Marking a milestone in their journey towards sustainability, Coca-Cola Beverages Sri Lanka (CCBSL) and Ceylon Cold Stores Elephant House (EH) joined forces to enhance recyclable plastic collection along the Central Expressway.
The partnership marks the joint responsibility of CCBSL and EH contributing towards Extended Producer Responsibility and recycling.
CCBSL, EH,with John KeellsGroup’s social entrepreneurship project ‘Plasticcycle’ and Eco Spindles are partnering with the Road Development Authority (RDA) to set up 16 recyclableplastic collection points across the Central Expressway.
Additional Director, Expressway Operation, Maintenance and Management Division, Road Development Authority Anura Kehelella was the chief guest at the launch at the Meerigama entrance of the expressway.
With the RDA’s approval and guidance, theserecyclableplastic-collection points will be placed on the Central Expressway, in the exit locations of Mirigama, Nakalagamuwa, Dambokka, Kurunegala and Yaggapitiya. Their recycling partner Eco Spindles will collect andconvert the waste into bristles for brooms and brushes and yarn for garments sold locally and internationally.
This isa holistic approach to recyclable waste management in the country witheach of the beverage companies playing an impactful role in the process. EH and Plasticcycle had partnered with the RDA previously to set up PET collection points on the Southern Highway, and CCBSL has done the same on the Katunayaka expressway.
An RDA official said, “Linking key cities of the country, we see the Central Expressway playing a vital role in providing access to timely transportation for hundreds of motorists on a daily basis. Reflecting on their patterns of waste disposal, it is clear that this initiative encourages proper disposal of plastic waste along the expressway, which can be recycled into finished goods that also give back to the country in terms of export earnings.
This is an initiative that needs to be celebrated. I invite all corporates in the country to consider a similar approach.”
Coca-Cola Beverages Sri Lanka, Director, Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability, Thamari Senanayake, said, “Much has been said on waste collection and recycling, locally and globally. However, the collective action that needs to be taken to make it happen is lacking in many industries. I am proud to see CCBSL and EHcome together for one common cause, putting our differences aside. With this mentality, Sri Lanka is not far from regaining the environmental and economic prosperitywe should attain.’’
Head of Production and Regulatory Affairs of Ceylon Cold Stores and Assistant Vice President of John Keells Group, Ovin de Silva, said, “This partnership showcases the commitment for two leading beverage brands towards sustainability and supporting the circular economy.
We will continue to work closely with the public and private sector partners in providing sustainable solutions towards reducing the plastic footprint of our industry.”
CEO of Eco Spindles Recycling, Prasantha Malimbadage said, “We are thankful to the RDA and partners for their valuable contribution. Waste management is often spoken about but rarely acted on. It is refreshing to see these companies pay attention to and prioritise an often-overlooked problem. Thank you for recognising our part in building a sustainable economy. We look forward to working together.’’
CCBSL, under its ‘Give Back Life’ program, which advocates for a World Without Waste, has thus far set up over 500 PET plastic collection points around Sri Lanka, of which 21 are large-scale huts with a capacity to collect 5,000 kg of plastic waste.
Since its launch in 2017, Plasticcycle works in the three key focus areas of encouraging the reduction of single-use plastics through awareness creation, supporting responsible disposal with a network of over 250 bins and promoting recycling and innovation.