Health Concerns In Indonesia - Burning Plastic In Tofu Production Sparks Pollution

SIDOARJO, INDONESIA - MAY 22: A worker prepares to cook tofu at a traditional tofu factory on May 22, 2025 in Sidoarjo, Indonesia. Approximately 60 traditional tofu factories in Klagen, Tropodo village, Krian district, use a combination of plastic waste, wood, and coconut husks to fuel furnaces, boilers, and fryers in an effort to cut fuel costs, despite national bans on open waste burning. According to World Bank data, the largest exporters of plastic waste to Indonesia are the EU, US, UK, Australia, and Japan. Medical experts warn that burning plastic—especially in food production—raises serious health concerns, including increased risks of respiratory illnesses, immune dysfunction, and chronic diseases. In February 2025, environmental group Ecoton tested tofu purchased from a Tropodo market and found high concentrations of microplastics, in the form of fibers ranging from 0.15mm to 1.76mm. Environmental groups have also reported hazardous pollution from toxic ash accumulating around tofu factories and entering the food chain through free-range chickens. When burned, plastic releases a toxic mix of pollutants—including dioxins and microplastics—that contaminate air, soil, food, and water. (Photo by Robertus Pudyanto/Getty Images)