Kansai Altan Color Office was established in August 2018 with 5 color R&D employees. Each year, Color Office members conduct research studies on color trends in different mediums, combine the acquired data with their color knowledge accumulated over the years thus putting forth the color trends with production feasibility. 

The Color Office team has developed over time since its establishment. Hence, color trends could be observed in many different fields of business such as automotive, plastic, commercial vehicle coatings presenting them to our customers with a global perspective. Color preferences may vary significantly subject to cultural differences and areas of application. For this purpose, it is of critical importance to have the correct perspective for the target customer. 

TEAM

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  Merve Samiye KİRAZLI

  Graduated from Middle East Technical University Chemical Engineering Department in 2006. Completed her master’s degree in the same field in Ege University. Color R&D Laboratory Manager and one of the founders of Color Office. Has a professional coating and color experience of over 15 years in Automotive Coatings, General Industrial Metal and Plastic coatings, Wood Coatings, Automotive Coatings, Coil Coatings and Vehicle Refinishes. 
  
  Highly experienced in pigment chemicals, color formulation preparation, visual and instrumental color assessment and color problem solutions. Fully authorized in giving color approvals to a wide range of color formulations. Well-versed in the mathematical theory of color and texture difference, color measurement techniques, equipment and software. Expert in researching color trends, concept formation, designing new colors with innovative materials and processes, developing color tools (prototypes, catalogues, posters, digital twins and presentation) to work on color marketing and organizing workshop studies for color launches to customers. 

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  Gülşen KOCAMAN

  With a deep interest in the positive sciences, graduated from Middle East Technical University with a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry and began a professional career at Kansai Altan, continuing to work there since then. As a Color Expert, possesses extensive experience in color matching projects across various sectors, including Automotive Coatings, General Industrial Coatings, Automotive Metallic and Plastic Coatings, and Vehicle Refinishes. continuing to work there since then. As a Color Expert, possesses extensive experience in color matching projects across various sectors, including Automotive Coatings, General Industrial Coatings, Automotive Metallic and Plastic Coatings, and Vehicle Refinishes.
  
  Responsible for establishing the foundation of studies involving color matching and design, marketing, and project management. Over 12 years of professional experience include strong expertise in experimental design, color formulation optimization, and advanced problem-solving methodologies. Actively involved in Color R&D projects focusing on pigment selection, formulation stability, and instrumental color evaluation. Experience also covers researching global color trends, developing innovative color solutions, and implementing data-driven approaches for accurate color matching and process improvement. 

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  Elif DORUM EVSEL

  Bringing over a decade of experience at Kansai Altan as a Chemical Engineer, contributing to various aspects of coatings technology. Holds a master’s degree with a specialization in nano-grinding. During this time, worked in the Process Laboratory, gaining hands-on expertise in production simulations, rheology, and particle size analysis. Later focused on dispersion science within the Color R&D department, developing strong proficiency in the formulation of waterborne and solventborne pigment pastes, as well as in tinting systems and tinting machines. 
  
  Developed strong competence in analytical and problem-solving methodologies, with a focus on root cause identification, corrective and preventive actions, and process optimization. Professional focus areas include pigment and wetting agent technologies, dispersion mechanisms, tinting systems, pigment paste testing methodologies, sustainable color technologies, color matching and project management for industrial and protective coatings. Currently continues to conduct trend studies as part of the Color Office team, translating yearly trends into color formulations that meet industry requirements. 

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  Ahmet HOCAOĞLU

  Graduated from Mersinli Technical High School Chemistry Department, in 1999, and completed education in Veterinary Medicine and Laboratory Health in 2004. Brings over 20 years of experience with Kansai Altan and AkzoNobel Kemipol, specializing in General Industrial Coatings, Coil Coatings, Automotive Coatings, Automotive Parts Coatings and Vehicle Refinishes.Possesses extensive expertise in the visual and numerical evaluation of effect colors, including color, gloss, flop, and texture assessments, as well as in color formulation development and optimization. 
  
  Demonstrated ability to identify, analyze, and eliminate color-related problems through root cause analysis and corrective action planning. Also well-versed in supporting color matching projects and production line issues, designing and adjusting color pastes, and commissioning tinting machinery for distributors to ensure consistent shade accuracy and process efficiency. Actively involved in monitoring new technologies and color trends, conducting R&D studies to develop innovative color formulations.

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  Canay GÖKÇEOĞLU

  After graduating from İzmir Institute of Technology with a degree in Chemical Engineering in 2021, began a professional journey at Kansai Altan in 2022. Initially focused on pigment paste design, gaining hands-on experience with pigment technologies, formulation design, and the creation of semi-finished products.This early stage built a strong foundation in understanding pigment behavior and color development.
  
  Over time, the focus expanded toward color matching and formulation studies, exploring how different pigment systems, materials, and measurement techniques come together to achieve consistency and precision in color. Actively involved in color research and development projects that blend technical accuracy with visual creativity. Professional interests include pigment technologies, formulation design, color measurement, and color trend studies, with a focus on connecting analytical thinking and aesthetic awareness.

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  Elif CANLI

  Graduated from the Department of Chemical Engineering at Ege University in 2023 as the top-ranking student, with a research focus on the anti-icing and hydrophobicity properties of silica-based coatings. In the same year, joined Kansai Altan Color Research and Development Laboratory, taking responsibility for pigment paste design and engaging in pigment technologies. 
   

  Skilled in paint and paste stability and performance analyses, wetting additives, pigment paste formulation development, and color design. Adopting a sustainable and innovative approach, committed to advancing both product performance and technical expertise. Currently focusing on sustainable and recycled pigments in waterborne systems and investigating their dispersion parameters. Integrates expertise in pigment paste technologies and sustainability into color trend development, creating innovative and future-oriented formulations that reflect industry evolution.

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  Cihan TEKİN

  Graduated from the Izmir Institute of Technology, Department of Chemistry. Completed a master’s degree in Chemistry at the same institution. Color R&D Researcher with 3+ years of experience across General Industrial coatings, Automotive commercial vehicles, plastic and metal components, and Automotive Refinish. Expertise in effect-color evaluation and effect pigments; well-versed in multi-angle appearance principles and their application. 

  
  Skilled in color matching, color formulation development, and color design. Field-oriented, customer-facing problem solver with a strong record of on-site troubleshooting at customer production lines. Knowledgeable in AI-assisted formulation software for effect and solid colors, and actively involved in the design and development of such tools.

   

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  Pınar YÖRÜK

  With a strong background in Chemistry and a keen interest in materials and color technologies, graduated from the Department of Chemistry at Izmir Institute of Technology in 2021 and earned a master’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering in 2023, focusing on magnesium metal and scrap recycling.

  
  In the same year, began a professional career at Kansai Altan’s Color Laboratory, contributing to the General Industrial and Protective Coatings division. Responsible for the development and management of tinting machines and coloring systems under the Kemicolor brand, designed for Kansai Altan General Industrial Coatings distributors. Expertise includes color matching, color formulation development, and color design, with active involvement in projects related to formulation optimization, process improvement, and technical support for distributor networks.