Designing an Implementation of Environmental Innovation Strategy towards Proactive Environmental Management: A Case Study in a Ribbed Smoked Sheet Rubber Factory in Central Java Province, Indonesia

Abstract

Ribbed smoked sheet (RSS) is the second largest natural rubber product in Indonesia after crumb rubber. One of the problems associated with natural rubber processing is the environmental problems created by the use of large amounts of water, together with energy and chemicals that pollute the environment. An environmental innovation is considered as a strategy to address the environmental impacts better than the current end-of-pipe treatment by shifting it into more proactive environmental management. This research aims to explore solutions that are more environmentally friendly for the rubber industry. This study uses a qualitative Case Study approach on a small and exploratory scale, with data collected from interviews and observations. The results show that the environmental issues that are related to the factory’s daily operation are: water usage, accumulation of unprocessed material, the use of ammonia and the use of inorganic fertilizers. The obstacles in the way of environmental management are: financial issue, human resources, communities’ pressure, technological change and communication with environmental experts. Some proactive strategies to overcome these environmental issues are suggested namely: reuse of the wastewater and pollution prevention at sources. The results of this study also suggest conducting cooperation with research institutions or environmental experts especially for skills that cannot be controlled by the manager or employees in the company.