UMM Students Change Cardboard Waste into Interior Decoration

Author : Humas | Thursday, September 09, 2021 09:52 WIB

Dewi exhibits works from cardboard waste. (Photo: Istimewah)

Concerned with the accumulation of cardboard waste around her residence, the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) Student Team provided a breakthrough. They turn these wastes into high-value interior decoration products. Uniquely, this waste product results in decorative glass called Sunmirror, which can beautify the room.

One of the team members, Dewi Kristin Amalia Wijaya, said that the increasing public interest inspired this idea in decorating homes during the pandemic. Especially those near her house. Therefore, she and other team members finally decided to choose some waste products into eco-friendly glass decorations. Of course, at an affordable price for consumers.

"In making this sun mirror, we focused on three materials, namely cardboard, glass, and wooden skewers. We get the raw materials from flea dealers. Still, in the future, we want to cooperate with waste banks to facilitate the supply of raw materials," explained the Management Study Program student.

Currently, the production of Sun mirror has reached its third stage. The number of sun mirrors that have been produced has reached 37 products. Dewi said that the production target for Sunmirror was 100 pieces. After the target is met, the ready sun mirror will be marketed to the broader community.

"For now, I am still doing the waste treatment process independently with other team members. But in the future, we will collaborate and empower the Family Welfare Empowerment (PKK) women to process and manage the production process so that it can be more efficient, "said the student from Blitar.

Interestingly, this product has been included in the Entrepreneurship Student Creativity Program (PKM-K) and passed the funding stage from the Directorate General of Higher Education of the Ministry of Education and Culture (Dirjen-Dikti). Dewi is not alone in the development of related products. She was accompanied by two other members, namely Wafiq Anggi Mausa Aini and Hana Hanifah. The three worked for hand in hand until they could finally build this business and get PKM-K funding.

Finally, she hopes that the following steps will run smoothly, including the promotion process and distribution to the public. "We also want us to be able to collaborate with residents in running this business. Hopefully, with this innovation, we can reduce waste and help the economy around me," she concluded. (apg/syi/wil)

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