Potato Head Beach Club and Desa Potato Head in Seminyak have become one of Indonesia’s most recognized examples of sustainable hospitality. Their beachfront location attracts thousands of guests every month, yet their waste-to-landfill output remains remarkably low.
In 2023, an independent audit by Eco Mantra confirmed that Potato Head achieved about 97.5% recycling, sending only 2.5% of their waste to landfill. (Source: Sustainability Report 2023)
This achievement did not happen overnight. It required bold decisions, committed internal teams, and reliable on-site recycling technology. Wedoo is proud to support this transformation as the machinery provider behind their plastic recycling system.
From a Small Exhibition Setup to a Full Recycling Facility
Potato Head's journey with plastic recycling began modestly.
The first machines Wedoo built for them were compact: a small injection machine, a small compression machine, an extruder, and a small shredder. These were originally created for an exhibition, not large-scale operations.
But this small setup changed everything.
By having the machines directly on-site, the team could show guests and staff that plastic recycling did not need massive factories or complex industrial infrastructure. It could be local, transparent, and immediate. The process no longer felt mysterious or distant.
This early success encouraged Potato Head to think bigger.
They approached WeDo again with a larger ambition: How can we become a zero-waste hospitality group?
This question marked the beginning of a deeper collaboration.
Building a Complete, On-Site Recycling Line
To move from a small exhibition machine to full circular operations, Potato Head needed a system capable of handling real waste volumes generated daily by a hotel, beach club, and multiple restaurants.
Wedoo built an integrated plastic recycling line that includes:
- Industrial shredder
- Washing system
- Drying system
- Sheet Press System
- Supporting tools for handling and preparation
With these machines, Potato Head can recycle their plastic waste directly into usable materials within the property.
The recycled plastic is turned into:
- Hotel and beach club furniture
- Interior elements and décor
- Menu boards and signage
- Ashtrays and operational tools
- Guest souvenirs sold in their retail area
The machines are not hidden in a basement. They sit at the entrance of the Beach Club — visible to guests, staff, and partners.
Transparency is part of the experience.
Many travelers visit Potato Head because they want to see the recycling process. Articles describing their approach to “regenerative hospitality” underline this cultural pull. (Example Feature: Broadsheet)
Beyond Plastic: A Broader Waste Ecosystem
Plastic is only one stream.
Potato Head also processes:
- Glass, cut and repurposed into candle holders and glassware
- Coconut shells, crushed using WeDo’s organic machinery and turned into mulch for their farm in Tabanan
- Garden waste, processed with a wood chipper into landscaping material
- Organic waste, composted or used as animal feed
This multi-stream system is supported by a team of more than 30 people dedicated to sorting waste and creating products from recycled material.
Their commitment shows in their audit results and their international recognition. (Feature on their sustainability approach)
Why This Matters for Sustainable Tourism
People visit Bali because of its natural beauty. If beaches become polluted, the tourism economy suffers — especially for beachfront destinations like Potato Head.
Many travelers now actively choose accommodations that reduce environmental impact. Potato Head’s sustainability strategy is not only ethical; it is commercially smart.
Being transparent with recycling practices builds trust. Producing their own furniture and interior elements reduces procurement costs. Reducing waste-to-landfill protects the island and strengthens their brand reputation.
They also set an example for the wider sector: If a large hospitality operation with high daily waste can achieve circularity, others can too.
What This Means for the Hospitality Industry
Potato Head shows that local, on-site recycling is more than a sustainability gesture. It is a practical, replicable model.
With the right system, hotels, beach clubs, and restaurants can:
- Reduce their waste-handling costs
- Implement circularity directly in their operations
- Turn waste into valuable materials
- Build a stronger narrative for eco-conscious guests
- Contribute to Bali’s long-term environmental health
Local recycling creates both environmental and operational resilience.
How Wedoo Supports This Transformation
WeDo provides machinery designed specifically for hospitality-scale circularity:
- Engineered for transforming post-consumer plastic into high-value sheets
- Modular, easy to scale, and suitable for different property sizes
- Designed and manufactured in Bali for faster support
- Proven in real-world use, including at one of Indonesia’s most progressive hospitality groups
For properties committed to sustainability, having these machines on-site removes dependency on external recyclers and gives full control over material quality and product design.
A Path Forward for Hospitality Leaders
If your business is exploring circularity, start with three simple steps:
- Map your waste streams. Understand where your plastic, organic, paper, and glass waste comes from.
- Define your goal. What would it look like if your waste became furniture, amenities, or interior materials?
- Talk to WeDo. We can assess your waste profile, design the right micro-facility, and build a system that fits your scale.
Circularity is not only possible. It is already happening in Bali — and it works.
Potato Head stands as proof that hospitality can be both enjoyable and responsible. Wedoo is proud to be part of the movement making it real.