Parongpong RAW Lab
INDONESIA
Title of Innovation: Prototiles: From Ocean Waste to Tiles
Innovation Topic: Marine Plastic Pollution
Website: parongpong.com
Awarded Amount: $39,500
Summary of Innovation
Parongpong RAW Lab addresses the problem of ocean-bound plastic pollution by transforming ghost nets into sustainable construction materials called Prototiles, using their proprietary Prototech™ process. In collaboration with coastal communities in Pangandaran, Pemalang, and Untung Jawa, Parongpong RAW Lab empowers locals by purchasing collected ghost nets at a higher price, providing economic benefits. Prototiles offer a lightweight, durable alternative to traditional materials like gypsum and granite, making them ideal for sustainable construction while reducing marine plastic pollution. Funding will support R&D, machinery procurement, material processing, and the testing and marketing of Prototiles.
Over the next six months, the Parongpong RAW Lab will focus on reducing ghost net pollution by collecting nets and converting them into sustainable furniture and building materials. The Prototiles will undergo critical tests for fire retardancy, UV protection, and non-toxicity. In the next two years, the lab aims to replicate its ghost net collection and recycling system in two additional coastal areas, ensuring a steady supply of sustainable materials for Prototiles production and expanding its environmental and economic impact.