The first speaker, Prof.Ir. Tjandra Setiadi, M.Eng., Ph.D., addressed the implementation of circular economy to support sustainable chemical industries. The chemical engineering professor from ITB also emphasized circular economy as a huge factor that can change the previous paradigm accustomed to linear economic concepts. This planet’s natural resources are limited and cannot suffice all societal needs. Due to this, industries are encouraged to extend the shelf life of the material/product so that it can be reused.

The progress of the circular economy concept in Indonesia is met with a few obstacles, such as the nation’s education system that has not been led towards the concept despite its potential of achieving sustainability developmental goals (SDG).

“Products, processes, and systems of their businesses must be changed to support sustainability that incorporates three components: economy, environment, and social,” Prof. Tjandra added.

Aside from that, the development of circular economy also requires mass data balance from completed supplies. This data is used to map business and creative opportunities from spent natural resources. Currently, the biggest challenge to face is its expenditure, efforts in utilizing industrial waste, complexity in technology, and innovation.
Ir. Achmad Gunawan Widjaksono, MAS., further described the treatment of B3 and non-B3 waste. He revealed that there are currently 114 definitions regarding the circular economy concept, which narrow down to four aspects: economic prosperity, environmental quality, social equity impact, and future generation. In short, these definitions are integrated into one for future generations.

Twelve green-engineering principles demand to be applied to achieve efficiency, societal welfare, and environmental protection. From these principles, the point that must be emphasized is the design of separation. The required energy in the separation process of an industry is massive; thus, it calls for an alternative method to minimize the energy needed.

“Waste utilization is the principle. The government pushes for it instead of piling them up. We will facilitate the utilization process as much as possible,” Ir. Gunawan declared.

The most vital aspect of waste treatment is its fixed standard. If it is unavailable, researches must be done to create standardization. According to Ir. Gunawan, usage of circular economy is a necessity in the present and future. Therefore, universities should incorporate this concept into their education curriculum.

Ir. Dwiwahyu Haryo Suryo, who is the EVP and Chief Supply Chain Officer of Paragon Technology and Innovation, presented the company’s growth and vision that supports sustainability. Based on the six mega consumer trends in 2021, the most prominent one is sustainability. It can be attained through innovation, yet it is not an easy task due to another influencing factor- affordability. Products with sustainable concepts tend to be expensive. Hence, careful planning and collaboration with other parties are necessary.

Currently, Haryo considered post-consumer use to be the biggest issue. One of its examples is the widely-debated dilemma concerning plastic, which can be resolved by rethinking plastic as a new economy, starting by deciding the materials and design, to team up with various stakeholders like industries, academia, and government. As a result, the circular economy process can run well.

Reporter: Hanan Fadhilah Ramadhani (Teknik Sipil Angkatan 2019)
Translator: Ruth Nathania (Teknik Lingkungan, 2019)