Mariojela Turned Used Cooking Oil into Wax Sachets

Balikpapan, January 21, 2022 - The innovation of the Margasari Olah Jelantah (Mariojela) group, which is a group assisted by Pertamina through PT Refinery Pertamina Internasional (KPI) Balikpapan Unit, continues to be developed through the manufacture of derivative products from used cooking oil.

After successfully making candles from used cooking oil, Mariojela's group tried to make Wax Sachets. It was conveyed by the Area Manager of Communication, Relations & CSR of the Balikpapan KPI Unit, Ely Chandra Peranginangin, on Friday (21/01).

The group, which consists of women, has succeeded in processing used cooking oil into useful products. In addition, public awareness to not throw waste into the sea is also increasing.

"In 2020, the group succeeded in inviting the public to collect 622 liters of used cooking oil. The number of used cooking wastes increased to 789.5 liters in 2021. If we add up, from 2020 to 2021, the group succeeded in inviting the community not to throw away used cooking oil with a total of around 1,411 liters," said Chandra.

Chandra explained that previously the group had succeeded in making candles. The group also transmits their knowledge to other community groups by educating and sharing. Participants are not only people from Margasari Village but also outside Margasari Village. There are even people who directly come to study in groups.

"Furthermore, in collaboration with WeGrow and Jelantah4Change, Pertamina conducted training on the manufacture of Botanical Wax Sachets from used cooking oil. The Botanical Wax Sachets made by the Mariojela group are a mixture of soy wax, used cooking oil and essential oil and then decorated with dried fruit and flowers," explained Chandra.

In line with this, the Co-founder & Chief of Business Development Officer of Wegrow, Riska Dwi Noviyanti, said that the training conducted using used cooking oil was very interesting to do. "This training opens up opportunities for beneficiaries to understand new things. Yesterday, we made wax sachets by utilizing used cooking waste. Therefore, used cooking oil can be a mixture of ingredients that have added value," said Riska.

Riska explained that Wax sachets are decorations made of soy wax, emitting an aroma from fragrance or essential oil, then decorated with dried flowers, dried fruit, spices, or even shells to make it look attractive. It can be hung on the work table/ study, cupboard, or stored in a drawer.

According to her, the prospect of wax sachets among young people or the upper-middle class is on the rise. Apart from being beautiful, wax sachets also have a unique appeal. It has a variety of aromas and can be used to reduce stress. Wax sachets are usually not only used for personal use, but they are also suitable as gifts for friends in the form of hampers or souvenirs.

"Hopefully, the group can learn more about wax sachets to produce the best products for commercialization and reduce used cooking household waste," she concluded.**