hasan and his family were forced to flee, leaving everything behind, including their factory and machines, which were stolen.
When Hasan arrived in Türkiye in 2017, it wasn’t easy to start over. He worked as a usual worker in a factory for over a year, struggling to find a way back into the business he knew so well. Eventually, he borrowed money from friends to buy a small plastic recycling machine. It wasn’t much, but it was a start. Slowly, he built his way back up, going from producing 500 kilos of recycled plastic a day to 3 tons as he upgraded his machines.
But even with this progress, Hasan still faces challenges. He needs bigger machines to boost production, and skilled workers are hard to find in the recycling field. Despite this, he believes in the potential of his business and the growing demand for recycled materials.
Recently, Hasan joined Building Markets' project for waste management, where they connected him with a Syrian manufacturer who produces mats and rugs. This partnership created a powerful cycle: Hasan supplies recycled plastic granules to the manufacturer, who uses them to make mats and rugs. In turn, the waste from production is sent back to Hasan’s company for recycling, completing the loop. It’s a win-win situation, keeping waste out of the environment and turning it into valuable products. So far, Hasan has supplied 100 tons of recycled material, and he expects this partnership to continue on a monthly basis.
Hasan says this partnership wouldn’t have been possible without Building Markets. "It’s the kind of support we need," he explains. "Building Markets helped us connect with others in the industry and grow our business."
Recycling isn’t just about reducing waste—it's about creating opportunities. The work that Al Rayan Company is doing shows how important this sector is for businesses and for the environment. With the right support, businesses like Hasan’s can thrive, turning waste into something valuable for everyone.
Our work in Türkiye is made possible through a generous gift of the United States
