Mapping Indonesia's strategic shift towards responsible paint production

Oxford Business Group (OBG), in partnership with Mowilex, presents a detailed analysis in its latest focus report, titled "Driving Environmentally Responsible Paint Production: Indonesia and Beyond." This publication offers valuable insights into efforts to promote environmentally and socially responsible practices within Indonesia’s paint and coatings segment, underscoring the importance of such practices for long-term development.

The report outlines Indonesia's industrial aspirations, exploring the importance of sustainability-related themes within the paint and coatings segment. It sheds light on the industry's progress towards responsible production, highlighting initiatives ranging from environmentally conscious formulations to strategic risk management – best practices that may be replicated elsewhere in the region, and beyond.

With Indonesia's National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJPN) 2025-45 prioritising manufacturing for economic growth, the paint and coatings segment has a role to play in sustainable development. This publication spotlights efforts to balance economic growth with eco-friendly products and responsible employment practices.

Supply-side sustainability drivers – such as the growing production of water-based coatings, recycled packaging and green incentives – are discussed alongside demand-side drivers, like a consumer preference for durable products, and environmental certification, such as Green Label Indonesia.

The report also includes an interview with Niko Safavi, CEO of Mowilex, who outlines the changing landscape for sustainability-related business risks, and evaluates opportunities and challenges for environmentally responsible paint production.

"The mandate to balance the expectations of customers, employees and shareholders has been exacerbated by a fourth constituency: the environment, which is represented by social media advocacy and has a global voice,” he highlights.

Commenting on the report, Jade Currie, Oxford Business Group's Regional Editor for Asia, highlights growth prospects for companies with a focus on responsible business practices – in Indonesia and beyond.

“We expect opportunities will continue to emerge for organisations that prioritise products, services and internal operations that are environmentally and socially responsible,” she said. “This looks set to be driven by supply- and demand-side factors across various sectors and geographical regions as global business increasingly aligns with national and international development goals in the years ahead."

The report also explores the potential for product disclosure requirements to accelerate the adoption of environmentally conscious practices and highlights social media as a tool to drive sustainability across global organisations.