Written by Aliyah Assegaf
30 September 2024
In our recent fireside chat, Karyanto Wibowo, Danone Indonesia's Sustainability Director, and Thomas Ng, Lead of B Market Builder Southeast Asia, discussed sustainability challenges and opportunities in Indonesia's bottled water industry. With over 50 years of experience, Danone AQUA continues to play a significant role in providing safe drinking water while acknowledging and addressing environmental concerns.
Karyanto highlighted Danone AQUA's ongoing efforts to deliver quality hydration and raise public awareness about water safety. With only 12% of Indonesians having access to safe drinking water, their work remains critical. Across 17 watersheds, Danone AQUA focuses on initiatives such as reforestation, rainwater harvesting, and organic farming to contribute to water sustainability.
The conversation also explored the environmental impact of plastic use. While there are still challenges, Danone AQUA strives to improve water efficiency, using just 1.15 liters to produce one liter of bottled water. Their goal of returning more water to nature than they use reflects a commitment to responsible practices. Currently, AQUA’s bottle packaging contains up to 25% recycled materials, with plans to increase this to an average of 50% by 2025, reflecting their continued focus on reducing plastic waste. However, Danone-AQUA recognizes that they cannot tackle the plastic waste problem alone—it requires the participation and collaboration of all stakeholders.
This discussion underscores the importance of continuous improvement and innovation in balancing environmental responsibility with business success. By striving to be better, Danone AQUA hopes to inspire others in the industry to take similar steps toward a more sustainable future.