PROCESS 2.0 (Progressive Research of Chemical Engineering Solution Summit) is an annual competition aimed to promote impactful innovations in sustainability. This year, the competition adopted the theme "Enhancing Sustainability: Shaping the Future, Redefining Waste, and Advancing Smart Living," in line with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The competition challenged participants to develop solutions that redefine waste management and promote more sustainable and intelligent living practices.

The competition was attended by 120 participants from various universities across Indonesia, featuring two main categories: Product Innovation and Chemical Engineering Paper. Undergraduate students were encouraged to present innovative concepts and practical applications addressing the SDGs, with the goal of creating a tangible and lasting sustainable impact.

The ITB team presented an innovative project called PETSOL, a solar panel made from PET plastic bottle waste. This idea was driven by the high volume of PET plastic waste that is inadequately recycled and the growing demand for renewable energy as an alternative to environmentally harmful fossil fuels. Through PETSOL, the team hopes to reduce plastic waste while supporting the transition to renewable energy use.

"We see a large amount of PET plastic bottle waste that is not properly managed, while the demand for renewable energy continues to rise. Through PETSOL, we aim to offer a solution to both of these issues," said Roihan, the team leader.

The competition process consisted of several stages, starting with an abstract submission, which was then screened for selection into a full proposal detailing the innovation idea. After undergoing a rigorous selection process, the ITB team successfully advanced to the final stage and presented their project before the panel of judges.

However, the team's journey was not without challenges. One of the main obstacles they faced was limited funding for prototype development. "Nonetheless, with determination and teamwork, we managed to overcome it," said Muhamad Abdulah.

Participating in this competition left a lasting impression on the team members. "It was an exciting experience because we collaborated with friends from different majors. This enriched our knowledge and skills," said Roihan.

The team emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in competitions. "If you want to join a competition, it's best to collaborate with other majors. Besides gaining more knowledge, this kind of teamwork can also be a plus point in the eyes of the judges," said Roihan.

Reporter: Mufti Ali Farkhan (Oceanography, 2021)
Translator: Hanna Daniela Ayu (Aerospace Engineering, 2021)
Editor: Anggi Nurdiani (Management, 2024)