Coca-Cola Beverages Sri Lanka and Elephant House join forces to drive plastic waste collection
Marking a milestone in their journey towards sustainability, Coca-Cola Beverages Sri Lanka (CCBSL) and Ceylon Cold Stores Elephant House (EH) 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 CCBSL and EH 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.
CCBSL, EH, together with John Keells Group’s social entrepreneurship project ‘Plasticcycle’ and Eco Spindles are partnering with the Road Development Authority (RDA) to establish 16 recyclableplastic 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 andconvert 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 witheach 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.
The RDA noted, “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.”
And Also Coca-Cola Beverages Sri Lanka, Director – Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability, Thamari Senanayake, Head of Production and Regulatory Affairs of Ceylon Cold Stores PLC and Assistant Vice President of John Keells Group’s Ovin de Silva and CEO of Eco Spindles Recycling Mr. Prasantha Malimbadage shared their thoughts on this project.
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