SIG, Sambu Group and YBDA inaugurate eco building for the community in Pulau Burung

SIG, Sambu Group and YBDA inaugurated an eco building located in Pulau Burung, Riau, where

one of Sambu Group’s plantations, PT Riau Sakti United Plantations (RSUP), is located. The eco

building was built using building blocks made of recycled plastic. This initiative is a reflection of

SIG, Sambu Group and YBDA commitment to fostering sustainable development and making a positive impact on local communities.

Present at the inauguration ceremony were Angela Lu, President and General Manager Asia Pacific at SIG; M Anton Bagus Asmara, Chief Operating Officer PT Riau Sakti United Plantations (RSUP); Noer Wellington, Head of Market Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and Philippines at SIG and Tua Hutabarat, Foundation Operational Manager Yayasan Bahtera Dwipa Abadi (YBDA).

Commenting on the eco building, Angela Lu, President and General Manager Asia Pacific at SIG said, “SIG is thrilled to announce that today, our eco building project in Indonesia is finally completed and will soon be ready for utilization by the local communities here in Pulau Burung. We truly appreciate our partners who have the same vision for sustainability as SIG. As a leading solutions provider of packaging for better, it has always been our commitment to give more to the people and the planet than we take. The eco building marks our commitment to fostering sustainable development and making a positive impact on local communities. We hope that our eco building will become an asset in the area and that it will be used by the community for positive purposes.”

The eco building is a joint project between SIG, a leading solutions provider of packaging; Sambu Group, one of the world’s largest integrated coconut companies; YBDA, a non-profit organization founded by Sambu Group; and Block Solutions Indonesia, a company specializing in developing sustainable building blocks. It has an area of 7.2m x 16.2m and can accommodate up to 90 people. The eco building will serve as a common space for people from all walks of life to come together. The purpose-built space can be used for classes, community gatherings, celebrations, and many other occasions.

Noer Wellington, Head of Market Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and Philippines at SIG said, “Sambu Group has been a partner of SIG since 2007. Since the start of our partnership, we share a similar vision towards sustainability, and together we have rolled out several sustainability campaigns and initiatives throughout the years. We are glad to continue growing our partnership through the establishment of this eco building, showcasing that by utilizing recycled material, we create a welcoming and inclusive space for the community living here in Pulau Burung. We hope that our investment for the eco building will help it becomes a meaningful contribution that will serve as both a social venue as well as an educational facility as it is located in a school area.”

The eco building is located at Sekolah Dasar Swasta 022 - PT Riau Sakti United Plantation divisi Perkebunan KM.09, Desa Pulau Burung, an area where Sambu Group’s factory is located.

M Anton Bagus Asmara, Chief Operating Officer at PT RSUP said: “Sustainability has always been the foundation of Sambu Group. Sustainability is the foundation because the coconut farmers are not only mere suppliers of Sambu Group, but are an integral part of Sambu Group throughout its 57 years journey. The local communities have grown in tandem with Sambu Group over the decades. We share an ecosystem that benefits one another. And we will continue to share with the community, one of which is by establishing the eco building. The presence of this eco building is a joint effort to provide environmentally friendly buildings that are beneficial to the communities surrounding our factory and plantation. We look forward to seeing the residents of Pulau Burung enjoy the benefits of our eco building to the fullest.”

Tua Hutabarat, Foundation Operational Manager at YBDA added, “As a non-profit organization founded by the same founder of Sambu Group operating within the same coconut ecosystem, YBDA has taken responsibility of being the steward of the local communities within its ecosystem. YBDA's aim is to improve the dignity of coconut farmers and local community within the ecosystem, which include improving the well-being and prosperity of the people. Public facilities and infrastructure are definitely one of YBDA's scopes. The establishment of this eco building in our school in Pulau Burung district means a lot for the people as we have now the otherwise missing venue for public improvement and education programs in the future, not just for the children but for the village itself.”

Construction of the eco building was done by Block Solutions Indonesia, an impact business specializing in creating sustainable building blocks from recycled plastics that are purchased from local sources. In addition to being made from recycled plastic, these blocks are lightweight and easy to assemble. A total of 1,274 blocks were used for the construction of the eco building. If calculated, the 1,274 blocks are created from 3.15 tons of recycled plastic and can reduce 7.3 tons of carbon.

Jimmy Hutasoit, CEO at Block Solutions Indonesia said, “Based on data, 6.3 billion tons of plastic waste exist on our planet, out of which 12 million tons are poured into the ocean annually and less than 10% of plastic is recycled. Block Solutions Indonesia is here to enable customers to build houses, schools and other structures that are sustainable and affordable by producing blocks made from recycled plastic-waste. The eco building in Pulau Burung is a very exciting project for us because we believe in building a better future for our planet. It has been a pleasure for us to collaborate with SIG, Sambu Group and YBDA in developing the eco building as we all prioritize sustainability in our lines of business, and we hope our eco building will be a beneficial contribution to the community in Pulau Burung.”

“Since our establishment in Indonesia in 2002, SIG has continued to carry out various sustainability activities with our partners and customers with the aim of contributing to the preservation of the environment. This eco building is an embodiment of our commitment to sustainability and we encourage the public of Indonesia to live more sustainable lifestyles, starting with recycling their plastic waste. Together with our partners, we’ve been able to build the eco building using blocks made of recycled plastic waste, which proves that the smallest acts of recycling, if done regularly, could result in something significant. Let’s start creating good habits that support sustainability so that together, we can preserve our earth, for better,” concluded Noer Wellington.

About SIG

SIG is a leading solutions provider of packaging for better – better for our customers, for consumers, and for the world. With our unique portfolio of aseptic carton, bag-in-box, and spouted pouch, we work in partnership with our customers to bring food and beverage products to consumers around the world in a safe, sustainable, and affordable way. Our technology and outstanding innovation capabilities enable us to provide our customers with versatile packaging systems and solutions for innovative products and smart operations, all to address the ever-changing needs of consumers. Sustainability is integral to our business and guides us on our journey to create packaging for better – packaging that gives more to people and the planet than it takes out.

Founded in 1853, SIG is headquartered in Neuhausen, Switzerland, and is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange. The skills and experience of our approximately 9,000 employees worldwide enable us to respond quickly and effectively to the needs of our customers in over 100 countries. In 2023, SIG produced 53 billion packs and generated €3.2 billion in revenue. SIG also has an AA ESG rating by MSCI, a 13.9 (low risk) score by Sustainalytics, Platinum CSR rating by EcoVadis, and is included in the FTSE4Good Index. For more information, visit our website.

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