Development of 5R-Based Cleaner Production Strategy for Waste Management in Small-Scale Tofu Industry

The small-scale tofu processing industry generates significant amounts of liquid, solid, and gaseous waste, which may contribute to environmental pollution and inefficient resource utilization. This study aimed to design and propose a cleaner production strategy using the 5R approach, consisting of Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Recovery, in a tofu processing industry. Research was conducted in a small-scale tofu industry in Tanah Laut Regency, Indonesia. The research employed direct observation and process analysis, including process flow evaluation, mass balance analysis, waste identification and classification, and production problem analysis based on human, machine, material, method, and environmental factors. The production process generated 1,241 kg of liquid waste, 136 kg of solid waste, and 5 kg of gaseous emissions per production cycle. Major production problems identified included soybean spillage during processing, inefficient water utilization, and direct discharge of wastewater without prior treatment. Cleaner production alternatives were proposed through the implementation of good housekeeping practices, equipment improvement, wastewater filtration, and utilization of tofu waste (okara). This study provided a practical framework of 5R-based cleaner production approach to improve resource efficiency and reduce environmental impacts in small-scale tofu processing industries.