Colombo, 17th June 2024 – In a momentous tribute to World Environment Day, Coca-Cola Beverages Sri Lanka (CCBSL) unveiled a PET Plastic recycling endeavor on June 5th, 2024. Centered at the core of Sri Lanka’s governance, this pioneering initiative introduced PET plastic disposal units within the esteemed halls of the Sri Lankan Parliament. Designed to bolster waste management practices, this strategic move underscores CCBSL’s unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability.
Under the distinguished patronage of Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, the esteemed Speaker of the Parliament, and Hon. Ajith Mannapperuma, M.P., Chairman of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Natural Resources & Sustainable Development, the event marked a significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s journey towards a greener future.
CCBSL’s strategic placement of PET plastic recycling bins within the Sri Lankan Parliament complements their collection and recycling strategy in Sri Lanka that has led to the establishment of over 500 bins already installed across the country. Each bin, with a capacity of 50 kilograms, significantly bolsters recycling efforts. This initiative underscores CCBSL’s commitment to sustainable waste management, fostering environmental responsibility, and setting a commendable example for national institutions.
“Today’s initiative is of paramount importance to the country,” stated Hon. Ajith Mannapperuma, M.P. “Out of the 1,600 MT of PET waste generated in the country, only 400 MT gets recycled. A significant portion of PET waste is irresponsibly discarded in an ad-hoc manner. It is commendable to see private sector entities come together to address this issue, and we honor their initiative to extend plastic waste collection to the heart of Sri Lanka’s governance.”
Through this collaboration, Eco-Spindles will spearhead the collection and recycling of PET plastic, utilizing their state-of-the-art facility in Horana to process the collected materials efficiently. Additionally, Eco-Spindles ensures that the collected plastic is transported back to the recycling center in eco-friendly electric vehicles, complementing the country’s mission to achieve net-zero carbon status.
“I’m honored to share that our organization has been steadfast in our mission to manage waste effectively across Sri Lanka”, stated Pradip Pandey, Managing Director of CCBSL. “Through our continuous efforts in waste collection and recycling, we have strived to make a meaningful difference in our communities. This partnership with the Sri Lankan Parliament signifies our deep-rooted commitment to sustainability and our aspiration to lead by example. We are humbled by the opportunity to collaborate with such esteemed institutions and look forward to advancing our shared goals for a cleaner, greener future.”
Notably, this strategic alliance also advances Coca-Cola’s “Give Back Life” campaign, which has garnered widespread support from over 125 entities across private, public, and NGO sectors, highlighting the company’s unwavering dedication to driving positive change in communities nationwide. The ‘Give Back Life’ initiative has collected over 36 million plastic PET bottles, deployed over 540 collection bins, and established 9 Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) and 27 collection centers in Sri Lanka. With the support of over 120 authorities, the initiative engages more than 2,500 youth, promoting awareness and education on plastic collection and recycling.
The introduction of PET disposal bins within the Sri Lankan Parliament sets a powerful precedent for sustainable waste management practices and serves as a beacon of hope for a cleaner, greener future for generations to come.