Sigit Abdurrakhman

PT Pupuk Indonesia, Indonesia

Title: Employee Participation of a Corporate Textile Recycling Initiative: A Case Study of “The Second Life : Uniform Series” at PT Pupuk Indonesia (Persero)

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Biography

Sigit Abdurrakhman is a professional in the fields of chemical engineering and the fertilizer industry with over 23 years of experience. He currently serves as the Vice President of Environment at PT Pupuk Indonesia (Persero). Previously, he held roles focused on technology and operational synergy at PT Pupuk Indonesia, and earlier in his career, he worked as a Process Engineer and Operations Engineer at PT Pupuk Sriwidjaja Palembang. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Gadjah Mada University, Indonesia. Furthermore, he is a professional engineer registered with the Institution of Engineers Indonesia (PII)—holding the titles of *Ir.* (Engineer) and *Insinyur Profesional Madya* (Intermediate Professional Engineer)—and is also a member of Engineers Australia (MIEAust). With more than two decades of experience in the fertilizer industry, his professional background encompasses plant operations, production planning, process engineering, and environmental management.

Abstract

Indonesia generated approximately 34 million tonnes of municipal solid waste in 2025, according to the National Waste Management Information System (SIPSN), much of which remains poorly managed. DKI Jakarta produces around 9,187 tonnes of waste per day. In comparison, Bantargebang Integrated Waste Treatment Facility receives 7,300-7,500 tonnes daily and faces fire risks from methane accumulation, as in the October 2023 fire. PT Pupuk Indonesia (Persero), headquartered in Jakarta with 1,696 employees. Every employee received 2 pairs of uniforms every year, and the company changed its uniform design in 2026, potentially increasing textile waste. To address this, a used-uniform recycling initiative named “The Second Life: Uniform Series” was launched. Used uniforms were collected through drop boxes in Jakarta at every office building and shipments from regional offices between 21 July and 28 August 2026, supported by weekly educational posters to raise awareness. These used uniforms are nearly 100 percents recycled into merchandise such as card holders, tote bags and pouches. This study examines the level and pattern of employee participation and the environmental impact of the program. Approximately 35% of employees participated, contributing 1,027 kg of uniforms (about 4,108 pieces). The program is estimated to have avoided the release of 22.8 tonnes of CO?, 36.5 kg of methane, and 26.6 million microplastic particles. A total of 222 employees (190 from Jakarta offices and 32 from regional offices) voluntarily completed the registration form, and 133 of them provided feedback. The feedback was categorised into appreciation (54), program sustainability (46), expansion to non-uniform garments (17), environmental benefits and prevention of uniform misuse (9), and improvement of mechanisms and outreach (7). These findings show that employees are willing to participate in recycling programs when supported by appropriate implementation and education, even regional employees who must ship their used uniforms to Jakarta.