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 tons) of plastic within the next 3 years. Hemas Consumer Brands has been at the forefront of leading and driving many social, environmental and governance (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.
Caption:- Hemas Consumer Brands Joins Forces with Sri Lanka’s Largest Plastic Recycler, Eco Spindles, and Invests in a New Baling Site in Galle (L-R)- 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.
