Bank Mandiri is strengthening its role as a strategic partner of the government in the national sustainability agenda through a Reverse Vending Machine program in collaboration with Plasticpay, as part of efforts to build a circular economy ecosystem. (21/05)

The program converts plastic waste deposited by the public into digital points that can be exchanged into rupiah value, turning waste collection into an active economic transaction that supports a green economy system.

Corporate Secretary Bank Mandiri, Adhika Vista, stated that the initiative is not only about providing recycling facilities but also about changing public behavior through technology-based incentives.

“In one year of implementation, this program has proven that a technology-based and incentive-driven approach can measurably change public behavior,” he said in a written statement, Thursday (21/05).

Plastic Waste Converted Into Digital Points Through Recycling System

The Reverse Vending Machine system allows plastic bottles collected from the public to be converted into redeemable points, making recycling part of a digital economic activity.

Bank Mandiri acts as the provider of the digital ecosystem and infrastructure, while Plasticpay operates the plastic collection and processing technology within the system.

Program Records 209.53 Kg of Plastic Collected and Carbon Reduction Impact

As of April 2026, one operational Reverse Vending Machine unit at a single location recorded 209.53 kilograms of collected plastic waste, equivalent to 11,205 plastic bottles.

The program contributed to a reduction of 1,109,295 grams of carbon emissions and helped prevent pollution across 177 square meters of land area.

A total of 627,486 digital points were distributed to recycling participants as direct incentives, making circular economy practices measurable in economic terms.

“From a single point, this program shows how environmental impact can be accumulated significantly through daily community participation,” Adhika said.

Bank Mandiri and Plasticpay Build Cross-Sector Digital Recycling Ecosystem

The collaboration between Bank Mandiri and Plasticpay is designed as a replicable cross-sector model integrating finance, technology, and community participation.

The program is aligned with the company’s service principle “Melayani Sepenuh Hati” and its broader strategy to strengthen Indonesia’s economic ecosystem through sustainable initiatives.

Adhika stated that the initiative confirms Bank Mandiri’s position as a strategic government partner and shows that sustainability programs can create real environmental, social, and economic impact.

Initiative Aligns With SDGs 11, 12, 14, and 17 for Sustainability Goals

The program supports four Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely SDG 11, 12, 14, and 17, covering sustainable cities, responsible consumption and production, marine pollution reduction, and multi-sector partnerships.

Through a gradually developed ecosystem, the initiative aims to increase recycling rates and accelerate the adoption of environmentally friendly technology at the community level.

Bank Mandiri stated it will continue expanding the program as part of its long-term sustainability strategy focused on strengthening an integrated, resilient, and competitive national economy.

PHOTO: BANK MANDIRI

This article was created with AI assistance.

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