Tackling the Plastic Crisis in Indonesia
Indonesia is the third largest contributor to marine plastic pollution globally with high rates of plastic leakage into the environment from both collected and uncollected waste. Plastic waste in Indonesia is commonly burned, left in dumpsites, or taken to landfill sites operating beyond capacity, this mismanagement has negative health consequences for large swathes of the Indonesian population. There was also a widespread lack of incentives for coastal communities to collect the ocean bound plastic polluting their neighbourhoods (flexible plastics in particular), creating an urgent need for this empowerment-focused project. The SEArcular by Greencore project was also selected for inclusion in the first ever Plastic Waste Reduction-linked Bond issued by the World Bank in partnership with Plastic Collective and Citibank in January 2024.
Recognising this urgent need, Plastic Collective has partnered with SEArcular by Greencore to triple the scale of its impact through certification and funding, enabling the project to expand and attract further investment from global brands. Together, in Java, we are empowering local waste pickers, reducing plastic leakage into the ocean, and fostering a circular economy, where plastic is not waste, but a valuable resource. Greencore is doing the critical work on the ground, collecting and recycling plastic waste, while Plastic Collective provides the certification framework that verifies its impact, making it possible for companies to support this initiative.
SEArcular by Greencore’s proven success in waste collection and recycling led to its certification, demonstrating integrity that attracted further impact investment from brands. This growth has allowed the project to expand capacity threefold, strengthening its ability to address Indonesia’s plastic pollution crisis.
The SEArcular by Greencore Project: A Sustainable Solution
The SEArcular by Greencore Indonesia Collection and Recycling Project collects, sorts, and recycles difficult to recycle plastic materials before they can enter the ocean. Established in Surabaya, Indonesia in 2019, the project has built a network of waste pickers and local aggregators, providing essential training, fair wages, and safe working conditions. Plastic Collective is proud to announce the registration of SEArcular by Greencore under the Verra’s Plastic Waste Reduction Standard. Plastic Collective acts as an advisory partner to this exemplar project which is leading the charge to address the plastic pollution crisis in Indonesia.
Waste pickers diverting plastic waste from waterways and beaches
Owner of SEArcular by Greencore- Max Craipeau
How the Project Works
1. Collection: Stopping Plastic at the Source
A network of waste pickers and aggregators collects plastic waste from:
✅ Beaches, rivers, and drainage systems – Removing plastic directly from shorelines, rivers, and drainage systems in high-risk areas.
✅ Public areas and streets – preventing plastic from entering unmanaged landfills.
✅ Local businesses and households – creating a sustainable supply chain for plastic recovery.
Waste pickers work within a 2km radius of their homes, collecting, bagging, and sorting plastic to meet the project’s quality standards. They receive fair wages and premium prices for the plastic they collect, ensuring sustainable livelihoods while tackling the plastic crisis.
2. Sorting: Processing for a Circular Future
Once collected, plastics are carefully sorted into different categories at aggregation sites before being transported to the SEArcular processing facility in Driyorejo, Gresik Regency. The project focuses on:
♻️ Plastic Types Collected & Processed:
– PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) – Found in plastic bottles and packaging.
–HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) – Used in milk jugs, shampoo bottles, and rigid containers.
– LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) – Found in plastic bags and flexible packaging.
– PP (Polypropylene) – Used in food containers, caps, and takeaway packaging.
–PS (Polystyrene) – Found in food trays and disposable cutlery.
– Mixed “Other” Plastics – Harder-to-recycle plastics that would otherwise be discarded.
Waste pickers are trained to wash, categorise, and prepare plastic for the next stage, ensuring high-quality material for recycling.
3. Recycling: Turning Waste into Reusable Materials
SEArcular focuses on providing an appropriate end of life for the more difficult to recycle
plastic types. The project’s network of waste pickers, aggregators and suppliers collect HDPE,
LDPE, PET, PP, PS and “Other” directly from beaches, waterways, streets, and bins and dumpsters located in public areas.
At the SEArcular processing facility, plastics go through:
🔹 Sorting & washing – Ensuring quality and purity.
🔹 Crushing & flaking – Breaking plastics down for reuse.
🔹 Pelletisation – Converting flakes into high-quality recycled pellets for manufacturing.
These pellets replace virgin plastic, supplying global brands in packaging, textiles, and consumer goods, helping build a true circular economy.
The SEArcular by Greencore team at Java site
The collected waste is transported to Greencore’s collection centres and warehouses for aggregation and sorting
Verra Certification: Ensuring Measurable & Transparent Impact
One of the most significant aspects of the SEArcular by Greencore project is its Verra certification under the Plastic Waste Reduction Standard. This certification not only verifies plastic collection but also confirms that recovered plastic is properly sorted and processed, ensuring that it enters the recycling stream rather than being disposed of in landfills or incinerated.
This means that every tonne of plastic collected is tracked, verified, and accounted for ensuring real, measurable impact. Brands that choose to offset their plastic footprint through this project can proudly display their 100% Net Plastic Recycled badge, backed by a globally recognised certification.
✅ Third-party verification ensures the project meets strict environmental and ethical standards.
✅ Every tonne of plastic removed is documented, ensuring full transparency.
✅ Participating brands can showcase their commitment with a Verra-backed certification.
By choosing Plastic Collective’s partnership with SEArcular by Greencore, businesses can be confident their sustainability efforts are credible, impactful, and fully verified
More Than Plastic Recovery – A Social Impact Movement
This project is about more than plastic, it’s about people. Through the social plus initiative waste pickers, who were once working in dangerous and informal conditions, now have safer working environments, fair stable wages, and access to training and education. As well as access to health insurance, through AXA Insurance collaboration with Searcular. It’s a comprehensive framework that demonstrates the power of aligned, socially responsible business practices.
By supporting this initiative, businesses are not just offsetting their plastic footprint, they’re creating real, measurable change for vulnerable communities and the environment.
How Can Your Brand Get Involved?
So now that we’ve told you about this incredible project, how can you be a part of it?
Are you passionate about stopping plastic from entering our oceans? Do you want to align your brand with real, measurable action rather than empty sustainability claims? This is your chance.
Brands that partner with Plastic Collective and SEArcular by Greencore can:
✅ Offset their plastic footprint and earn the 100% Net Plastic Collected badge.
✅ Ensure Verra-certified transparency, proving real impact in plastic recovery and recycling.
✅ Support ethical, community-driven waste management, creating long-term change.
You’re here because you care. Let’s turn that passion into action. Now is the time.
👉 Contact Us Here and make your brand part of the solution.
