Circular economy and sustainability for the chemical industry is the main topic that was chosen for this webinar. Prof. Tjandra Setiadi himself discussed the topic of circular economy to support chemical engineering.

He said that the concept of circular economy is more emphasized in current day chemical engineering education than of basic linear economy. Currently, the paradigm that exists on Chemical Engineering expertise is to manufacture a product and discard its side waste. "With the advancement of technology, it is hoped that the manufacturing waste can be utilized so that it becomes a circular process," said Prof. Tjandra.

What is a Circular Economy?

A circular economy can be translated as to reduce the wastes generated by manufacturing or production processes, or more commonly known as the "Zero Waste" concept. Population influence has a linear correlation with population size, national prosperity, and technology. Population growth will result in more natural resources being exploited and more manufacturing wastes being generated. Therefore, we need a circular economy.

"The main purpose is to achieve the SDGs target in 2030. However, there are some problems that the circular economy encountered in its development and application. Education, regulation, and innovation have been the main problems for Indonesia to achieve this," said Prof. Tjandra.

The Development of Circular Economy in Indonesia

As the Professor at the Chemical Engineering Product Design and Development Research Group FTI ITB, Prof. Tjandra explained that the transition to a circular economy can be achieved by conserving natural resources and production. Moreover, it can be achieved by minimalizing the generated wastes and by generating new economic, social, and environmental incentives. "There are many opportunities to achieve a circular economy, one of the examples is asphalt production that utilizes industrial wastes as a substitute of raw material," he said.

The chemical industry plays a major role in the success of achieving a circular economy, both in the food sector by improving its packaging and in the vehicle manufacture by utilizing elastomers to reduce fuel consumption. The chemical industry is very influential in the development of Indonesia. It is estimated that in the next 4 years the petrochemical industry will grow by 5.56 percent.

The increase of industrial processes has a direct correlation with the increase of waste products, such as dangerous and toxic byproducts (B3 waste). The main challenges in the utilization of B3 waste in a circular economy are its high cost and its need for advanced technology. Moreover, complicated regulations and sanctions in case of a manufacturing accident are challenges that we also encounter. We can find an example of waste treatment and utilization to achieve a circular economy in the battery manufacturing process.

The implementation of a circular economy requires good planning and a clear road map. A circular economy requires capacity and network, implementation and replication, policy and strategy, technology and innovation, financial and investment.

Reporter: Tarisa Putri (Chemical Engineering, 2019)
Translator: Favian Aldilla R (Civil Engineering, 2019)