Stakeholders’ Interests and Negotiations in Design for Recycling Guideline Development for Plastic Packaging in Indonesia

Abstract

Packaging plays essential roles in product management, brand identity, and consumer protection. However, it is often conflicting with environmental sustainability issues. Plastic packaging is considered responsible for plastic waste leakage into the environment because it is not designed for recycling (D4R). This research explores D4R criteria for prioritised plastic packaging; developed by involving plastic producers, product manufacturers, consumers, waste collectors, waste recyclers, and relevant governmental ministries. Through Delphi method and stakeholder consultation, the stakeholders negotiate the D4R criteria to protect their interests. The D4R criteria are prioritised for three plastic packaging: (i) HDPE/ LDPE containers for personal and home care products; (ii) PET bottles for mineral water; and (iii) PP cups for food and beverage products. The criteria of eleven packaging components have been developed for each prioritised plastic packaging. Stakeholders mostly agree to the criteria, except for the size or volume of containers criterion. The product manufacturers tend to keep the container size small for reaching a wider market segment, while the waste collectors and recyclers insist on increasing the size to make it easy for collection. Moreover, additional standards and references are needed to define the D4R criteria for the ink, additive, barrier, and adhesive for non-food products.