PLN Pioneers Plastic-Free Mangrove Planting for World Mangrove Day 2024: A Sustainable Collaboration with Jejakin and Solinatra - ATMI Center of Excellence

Surabaya, Indonesia - In commemoration of World Mangrove Day 2024, Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN), the Indonesian state-owned electric utility enterprise, held a groundbreaking initiative as the first state-owned enterprise to implement plastic-free mangrove planting and carbon monitoring using bio pots made of Solinatra designed and produced by ATMI Polytechnic in collaboration with Jejakin on July 26, 2024, at Adventure Land Romokalisari Surabaya.

This initiative underscores PLN’s commitment to its Sustainable Business Principles, emphasizing environmental preservation. Aligned with the mission of Solinatra - ATMI Center of Excellence and Jejakin, this project aims to reduce plastic waste in mangrove ecosystems and promote sustainability.

Traditional mangrove nurseries often use plastic polybags to grow saplings, which degrade into microplastics and pollute marine and soil as the mangrove tree grows. The pots developed by Solinatra - ATMI Center of Excellence, are made of 100% natural and plant-based ingredients, PFAS-free, compostable and biodegradable. Supported by Jejakin's leading carbon emissions and management platform, this plastic-free mangrove planting initiative will be continuously monitored to improve the mangrove's survival rate and ensure the long term success of the project. Jejakin also involves local communities by providing training on carbon monitoring through their platform. This collaboration aspires to empower widespread adoption of bio pots as a truly sustainable alternative for mangrove plantation around the world.

Mangroves are one of the most effective carbon sinks on the planet, capable of capturing and storing carbon at a rate up to five times higher than mature tropical forests. They also boost biodiversity and reinforce coastlines, creating resilience against flooding and extreme weather events. Growing in equatorial regions, mangroves thrive in the saltwater of coastal and intertidal zones, with vast root systems that provide natural defences against flooding and tsunamis and offer habitats for a diverse range of wildlife. Multiple countries plan to plant billions of mangrove trees to enhance carbon capture and support net-zero ambitions.

“This partnership demonstrates the power of collaboration in creating effective climate solutions. Solinatra provides a truly sustainable alternative to single-use plastic, helping to grow healthy, plastic-free mangrove forests that reduce carbon emissions, restore vital habitats, and protect coastal regions. By working with our Center of Excellence partner, ATMI, we are producing 100% natural pots for mangroves, paving the way for a greener future for Indonesia,” said Solinatra CEO, Robert de Jong.

“This mangrove planting is truly plastic-free; we plant these mangroves with eco-friendly and biodegradable pots, measure all mangrove life parameters, and monitor their development. With conventional methods, mangroves only survive 40%. Hopefully, with this technology, mangroves can survive 100% and can support PLN Green, able to become the lungs of Surabaya. In accordance with the direction of President Director of PLN, Darmawan Prasodjo, our CSR programme must be sustainable and beneficial to the environment. By planting these mangroves, all pollutants can be filtered. Safe for mangroves, and these tourist attractions can improve the community's prosperity,” said M. Abdul Basyid, Manager of UP3 South Surabaya. 

"Solinatra ATMI Center of Excellence (CoE) is a collaboration between Solinatra and ATMI IGI Center to transition away from the use of single-use plastic with Solinatra materials through collaboration in Vocational Education regarding sustainable biomaterials, joint campaigns related to SDGs in Indonesia, technology transfer, and development of business potential in Indonesia. Through this program, hopefully will be followed by other BUMN, private sectors, NGOs and associations, schools, and communities. Say no to polluting plastic polybags!" said Yustinus Wahyo Nursanto, Director of PT ATMI IGI Center. 

“We believe in the power of collaboration to address climate change challenges. Jejakin is proud to partner with Solinatra to implement this plastic-free planting program by PLN. Through Jejakin’s carbon management platform, we can gain insights into the carbon we sequester and monitor the positive impacts of this program - all for a better tomorrow.” said Arfan Arlanda, Founder & CEO of Jejakin.

About Solinatra

Solinatra, a Dutch sustainable innovation company, specializes in replacing fossil-based plastics with 100% natural, plant-based, PFAS-free materials. Their mission is to eliminate plastic waste and reduce CO2 emissions. These eco-friendly materials provide all the benefits of traditional plastics without the associated drawbacks and are fully biodegradable and compostable, leaving no microplastics behind. Solinatra has identified several key markets for their innovative solutions, with a particular focus on the horticulture sector.

Visit solinatra.com for more information.

Read more about the Solinatra - ATMI Center of Excellence.

About PLN

PLN is the Indonesian state-owned electric utility company, wholly owned by the Government of Indonesia through the Ministry of State-Owned Enterprise. PLN has been “committed to making electricity as a medium to improve the quality of people’s lives, striving for electricity to be a driver of economic activity and carrying out business activities that are environmentally sound”, PLN is determined to harmonize the development of three aspects in the supply of electricity, namely economic, social and environmental. 

Visit pln.co.id for more information 

About Jejakin

Jejakin is a climate tech company with a carbon management platform from Indonesia. Empowers climate action through their platform, Jejakin offers a comprehensive solution of carbon accounting, monitoring, and integration to address their partners’ sustainability requirements.

Visit jejakin.com for more information

About ATMI

ATMI Polytechnic is the pioneer of the dual Vocational Education and Training Institute in Indonesia, running since 1968. Together with ATMI IGI Center and SMK Mikael under the ownership of Jesuit Indonesia through YKBS (Yayasan Karya Bakti Surakarta), ATMI has been collaborating with Solinatra as Solinatra - ATMI Center of Excellence, Jejakin, PLN and further potential partners in leading the way in Indonesia to make the transition from polluting plastics to fully natural, biodegradable materials. Caring for our common home is the spirit connecting between technology and humanity in ATMI.

Visit atmi-igi.co.id for more information