Seven Clean Seas, with philanthropic support, has successfully completed two home renovations in Indonesia’s Batam Island, replacing hazardous asbestos roofs with durable roof plates made from recycled plastic. This project not only transforms waste into life-saving infrastructure but also tackles critical public health issues linked to asbestos exposure, a material responsible for over 200,000 deaths annually according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and International Labour Organization (ILO).
The use of asbestos, which causes multiple cancers and chronic respiratory diseases, remains common in developing regions, where awareness and regulations lag behind. In 2024 alone, nearly 56,000 residents in Batam suffered from Acute Respiratory Tract Infections (ARI), highlighting the urgent need for safer housing alternatives. While over 50 WHO member states have banned asbestos, initiatives like this are vital in countries where its use persists. Beyond sustainable construction, it addresses critical gaps in awareness around asbestos hazards and environmental responsibility.
Innovative Housing for Disadvantaged Communities
Crafted from 250 shopping bags, approximately 1.5 kg in weight, each roof plate turns plastic waste into a sustainable housing solution. The completion of two houses – starting with the pilot on August 17, 2024 – has used 1,700 kg of plastic collected from the ocean, and repurposed waste into 1,186 roof tiles. Alongside replacing roofs, Seven Clean Seas invests in improving overall building structures, providing a secure home for families in need.
Empowering Through Education and Engagement
This initiative actively involves local residents, fostering awareness of how plastic waste can be repurposed for functional use. It also introduces the health dangers of asbestos, knowledge that has been critical in banning the material in much of the Western world. The combination of community education and hands-on participation ensures long-term benefits beyond the immediate physical improvements.
A Pathway to Sustainable Growth
Since 2018, Seven Clean Seas has built three ocean plastic recovery projects in some of Southeast Asia’s most polluted locations. To date, the organisation has recovered over 4,500 tons of ocean plastic and investments into innovative recycling and circularity solutions has remained a key focus. Now with the capability to transform ocean plastic into functional housing solutions, the goal of scaling up the positive impact globally is one step closer.
This press release has also been published on VRITIMES