Batam, Indonesia

Batam, Indonesia

Story

Batam, an industrial hub in the Riau Archipelago with 1.2 million residents, faces escalating plastic pollution. Local waters, once crystal-clear, now suffer from plastic debris, posing health risks. Seven Clean Seas launched a plastic collection initiative, but challenges persist, as a significant portion of collected waste is non-recyclable, heading to Batam's landfill. 

In conjunction with our dedication to ocean plastic recycling innovation, Seven Clean Seas is launching a targeted project in Batam, addressing the urgent issue of plastic pollution while fostering circularity. Our holistic approach aims to bring significant positive social and environmental impacts to the region.

The project employs local residents under fair conditions to meticulously collect, sort, and dispose of ocean plastic waste. Recognizing the challenge posed by LDPE, constituting 13% of our collections and currently labeled as "non-recyclables," we've identified an innovative solution.

Instead of contributing to landfill, we plan to repurpose LDPE into durable corrugated plastic roof plates.

Through heat compression in a mold, this process not only reduces environmental impact but also provides safer, healthier, and longer-lasting construction materials. The initiative not only addresses the critical issue of plastic pollution but also contributes to the sustainable development of Batam by replacing hazardous asbestos materials with a novel, eco-friendly alternative. By integrating such practices, we aim to set a precedent for future global ocean plastic recovery projects, ensuring a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for Batam and beyond.

How it works

Coastal Collection

Batam, Indonesia

1
Target
  • Local residents, facing a lack of waste management services, contribute to the project by collecting household waste.
  • With limited disposal options, households often resort to dumping waste directly into the ocean during high tides, exacerbating the environmental crisis.

2
Collection
  • Seven Clean Seas engages local community members in the collection process, employing fair and formalised working conditions.
  • The collected waste includes plastics that have accumulated in the ocean around homes due to inadequate waste management practices.

3
Material Recovery Facility
  • Identified plastic waste, particularly LDPE, is diverted from landfill to a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF).
  • Through innovative processes, LDPE is transformed into durable corrugated plastic roof plates, and other widely non-recyclable material is turned into building bricks.

4

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