Universitas Andalas Students Develop Biodegradable Plastic Innovation from Waste Materials to Reduce Plastic Pollution, Supporting SDG 12 and SDG 9

Padang, September 2024 — In support of SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), students of Universitas Andalas have developed an innovative biodegradable plastic as a creative solution to the growing challenge of plastic waste. This innovation represents a tangible contribution toward environmentally friendly material production while strengthening research-based innovation with potential for industrial downstreaming.

The biodegradable plastic is designed to decompose significantly faster than conventional plastics, which typically require a very long time to degrade in the environment. The innovation utilizes waste-based raw materials, including by-products from cheese processing and palm oil industries. This approach not only helps reduce plastic pollution but also enhances the value of waste materials that have not been optimally utilized.

In terms of quality, the biodegradable plastic has met international standards, including the Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS), particularly in parameters such as thickness, water vapor transmission, and solubility. These results indicate that the product is not only environmentally friendly but also possesses competitive quality, making it a viable alternative to conventional plastics in the market.

Beyond environmental benefits, this innovation also presents new economic opportunities. With locally available raw materials and relatively efficient production processes, biodegradable plastic development has the potential to stimulate the growth of biomaterial-based industries. This aligns with efforts to strengthen Indonesia’s innovation ecosystem and promote sustainable industrial development.

However, further development is still required, particularly in scaling up production and increasing market adoption. Support from the government, industry, and the public will be crucial to ensure broader implementation. Public awareness and education are also essential to encourage the use of environmentally friendly products.

This innovation demonstrates the strategic role of Universitas Andalas in addressing environmental challenges while supporting industrial transformation toward more sustainable practices. Moving forward, the development and replication of this biodegradable plastic innovation are expected to contribute significantly to reducing plastic waste impacts in Indonesia.