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.
By continuously enhancing its product offerings and corporate responsibility measures, Hemas Consumer Brands not only mitigates
environmental impact but also inspires others to adopt sustainability as a fundamental value, paving the way for a brighter,
more sustainable future for all stakeholders.
About Hemas Consumer Brands
Hemas Consumer Brands, a leader in Sri Lanka's Home and Personal Care sector for 60 years, focuses on empowering
families to aspire for a better tomorrow. The business takes pride in utilising local insights to innovate and
develop consumer centric propositions that have helped establish their purpose led brands as trusted household
names in Sri Lanka. Driven by its deep understanding of the Sri Lankan consumer and an unwavering commitment
to delivering superior quality and value through its products, Hemas Consumer Brands continues to enrich the
lives of communities across the country.
![Hemas CEO](https://hemas.com/assets/images/news/news-2024-06-08-001.jpg)
Image Caption (Left to Right) :
Isuru Nilesh – Sourcing Officer, Eco Spindles
Nisansala De Costa – Executive Sustainability & Project Management, Eco Spindles
Dileepa Silva – Head of Sourcing, Eco-Spindles
Prashantha Malimbadage – Chief Executive Officer, Eco Spindles
Shiyan Jayaweera – Director Marketing, Hemas Consumer Brands
Mindika Thilakarathna – Senior Manager Group Sustainability & Special Projects, Hemas Holdings PLC
Anushka Sabanayagam – Category Manager Brand Purpose & Corporate Affairs, Hemas Consumer Brands