Hemas Consumer Brands Accelerates Plastic Waste Collection by Investing in New Baling Facility

Passionate about environmental sustainability, Hemas Consumer Brands, a pioneering force in the fasting moving consumer goods industry, is accelerating efforts to reduce its plastic footprint for a secure, pollution-free tomorrow for future generations. In its journey to achieve 100% collection and recycling by the year 2030, the company has entered into a strategic partnership with Sri Lanka’s largest plastic recycler, Eco Spindles (Pvt) Ltd., investing in a baling site in Galle. It aims to collect 360,000kg (360 metric tonnes) of plastic within the next 3 years. Hemas Consumer Brands has been at the forefront of leading and driving many social, environmental and overnance (ESG) efforts, led by Hemas Group’s Environmental Agenda 2030, which focuses on responsible consumption practices, safeguarding the ecosystem and protecting natural resources.

Commenting on the latest initiative to reduce plastic waste, Shiyan Jayaweera, Director – Marketing, Hemas Consumer Brands said: “As a company with a deeply ingrained sustainability mindset, we continue to explore ways in which we can fast track reduction of plastic packaging from the environment through collection and recycling efforts. We are pleased to announce the launch of a large-scale plastic waste collection project in Galle by establishing a baling site in partnership with Sri Lanka’s largest recycling partner, Eco Spindles (Pvt) Ltd. Our willingness to invest in recycling infrastructure for collecting and recycling packaging reflects the extent we go to mitigate the impact of our product packaging and demonstrate our dedication to sustainability.”

The company has set a target to reduce plastic usage in packaging by 30% and achieve 100% collection and recycling of plastic waste generated through manufacturing by 2030. To facilitate this goal, Hemas Consumer Brands has partnered with Eco Spindles in the past, to establish a state-of-the-art Material Recovery Facility (MRF) to collect, process and recycle plastic materials, contributing significantly to sustainable waste management practices.

Through a strategic partnership with John Keells Holdings’ plasticycle project, Hemas Consumer Brands established 30 collection points in and around Colombo, promoting plastic recycling and embracing a circular economy model. Additionally, the company has collaborated with Cleantech on collecting plastic waste from events and designated collection points nationwide. Another exemplary initiative is the partnership with Clean Ocean Force to clean up Negombo Lagoon.

Hemas Consumer Brands is dedicated to reducing plastic usage across its operations, with its brands actively minimizing plastic in their products. Recently the Kumarika brand reduced 20% plastic in its packaging material - setting the bar for other brands to follow.

The company has undertaken a host of impactful measures to promote sustainability and environmental stewardship by focusing on responsible consumption practices. By joining forces with the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS), the company spearhead mangrove regeneration efforts in Anawilundawa to conserve coastal habitats and protect marine life, earning the prestigious UN Decade of Restoration Flagship Award for 2024. Furthermore, Hemas Consumer Brands has also stepped-up efforts to combat deforestation and promoting sustainable land management practices, recognizing the critical importance of preserving natural habitats and biodiversity.