Improving Vocational Skills and Reducing Textile Waste through Sashiko-Based Community Training: A Social Return on Investment Analysis

Deltu Ariesa; Gancar Candra  Premananto; Nur Atika  Rochmah; Deny Aditya  Pratama; Alessandra Natasya  Panie; Eunike  Dwimilten

doi:10.29062/engagement.v10i3.2225

Deltu Ariesa Universitas Airlangga
Gancar Candra Premananto Airlangga University
Nur Atika Rochmah Airlangga University
Deny Aditya Pratama Airlangga University
Alessandra Natasya Panie Airlangga University
Eunike Dwimilten Airlangga University

DOI: https://doi.org/10.29062/engagement.v10i3.2225

Keywords: Social Return on Investment (SROI), Circular Economy, Creating Shared Value (CSV), Textile Upcycling, SDGs

Abstract

Background: The Wastra Bumi Community Development Program addresses textile waste as a social and environmental issue by empowering local communities through the Japanese Sashiko technique. The initiative promotes circular economy practices and Creating Shared Value (CSV) by transforming discarded fabrics into wearable art. The program focuses on underprivileged groups, vocational students, and small creative industries to support sustainable livelihoods and waste reduction.

Purpose of the Study: To evaluate the social, environmental, and economic impacts of the Wastra Bumi program using the Social Return on Investment (SROI) approach.

Methods: The study involved 20 stakeholders and collected data through field observation, surveys, financial records, and interviews, monetized using national and international proxies.

Results: The program generated an SROI ratio of 6.29:1 within one year and 16.62:1 over a three-year projection. The program engaged 240 vocational students and diverted approximately 550 kg of textile waste. It demonstrates that vocational training and multi-sector collaboration deliver strong socio-environmental value. These findings highlight the effectiveness of community-based circular economy interventions in generating measurable and scalable social impact.

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