The Scholar Panel initiative was born from Samsonite’s Luggage Trade-In Program, an annual effort where customers donate their old suitcases for recycling.
In a bustling metropolis like Jakarta, where traffic noise can reach 80 decibels—equivalent to a congested roadway, maintaining a peaceful learning environment is a challenge. At SDN Kamal 09 Pagi, located just six kilometers from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, students and teachers have long struggled with constant noise pollution that disrupts lessons and concentration.
RELEVANT SUSTAINABLE GOALS
Now, thanks to Samsonite Indonesia’s Scholar Panel initiative, the school has undergone a remarkable transformation. With innovative soundproofing panels made from recycled luggage, the noise level has been reduced to 45 decibels—bringing the environment closer to a quiet office space.
More than just an eco-friendly project, this initiative is a breakthrough in sustainable design and community impact, proving that upcycling can go beyond reducing waste—it can change lives.
Scholar Panel: Turning Old Suitcases into Classroom Solutions
The Scholar Panel initiative was born from Samsonite’s Luggage Trade-In Program, an annual effort where customers donate their old suitcases for recycling. In 2024 alone, the program collected 2,000 used suitcases across Indonesia, which were then repurposed into soundproofing panels.
By installing these panels, classroom noise pollution was cut nearly in half, creating a more focused and productive learning atmosphere for students and teachers alike.
“Samsonite is committed to sustainability and community empowerment. With Scholar Panel, we’re not just reducing waste—we’re enriching the learning experience for students and educators,” said Nadya Pertiwi, Country Head of PT Samsonite Indonesia.
A Collaboration for Sustainability and Impact
This initiative was not accomplished alone. Samsonite partnered with SONE Engineering and FFFAAARR Architecture Company, merging engineering expertise with innovative design to develop effective and aesthetically pleasing soundproofing solutions.
Together, these organizations tackled a pressing social issue—noise pollution in schools—while promoting environmental responsibility. This cross-industry collaboration highlights the potential of sustainability-driven partnerships, where companies, engineers, and designers work together to create real-world impact.
More Than Just a Quieter Classroom
Beyond just improving classroom acoustics, the Scholar Panel initiative has broader implications:
- Enhancing Student Focus: Less noise leads to higher concentration and better academic performance.
- Improving Teacher Engagement: Educators can deliver lessons more effectively without constant disruptions.
- Promoting Circular Economy Practices: Upcycling old suitcases into functional classroom solutions demonstrates how businesses can integrate sustainability into corporate initiatives.
- Encouraging Community Participation: The success of the Luggage Trade-In Program shows that customers are eager to contribute to meaningful environmental causes.
As global conversations around sustainability and education evolve, Samsonite’s Scholar Panel initiative offers a powerful model for companies looking to make a tangible difference. This project demonstrates that corporate social responsibility can be both impactful and innovative, turning everyday waste into solutions that improve quality of life.
By transforming something as simple as old luggage into a tool for better education, Samsonite has proven that sustainability and social progress can go hand in hand. With plans to expand similar initiatives, this project sets a precedent for businesses to rethink how they approach waste, community engagement, and environmental responsibility.
The question now is: Will other companies follow suit and explore how their products can be repurposed for social good?
Lead image courtesy Samsonite Indonesia
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