Kelani Valley Plantations PLC (KVPL), a valued member of the Hayleys Plantations sector, set a new global benchmark for the plantations industry, as all ten of its rubber estates received the world’s first Sustainability Framework Certificates from Preferred by Nature, an international non-profit organisation that supports better land management and business practices with a focus on sustainability, nature and the climate.
Among the leading Sri Lankan tea and rubber manufacturers, the accreditation further cements KVPL’s status as a globally respected pioneer in the field of sustainable and ethical plantations management, enhancing the sustainability profile of its customers.
“Our role as industry leaders in the plantations sector is informed by the culture and values of the Hayleys Group. Sustainability and innovation are fundamental to our success. We believe that our experiences, particularly in the rubber sector, can serve as a blueprint for a more prosperous future for the entire plantation industry. We are honoured by the recognition we have been given, and we pledge to continue our efforts to raise the bar on sustainability moving forward,” Hayleys Plantations Managing Director, Dr. Roshan Rajadurai said.
The Sustainability Framework (SF) is a risk-based, multipurpose framework developed by Preferred by Nature based on the evaluation of critical sustainability issues to specify commodity in the specific region. The framework is inspired by several existing sustainability schemes as well as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Consisting of 4 main principles and addressing 28 different periodically updated criteria, the SF is designed to support companies in their journey towards meeting market demands while achieving sustainable practices in forestry, agriculture, and other commodities. Backed by 25 years of experience, Preferred by Nature supports better management and business practices that benefit people, nature and the climate offering companies a comprehensive outlook on sustainable initiatives.
“This world-first Sustainability Framework (SF) certificate further demonstrates our commitment to preserving our nation’s rich environmental heritage. It also serves as validation of our continuing evolution into a truly global leader in social and environmental sustainability,” Kelani Valley Plantations Director/ CEO Anura Weerakoon said.
KVPL’s rubber estates have also secured a total of four internationally recognised sustainability certifications, including the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), Organic Rubber (EU organic, USDA/NOP) and Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) certifications. These accolades represent decades of dedicated work supporting the global mission to create better businesses that make themselves accountable for their impacts on people and the planet.
The plantations company won global recognition as the Winner of the Large Scale- Agriculture and Plantations Category at Business World Excellence Awards 2020, organised by the Business World International Organization (Pvt) Ltd USA. Similarly, KVPL was also recognised locally as the Gold Award Winner for Overall Excellence at the National Business Excellence Awards 2019, the second plantation company to win the prestigious title, an honour typically reserved for Sri Lanka’s largest blue-chip companies.
Established in 1878 by Chas. P. Hayley, as a trading house in Galle specialising in import and export, the Hayleys Group has since grown to serve as a centerpiece of the Sri Lankan economy while maintaining a global presence of manufacturing and marketing offices across five regions with business interests spanning a total of 16 sectors. Today it stands out as one of Sri Lanka’s most prominent success stories, having been the first listed Sri Lankan corporate to surpass US$ 1billion in revenue and accounting for 3.3% of the nation’s total export earnings.