Prevented Ocean Plastic Southeast Asia, in partnership with consumer goods giant Danone, has opened a new high-capacity plastic collection centre in Samarinda, Indonesia.
This facility is the ninth of its kind to be established by Prevented Ocean Plastic as part of its ambitious goal to open 25 centres worldwide by 2025.
The new centre, located in the province of East Kalimantan on the island of Borneo, is expected to process 500 tonnes (t) of recycled plastic per month and create 90 direct jobs for the local community.
It will serve the region near the Mahakam River, a vital waterway that is under threat from plastic pollution.
Danone's Indonesian bottled water brand AQUA has been a key partner in the project, funding the centre's construction and committing to be a major customer for the recycled plastic it produces.
This collaboration aligns with Danone's sustainability strategy and its commitment to reducing plastic waste in the region.
The centre will play a crucial role in addressing the growing plastic waste problem in East Kalimantan, where plastic makes up 19.5% of the total waste accumulation.
By facilitating the collection and recycling of discarded plastic, the centre will help to prevent plastic waste from reaching the Mahakam River and the surrounding waterways, protecting delicate ecosystems and the wildlife that depend on them.
"This collaboration is expected to assist the Indonesian government with waste problems by developing circular economic infrastructure outside Java. Thus, the company can maximise its contributions to the waste reduction roadmap," said Vera Galuh Sugijanto, vice-president general secretary of Danone Indonesia.
"In addition to being a form of the company's commitment to implementing the extended producer responsibility (EPR) regulation, this collective work aligns with the company's sustainability strategy as stated in the Danone Impact Journey."
The new centre is reportedly equipped with state-of-the-art technology and adheres to the highest environmental standards.
It is expected to make a significant contribution to the circular economy and promote sustainable practices in the region.
