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Prevented Ocean Plastic and Danone have partnered to open the first large-scale plastic collection centre in Samarinda, East Kalimantan, on the island of Borneo, Indonesia.

This partnership will advance the 25 by 2025 initiative and promote the use of recycled plastic.

The centre was built in partnership with Danone's Indonesian bottled water brand, Aqua, which funded its construction and will be a primary customer of the recycled plastic produced. It is the first of its kind in the province, and will improve plastic waste management, create local jobs and support the supply certified and traceable recycled plastic to global markets.

The site will facilitate the collection and recycling of discarded plastic, preventing it from entering waterways and harming ecosystems. It will process 500 tonnes of plastic waste monthly and create 90 jobs for local residents.

Vera Galuh Sugijanto, VP general secretary of Danone Indonesia, said: “The inauguration of the Aggregation Center in Samarinda, a collaboration between Aqua and Prevented Ocean Plastic Southeast Asia, marks one of Aqua’s real steps in realising its sustainable commitment and creating a positive impact on the environment through the #BijakBerplastik movement".

"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. 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.”

Raffi Schieir, director of Prevented Ocean Plastic, added: "At Prevented Ocean Plastic, we are committed to championing better choices in the plastic recycling supply chain. This partnership with Danone is a step change in the level of engagement we are getting from the industry, proving our repeatable and scalable vertical value model. We hope consumers, government, business and thought leaders can continue to support and invest inthis meaningful journey toward a just transition for plastic collectors in at-risk coastal regions.“

#Danone #PreventedOceanPlastic #Indonesia