Serang — PT Indah Kiat Pulp & Paper Tbk. Serang Mill continues to strengthen the implementation of a circular economy by reintegrating recovered materials into its production process. Paper waste generated during production activities, such as trimming and broke, along with collected used carton boxes, is reprocessed through a repulping process and converted back into raw materials for paper and packaging products.
This approach ensures that paper fibers do not reach the end of their lifecycle after a single use. Materials that still retain value can be reintroduced into the production chain, including for the manufacture of test liner and fluting medium used in corrugated carton box production. Through this practice, the company improves resource efficiency while reducing the need for virgin fiber raw materials.
Indah Kiat Serang operates an industrial brown paperboard manufacturing facility with a production capacity of approximately 1.4 million metric tons per year, as well as a corrugated carton box facility with a capacity of up to 228,000 metric tons per year. These brown paper and carton box products are designed to be recyclable, aligning with the evolving needs of customers who increasingly regard sustainability as an essential part of their supply chains.
The circular economy approach at the facility extends beyond fiber recovery. Wastewater management is also designed to create additional value. Through an anaerobic wastewater treatment process, the methane gas generated can be utilized as boiler fuel, partially replacing fossil fuels. This practice enhances energy efficiency while helping to reduce the environmental impact of operations.
The company’s sustainability commitment is further reinforced through internationally recognized management systems and certifications, including ISO 9001 for Quality Management, ISO 14001 for Environmental Management, ISO 22000 for Food Safety Management, ISO 50001 for Energy Management, ISO 45001 for Occupational Health and Safety, and PEFC Certification, which supports supply chain traceability based on sustainable forest management.
Beyond manufacturing operations, the company also engages local communities through environmental education programs, tree planting activities, and the utilization of residual production materials. Brown paper and used ropes, for example, are transformed into handicrafts with economic value. These initiatives broaden the meaning of the circular economy, not only by reducing waste but also by creating opportunities for community participation and shared benefits in the areas surrounding the company’s operations.
The combination of recycled fiber utilization, energy efficiency, process innovation, certification, and community empowerment demonstrates that the circular economy can be a practical and integral part of an industrial strategy. For customers, this approach delivers products that not only meet functional and quality requirements but also support sustainability objectives throughout the supply chain.
Through these efforts, Indah Kiat Serang demonstrates that waste is not merely a byproduct of production. When managed through the right combination of technology, governance, and collaboration, waste can be transformed back into a valuable resource, creating new value and extending the lifecycle of materials within the paper and packaging industry.
“Turning waste into value: extending material life, improving efficiency, and creating shared benefits.”