Empowering communities: InspirACTion Programme supports carton recycling and education
Launched in 2018, Indonesia’s InspirACTion programme is an initiative that encompasses the entire carton recycling process. Developed in collaboration with two municipalities, East Jakarta and Tangerang City, and supported by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, it is a joint effort of Tetra Pak and other brands, including Sosro, Ultrajaya, and Indolakto.
Background and initiative – spreading awareness about the value of recycling
The programme's primary focus is to raise consumer awareness about waste segregation at the source, expand collection efforts, and transform polyAl1 from cartons into practical end-products for the local community.
It addresses various challenges in the recycling ecosystem. By emphasising the importance of "just flip-flap-flatten," InspirACTion aims to encourage responsible waste disposal practices. Additionally, the initiative endeavours to promote the use of renewable materials in packaging, particularly in beverage cartons. The lack of awareness and limited knowledge about the possibilities of recycling cartons into valuable end-products necessitates targeted efforts to educate and engage communities.
Image: A bus shelter constructed using polyAl from recycled Tetra Pak cartons
Results – cooperating to establish the circular economy2
The InspirACTion programme adopts a multifaceted approach to bring about change. Through strategic collaborations with schools, waste banks, cafes, restaurants, and coffee shops, InspirACTion directly engages with consumers.
The collaboration with the two municipalities and the Ministry of Environment and Forestry facilitates the expansion of carton collection points, ensuring more efficient recycling processes. By working together with well-established brands, InspirACTion leverages its support to create mini-libraries in schools and construct shelters and benches using polyAl boards in city parks. This showcases the versatility and value of recycled carton materials while enhancing community spaces.
The impact of the InspirACTion programme has been far-reaching. The direct engagement with schools, waste banks, cafes, and restaurants has increased awareness and active participation in waste segregation practices at the source. Many consumers now understand the importance of carton recycling and using renewable materials in packaging, promoting more sustainable choices.
The programme has established numerous collection points through collaboration with municipalities and brands, streamlining the recycling process. Furthermore, the creation of mini-libraries and community structures from recycled polyAl boards has fostered sustainable practices and improved the quality of life in the local community.
Image: Walls and furniture made from polyAl
Looking ahead – spreading the message and the actions
The InspirACTion programme is committed to building upon its success and expanding its positive impacts. By continuing to work with educational institutions, waste banks, and various stakeholders, the initiative aims to deepen its roots in communities, spreading the message of responsible waste management and sustainable practices.
Furthermore, the programme intends to forge additional collaborations with brands and municipalities, promoting the widespread adoption of carton recycling and its transformation into valuable end-products. By scaling its efforts and amplifying awareness campaigns, InspirACTion seeks to inspire and empower more communities to embrace recycling and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.
1The non-fibre component of carton packages is known as polyAl, which designates the layers of polyolefins and aluminium being used as barrier against oxygen and humidity to protect the food content in aseptic carton packages.
2The circular economy refers to a system in which materials never become waste and are kept in circulation through processes including recycling, reuse and composting. It tackles environmental challenges by decoupling economic activity from the consumption of finite resources. Source: Ellenmacarthurfoundation.org, What is a circular economy?
Location
Indonesia
Companies involved
Redia, Waste4Change, Schools, Waste Bank, Municipality (Jakarta, Tangerang), Customers (Ultrajaya, Sosro, Indolakto)
Tetra Pak contacts
reza.andreanto@tetrapak.com
fatma.nurrosana@tetrapak.com
