Enviu, together with our venture builder Bintang Ekananda, founded Alner in 2019. The vision is to transform Indonesians’ approach to their everyday products in reusable packaging.
In Indonesia, many products that are involved in our daily lives are commonly packaged in hard to recycle plastic sachets. Alner’s innovative reuse and refill system shines as a beacon of change. Bintang, an environmental engineer, recognized the economic reasoning behind using sachets for low-income consumers and saw the urgent need for a sustainable alternative.
A Broken Linear Plastic Packaging Chain
“When we assessed the innovation phase, we found out that projects were mostly focused on the downstream side of the plastic value chain: collection, treatment, management, and recycling. A small part was focused on reducing the source of the plastics. We called it a Broken linear plastic packaging chain.
It is important to phase out the most problematic plastic packaging parts, such as saches and flexible holds, which are non-recyclable. That’s what we try to substitute with our solutions. It is our main motivation. Because they are everywhere, and they all end up in the environment.”
-Eline Leising / Program Manager
The impact speaks volumes
Alner’s deposit-return business model encourages customers to embrace reusable packaging. The startup promotes a simple yet familiar method for the Indonesian community, as water gallon has been doing a reusable system throughout the country for more than 60 years.
From March 2020 to July 2023, Alner diverted over 100,000 single-use plastics from landfills and oceans, independently verified by the Bintari Foundation. This accomplishment showcases a dedication to environmental responsibility and highlights the impact of mindful consumer decisions.
Mastercard Strive Award goes to Alner!
Recognition arrived in the form of the prestigious Mastercard Strive Awards, where Alner secured a grant of USD 145,000.
Bintang shares the exciting plans for this support, stating,
“With Strive Community’s Innovation Fund, Alner aims to elevate our app, showcasing our refillable products. Our upcoming features will empower small businesses, combining comprehensive training with digital ease.
Through data insights, we aspire to help businesses optimize both sales and sustainability. Our overarching goal? Combat plastic waste and fortify Indonesia’s local economies, one refill at a time.”
The Mastercard Strive Awards is a program supported by Strive Community, a global initiative of Caribou Digital and the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth. This momentum of global recognition drives Alner to scale its impact.
Conclusion
Alner not only prevents plastic waste but also drives positive community change. Empowering micro-entrepreneurs in 500+ communities, Alner generates monthly incomes of $32-64. Collaborating with 7+ local producers, Alner enables them to use reusable containers, addressing plastic waste at its source.
The Mastercard Strive Awards grant is not just a financial boost; it’s a beacon of hope for local businesses. Alner envisions creating a more circular system that nurtures and sustains local enterprises. As this social venture continues to thrive, the ripple effects of its mission are felt not only in reduced plastic waste but also in the economic empowerment of local businesses across Indonesia.
