By Tessa Febiani
Indonesia faces a significant plastic waste challenge as The United Nations estimates that the country produces 3.2 million tonnes of unmanaged plastic waste annually, with 1.29 million tonnes or over a third ending up in the ocean. In addition, according to the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, around 10 billion plastic bags, equal to 85,000 tonnes, are released into the local environment annually. This unmanaged plastic waste has also affected Indonesian rivers and oceans. For example, four of the country’s rivers – the Brantas, Solo, Serayu, and Progo – are among the 20 most polluted rivers in the world.
Evoware is an innovative company that aims to create a world without plastic pollution, by scaling circular solutions to replace single-use plastics. Founded in 2016 in Jakarta, Evoware made a groundbreaking innovation to use seaweed to create edible cups and packaging. Their products were featured in global news, winning numerous awards, and gaining international recognition as a viable alternative to plastic. From plastic-free bags made from cassava, disposable straws made from rice, to cups and wrappers made from seaweed, Evoware continuously learning and innovating to diversify their offerings.
Turning Natural Materials into Biodegradable and Compostable Products
Evoware build a global supply chain network by offering innovative solutions that connect the needs between producers and consumers through sustainable product distribution. They provide a wide range of biodegradable and compostable products, including straws, cutlery, bags, and packaging, made from seaweed, cassava, rice, sugarcane, and palm leaves. These products are all made of natural materials that can be broken down and decomposed into natural materials within approximately 90-180 days. They can be composted in home facility composting and can be mixed with food or paper waste.
Evoware’s approach to sustainability focused on climate, circularity, and community.
Climate: By replacing single use-plastic with compostable alternatives, Evoware contributes to positive climate action as well as supports healthy livelihoods and ecosystems.
Circularity: Circularity is achieved by solving the problem at the beginning of the value chain, in the product design and selection of raw materials. This allows Evoware to create new circular products from renewable resources that can be reused, recycled, or composted.
Community: Evoware also focuses on community by co-creating collaborative #RethinkPlastic movements. Through this movement, they collaborate with businesses, governments, and society at large to prevent further environmental damage from single use plastics, and to empower individuals and businesses to embrace eco-friendly alternatives made from sustainable materials.
Evoware’s Campaigns and Their Impact on Plastic Waste Reduction
Evoware products have made an impact in reducing plastic waste. As stated in Evoware Sustainability Impact Report (2019-2022), Evoware has produced 4,970,679 plastic straws, 1,785,300 plastic bags, 33,258 plastic sachets, 76,588 plastic containers, 191,803 plastic cutleries, 12,992 plastic cups that were distributed across 56 countries. To support their eco-friendly products, Evoware launched “Rethink Plastic” campaign in 2019, to encourage people to rethink their habits and lifestyles to make a better world without plastic pollution.
There were 16 campaigns, partnered with 34 NGOs and businesses. Some of the campaigns include the Sabah Plogging Run, which combined jogging and litter-pick-up activities, 10,000 Bamboo Straws for 10,000 Bamboo trees, collaborated with Boga Group to offers the customers using bamboo straw and uses the profit to plant 10,000 bamboo trees, Reresik Pantai, a beach cleanup event at Paiton, Sustainable Food Stall Program (Warung Lestari), that encourage small businesses owner to use eco-friendly straw and reduce their daily plastic consumption, and many more.
The impact of Evoware’s campaign is proven by its reach and engagement. Over 33,803 people were involved in these activities, helping reduce 3,968,709 total unit plastic, contributing to a total 85,8 tons carbon reduction from plastic replacement.
Evoware’s journey reflects their commitment to create a sustainable, plastic-free world. Through their innovative products and impactful campaigns, they have raised people's awareness on plastic pollution by rethinking their lifestyles regarding plastics and embrace sustainable solutions.
Source:
https://rethink-plastic.com/home/
https://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/32898/NPWRSI.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
https://www.thejakartapost.com/business/2024/05/02/taking-plastics-full-circle-creating-a-sustainable-future-in-indonesia.html