Economist: Reusable product trend among young people opens opportunities for MSMEs

The increasing use of reusable products among young people is considered to open new opportunities for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to develop products in line with the trend of eco-friendly lifestyles.

Economist from the Center of Economic and Law Studies (CORE) Mohammad Faisal said this trend reflects the growing awareness of the younger generation regarding sustainability issues and the use of more environmentally friendly products in daily life.

“I see the increase in the use of reusable products among young people as part of a trend of awareness from the younger generation related to sustainability and green products,” Faisal said when contacted by ANTARA on Tuesday.

This shift in preference, he continued, presents an opportunity for business actors, including MSMEs, to offer products that meet the evolving market needs.

“This certainly becomes an opportunity for Indonesian business actors, including local MSMEs, who should gain benefits or have the chance to capitalise on this demand-side trend,” he said.

Meanwhile, MSME observer and Chairperson of the Indonesian MSME Industry Association (AKUMANDIRI) Hermawati Setyorinny assessed that the trend of using reusable tumblers, food containers, and cutlery can be leveraged by local business actors to develop various eco-friendly products.

According to her, MSMEs can offer reusable products made from bamboo, wood, or other materials that support efforts to reduce single-use plastic.

Hermawati added that MSME actors also need to strengthen innovation and marketing in order to capture the opportunities arising from the increasing public interest in more sustainable products.

She considers this trend a positive development that can create new markets for MSMEs as public awareness of environmental issues grows.

“This is an opportunity for MSMEs to present products that suit today’s consumer lifestyles,” Hermawati said.