Did you know? In 2024, Indonesia produced approximately 33.7 million tons of waste from 311 regencies/cities. Tragically, more than 40% of this waste is not managed properly. This situation is a wake-up call for us all. By following the principles of a more circular economy, we can begin to find solutions.
But what exactly does circularity mean in this context? What are its benefits? And how can we apply these approaches in our daily lives?
What is the Definition of a Circular Economy?
Circular economies follow a production and consumption model that aims to maintain the maximum value of products and materials for as long as possible through sharing, reusing, repairing, rejuvenating, and recycling the products and materials we use. Simply put, a circular economy encourages us to avoid wasteful patterns and shift to more resource-efficient ones.
This model is often summarized by the 3R principle:
· Reduce: Lessening the amount of waste created from the start.
· Reuse: Reusing items that are still in good condition by repairing or rejuvenating them.
· Recycle: Recycling items into new products with different functions
Circular vs. Linear Economies
A circular economy offers an alternative to the linear economic model we're more familiar with: Take, make, use, and dispose. In a linear economy, products are designed for limited use, encouraging consumers to continually purchase new ones.
By contrast, the circular economy seeks to break this wasteful cycle by creating a more sustainable system.
Why Does it Matter?
1. Protecting the Environment
By reusing and recycling, we can use natural resources more responsibly and reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to the climate crisis.
2. Encouraging Economic Efficiency
Implementing the 3R principle also means we don't have to constantly buy new items. This is not only more economical but also opens up new business opportunities.
Circular Economy in Action at Harita Nickel
So what about at Harita Nickel? Here, the circular economy isn’t just a concept, but real-life practice that is implemented on a daily basis. We continue innovating on Obi Island, to make our operations more environmentally friendly and efficient.
Here are some of the initiatives we've implemented so far:
1. Plastic Waste Reduction
We initiated the #AwalBaikDariObi movement in 2024 as a first step to reduce the use of single-use plastics on site. This movement was fully supported by management through the signing of a joint commitment, which became an official company policy.
2. Nickel Slag Utilization
Nickel slag, a byproduct of the processing of saprolite ore into ferronickel, is usually considered waste. However, at Harita Nickel, slag is utilized optimally. With its sand-like texture, this slag is reused for various construction needs, from dormitories, offices, and to developing road infrastructure within the operational area.
3. Used Cooking Oil Utilization
We also utilize used cooking oil from employee consumption as an alternative fuel to coal in the ferronickel smelter. The result? This process is capable of generating 1,545 GJ of energy while preventing more than 1,419 tons of greenhouse gas emissions (CO₂ equivalent). A simple step, with a big impact.
The circular economy isn't just a future concept—it's a necessity today. By implementing it, we can live more sustainably, economically, and environmentally consciously. And most importantly: Every small step, like the ones we're taking at Harita Nickel, has the potential to make a huge difference!