In order to improve its access to raw materials as well as further streamline its supply chain, Polindo Utama has established 23 plastic recycling centres across Indonesia. Moreover, these recycling centres are strategically located in the suburbs and near villages in order to provide greater convenience to plastic collectors as well as maintain the quality of its upstream operations. The company’s plastic recycling centres have the capacity to process up to 100 tonnes of plastic bottles per month, showcasing the company’s efforts in implementing large-scale plastic recycling.
Polindo Utama’s plastic recycling centre demonstrates the potential for an improved waste management system in Indonesia. The recycling centres are well-equipped for sorting discarded plastic products and separating recyclable and non-recyclable waste, moreover the recycling centres play an important role in educating local communities on the importance of plastic recycling in addition to providing assistance in community empowerment and job opportunities, going forward, Polindo Utama plans to franchise its plastic recycling plants which will encourage entrepreneurship as well as recycling amongst communities in Indonesia. This initiative can further advance Indonesia’s recycling industry through the management of better recycling operations, both in terms of producing recycled products and within the internal working environment. The company will therefore choose the most suitable layout choices for its plastic recycling centres and thus improve the working conditions for its employees, increase efficiency and capacity, enhance sorting quality, as well as reduce waste fractions. Through its future franchising plans, Polindo Utama’s plastic recycling centres can also ensure its commitment to minimise environmental impact to its immediate surroundings and the community.
With Indonesia’s plastic consumption increasing year-on-year, the need to invest in plastic recycling centres is becoming an area of significant importance. As the trend amongst Indonesian consumers for recycling grows, so does the need for improving the efficiency of recycling centres. Polindo Utama’s capability in consolidating its services decreases lead-time and enhances the quality of its recycled plastic products. By applying lean production principles on its plastic recycling centres’ operations, the company has cemented its position as a prominent manufacturer of recycled plastic.