Marking a milestone in their journey towards sustainability, Ceylon Cold Stores Elephant House (EH) and Coca-Cola Beverages Sri Lanka (CCBSL) created history in Sri Lanka as they joined forces to enhance recyclable plastic collection along the Central Expressway. The partnership marks the joint responsibility of EH and CCBSL contributing towards Extended Producer Responsibility and recycling, as they commemorate the partnership in the month of World Recycling Day and International Day of Zero Waste.
EH, CCBSL together with John Keells Group’s social entrepreneurship project ‘Plasticcycle’ and Eco Spindles are partnering with the Road Development Authority (RDA) to establish 16 recyclable plastic collection points across the Central Expressway. The initiative was launched in the presence of Chief Guest Mr. Anura Kehelella, Additional Director, Expressway Operation, Maintenance & Management Division, Road Development Authority at the Meerigama entrance of the expressway.
With the RDA’s approval and guidance, these recyclable plastic-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 and convert the waste into bristles for brooms and brushes and yarn for garments sold locally and internationally. This is a holistic approach to recyclable waste management in the country with each of the beverage companies playing an impactful role in the process. EH and Plasticcycle had partnered with the RDA previously to establish PET collection points on the Southern Highway, and CCBSL has done the same on the Katunayaka expressway.
Sharing their thoughts on one of their key milestones in the sustainability journey, Head of Production and Regulatory Affairs of Ceylon Cold Stores PLC and Assistant Vice President of John Keells Group’s Ovin de Silva, stated “This partnership showcases the commitment for two leading beverage brands towards sustainability and supporting the circular economy. We will continue to work closely with our public and private sector partners in providing sustainable solutions towards reducing the plastic footprint of our industry”.
This project is also one of many initiatives undertaken by Elephant house under their CSR and sustainability brand ‘Gunadamin’ Elephant House. Elephant House has also invested in MRFs across the country, providing the necessary infrastructure to collect PET waste. Gunadamin Elephant House, together with its partners, works with many collectors and recyclers to ensure that PET waste is disposed of responsibly, ultimately helping to reduce environmental impacts. One of these partners is ‘Plasticcycle’, the social entrepreneurship project of the John Keells Group, launched with the aim to be the catalyst in significantly reducing plastic waste. Plasticcycle has conducted many awareness sessions to more than 3000+ people and continues to expand its bin network across Sri Lanka by placing specially designed bins, facilitated for a MRF in Borelasgamuwa.
