AQUA, a pioneer in bottled drinking water (AMDK) in Indonesia, continues to lead the way in product innovation and environmental stewardship. Known for its commitment to ensuring quality, safety, and environmental impact, AQUA has introduced the Galon Guna Re-AMDK products as a testament to its dedication to sustainability.

In addition to its re-purpose Galon made from polycarbonate (PC), AQUA has launched a new version made from environmentally friendly polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Both AQUA Galon Repurposes are designed to be safe, high-quality, and compliant with regulatory standards such as SNI and BPOM. The PET-based Galon Repurpose was first introduced in 2019, focusing on distribution in Bali and North Sulawesi. As of 2024, AQUA has expanded its distribution to Jakarta and West Java.

These Galon Repurpose products, whether PET or PC, uphold AQUA's high standards of food safety and purity. The use of this repurposed packaging aligns with AQUA's #BijakBerplastic commitment to employing 100% reusable, recyclable, or compostable packaging. The company aims to increase the recycling content in its bottles by up to 50%.

AQUA's production facility in Mambal, Bali, recently hosted visits from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK), the Ministry of Industry (Kemenperin), and the Ministry of Trade (Kemendag). These visits included a tour of the Bali PET Recycling Business Unit (RIBU) in Denpasar, showcasing AQUA’s capabilities in recycling and commitment to environmental sustainability.

Wisti Noviani, Head of the KLHK Circular Economics Division, praised AQUA's efforts to utilize recycled packaging, including the PET in its new Galon Repurpose. "This initiative is a significant step towards reducing plastic waste from bottled drinking water and making a positive environmental impact," she said in a statement on August 3.

Jeffri Ricardo, Packaging Circularity Senior Manager at Danone Indonesia, emphasized AQUA’s role in supporting the Indonesian government’s waste management targets. "We believe that a circular economy is crucial for addressing waste issues in Indonesia. AQUA’s #BijakBerplastic movement focuses on developing waste collection infrastructure, educating the public, and innovating packaging," he explained.

The introduction of AQUA Galon Repurpose PET to Jakarta and West Java is a key component of AQUA’s circular economy commitment. Both the Galon Guna Re-MP and PC products are safe, protect the quality of AQUA mineral content, and are environmentally friendly.

Indonesia faces a significant challenge with plastic waste. According to the National Waste Management Information System (SIPSN), Indonesia generated 21.19 million tons of waste in 2022, with 34.45% unmanaged and posing risks to water sources and the environment. The government aims to reduce plastic waste entering the sea by 70% by 2025 and encourages community and private sector involvement in waste management.

AQUA is actively contributing to waste reduction through the development of six recycling business units, TPST, TPS3R, and Waste Banks across Indonesia, empowering nearly 10,000 scavengers. This initiative results in the collection of up to 22,000 tons of plastic waste annually, which is then recycled into valuable products, including new bottle packaging made from recycled plastic.

The reuse of AQUA packaging promotes a reduce, reuse, and recycle (3R) culture in the community. This approach not only enhances efficiency but also offers significant environmental benefits: it reduces carbon emissions by up to 83%, cuts plastic use by up to 78%, and prevents the need for over 770,000 tons of new plastic annually. AQUA also leads a national recycling education campaign, reaching 100 million people and 5 million children.

AQUA remains steadfast in its mission to promote health through quality products while upholding sustainability principles. Through collaboration and the #BijakBerplastic program, AQUA is committed to tackling plastic waste and supporting community empowerment through circular economic practices.