Cleantech (Pvt) Ltd., Sri Lanka’s leading provider of integrated waste management solutions, recently inaugurated the Tissamaharama Material Recovery Facility, marking a significant milestone in its fight against plastic waste. This facility, launched in partnership with Gunadamin Elephant House , the CSR arm of Ceylon Cold Stores Elephant House – Beverages, underscores Cleantech’s unwavering commitment to establishing a robust recycling infrastructure across the island nation. Rukitha Nanayakkara, Chief Executive Officer of Cleantech (Pvt) Ltd, commented saying. “The Tissamaharama Material Recovery Facility represents a crucial step forward in our mission to collect, recycle, and repurpose plastic waste in Sri Lanka. These initiatives serve as stepping stones on our collective journey towards a sustainable future, where waste transforms into a new beginning,”
Gunadamin Elephant House stands as the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of Elephant House, dedicated to a range of initiatives designed for the betterment of society. This project falls under the Waste Management pillar, which, together with the Community and Sustainable Sourcing pillars, forms the holistic approach of Gunadamin Elephant House towards sustainable and responsible practices. As a subsidiary of the John Keells Group, Elephant House aligns with the Group’s strong commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives. This commitment extends to interventions in waste management, reducing carbon footprint, and implementing sustainable/renewable energy projects.
Jude Martino, Vice President, Head of Beverages – John Keells Holdings, at Ceylon Cold Stores PLC also commented saying, “This is an important moment for both Elephant House and Cleantech. We have worked together to improve plastic recycling capacities, and will continue to work in partnership to improve the collection and recycling of PET plastics, helping to reduce our impact on the environment.
With a staggering daily generation of plastic waste exceeding 968 metric tons, the need for comprehensive solutions is pressing. While current recycling efforts manage only 38 metric tons daily, Cleantech is dedicated to bridging this gap.
The Tissamaharama facility aims for a significant monthly collection of recyclable materials. This strategic initiative marks a significant step towards Cleantech’s vision of establishing a nationwide network of material recovery facilities. “By engaging the local community and providing opportunities for informal collectors to join formal collection networks, Cleantech is committed to fostering a sustainable recycling ecosystem in Sri Lanka,” said Kasun Thennakoon Senior Manager – Circular Economy Services of Cleantech (Pvt) Ltd
Cleantech’s commitment extends beyond the Tissamaharama facility. Their collaborative endeavors include the annual PET collection drive at the Colombo International Book Fair and cleanup initiatives during festivals like the Katharagama Perahera.
Cleantech, through the Tissamaharama Material Recovery Facility and its other efforts, is actively building a future where responsible waste management practices are embraced by communities across Sri Lanka. This not only tackles the pressing issue of plastic pollution but also contributes significantly to a more sustainable future.
Cleantech for a Cleaner, Greener Tomorrow
Image Caption – opening of the Thissamaharama Recycling Plastic Center, marking a significant step towards sustainable waste management and environmental conservation.
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