By Jordan Mordekhai
PVC is a widely used plastic known for its resistance to corrosion, durability, and flexibility. Post-consumer PVC waste can come from various sectors, including construction, transportation, electronics, agriculture, medical care, and consumer goods. Most of this waste is managed through mechanical recycling, energy recovery, or safe disposal, especially for short and medium-term products like household items and packaging. In realizing an effective waste management strategy, post-consumer waste management for these types of PVC products must also ensure compliance with the legal framework, thus shaping the future regulatory landscape in realizing PVC recycling in Indonesia."
Recently, the Indonesian government has made a serious commitment to regulate PVC by issuing a new regulation, Minister of Environment Regulation Number P.75/Menlhk/Setjen/Kum.1/10/2019, which outlines a roadmap for waste reduction by producers. This regulation is the first to address PVC specifically. It bans the use of certain single-use plastics, including single-use PVC like floor cleaner bottles and food packaging, starting January 1, 2030. Manufacturers of PVC packaging must use 100% recyclable materials, with at least 50% recycled content, and must manage the recycling of post-consumer PVC packaging. They are also required to use reusable packaging. Until the ban takes effect, recycling activities must continue.
As Comparison, PVC manufacturers in Denmark have created WUPPI, a voluntary initiative to collect and recycle PVC from construction waste to support the environment and a circular economy. Founded in 1997, WUPPI serves municipalities, contractors, and waste companies handling hard PVC. They work with Ragn-Sells Denmark for sorting and then send the sorted PVC to Van Werven in the Netherlands for processing and sale to European companies. Though voluntary, this model could offer valuable lessons for developing PVC regulations in Indonesia.
