Tackling Indonesia’s plastic waste problem with Koinpack's deposit-based reusable packaging model

In many Asian markets, single-use sachets are commonly present as they provide low-income consumers access to daily necessities such as shampoo and detergent. However, this is a problematic form of waste as sachets cannot be recycled and eventually leak into the environment. In fact, approximately 5.5 million of single-use sachets of detergent are wasted daily in Indonesia.

As part of Enviu's Zero Waste Living Lab programme, Koinpack was launched in Indonesia with its focus on a reusable packaging system based on a deposit and reward model. Koinpack is working closely to build a zero waste future by providing brands a zero-waste way to sell their personal care and home products to end consumers. By partnering ALPLA on their packaging solutions, products in Koinpack packaging are supplied directly from the producer or distributor. Consumers would then receive cashback upon returning their reusable containers. Any damaged packaging can still be accepted as long as it is still in shape. Currently, Koinpack works closely with local warung stores, mini markets and waste banks to retail consumer goods in Koinpack's packaging.

When Koinpack first launched in March 2020, it was launched at 2 sales points in West Jakarta. The initial batch consisted of 90 reusable packaging items. 8 months later in November 2020, it has grown to 15 sales points and sales increased to an estimated 20 products per sales point per week, saving around 4,000 sachets per month. As per April 2022, it has been reported that in Jabodetabek (Greater Jakarta), more than 101,500 sachets were saved from being leaked into the oceans.

Koinpack has also been globally recognised and given awards by several organizations. It has been awarded as the AIS Innovation Challenge Winner in 2020 and emerged as a finalist in the P&G Startup Innovation Challenge in 2020.