Bali: A Proof of Concept for Scalable Plastic Waste Collection
A Paradise Threatened by Plastic Pollution
March 2023 - January 2024
Bali, renowned for its stunning beaches and rich marine biodiversity, faces a severe plastic pollution crisis. During the monsoon season, rivers and waterways transport massive amounts of waste into the ocean, threatening ecosystems, marine life, and local livelihoods. Indonesia ranks as the world’s second-largest contributor to marine plastic pollution, generating 3.22 million tons annually, with 52% of waste mismanaged and 11% directly dumped into waterways.
A 10-Month Pilot Expedition
The first deployment of the Mobula 8.1 in Benoa Bay, Bali, was a proof of concept, demonstrating the efficiency of our innovative waste collection technology in real-world conditions. Operating in shallow, tidal waters with mangroves, sandy beaches, and coral ecosystems, the expedition validated our approach and laid the foundation for future large-scale deployments.
Key Achievements
30 tons of floating plastic waste collected in ports, rivers, and coastal waters.
Scientific study conducted to analyze the distribution, concentration, and types of macroplastic waste.
Local collaboration strengthened with Indonesian authorities, Udayana University’s Center for Remote Sensing and Ocean Sciences (CReSOS), and community partners.
Impact and next steps
This successful pilot demonstrated the feasibility and efficiency of our approach, serving as a model for future operations. The learnings from Bali will be instrumental in expanding plastic interception projects in Southeast Asia and beyond, helping to reduce plastic leakage into the ocean and drive systemic change in waste management.
