“Janathakshan together with The Coca-Cola Foundation and Eco-Spindles Pvt Ltd. find solutions to plastic pollution in Sri Lanka with the launch of the Material Recovery Facilities.”
Parallel to the #WorldEnvironmentDay 2023, Janathakshan GTE Ltd. joined forces with The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF) and Eco-Spindles Pvt Ltd. to officially launch ‘Eko Wave’ – an advanced Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in Colombo, in the presence of the Chief Guest, Supun Pathirage – Chairman of the Central Environment Authority of Sri Lanka.
With the highest amount of waste generation in the country being reported in the Western Province, Sri Lanka efficient waste management becomes vital within its districts. Colombo specifically, as a prime commercial hub, produces approximately 1057.5 metric tons of waste per day with household waste being the primary contributor. However, the current waste management system in Colombo, only recovers about 1.1% of recyclables per month.
Addressing this challenge, Eko Wave will take a proactive and community-centric approach, setting itself apart by connecting with the informal waste collection network to enhance recyclable waste collection in Colombo. The MRF will play a pivotal role in efficiently collecting and processing recyclable materials. As it operates as a comprehensive facility, it will utilize balers and crushers to extract maximum value from the inflow of solid waste. The facility will segregate, compress, and crush recyclables, mainly focusing on PET plastic, to transform them into compact bales and granules. These processed materials will then be sent to Eco-Spindles, Sri Lanka’s leading plastics recycler and manufacturer of value-added products such as high-quality monofilaments for brushes and polyester yarn for garments which are exported to over 15 countries.
Eko Wave MRF in Colombo showcases an unwavering dedication to environmental sustainability and offers a robust solution to local plastic waste challenges. Serving as a comprehensive response to the prevailing plastic-waste management challenges in the region, the MRF utilizes efficient technology and innovative waste processing processes, setting a commendable example for responsible production and consumption. Eko Wave MRF has the remarkable ability to collect and process more than 20,000 kilograms of plastic waste every month.
By developing the Informal Waste Collectors (IWC) network, the facility will create additional income opportunities for individuals, especially those from vulnerable communities. Over 115 collectors have been identified accordingly, and the project teams are working closely with Eko Wave to strengthen their capacity. Eko Wave also functions as a buy-back center which will provide a platform for local communities, residents, and businesses to sell their recyclable waste directly to the facility, further incentivizing responsible waste management.
Mr. Janaka Hemathilaka, CEO – Janathakshan GTE Ltd.; Mr. Pankaj Sinha, Managing Director for Coca-Cola in Sri Lanka and the Maldives; Dr. Anush Amarasignhe, Managing Director – Eco Spindles Pvt Ltd.; Mr. Nalin Mannapperuma, Director – Waste Management Authority Western Province; Mr. Ajay Bathija, Vice-President of Franchise operations for Coca-Cola in South West Asia; Mrs. Thamari Senanayake, Director – Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability for Coca-Cola Beverages Sri Lanka Ltd.; Dr. Aditya Panda, Senior Manager, Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability for Coca-Cola in India and South West Asia; Mrs. Gothami Chandrarathna, Director Operations – Janathakshan GTE Ltd.; Mr. Prasantha Malimbadage, CEO – Eco Spindles Pvt Ltd.; Mr. Ruwan Prasanna Fernando, Manager – Eko Wave Holding Pvt Ltd.; Mr. Hemantha Jayasignhe, Director General – Central Environmental Authority; Mrs. Ms.H.P.S Jayasekara, Director – Central Environmental Authority (Waste Management Unit); Mr. Lakshan Madurasinghe, Regional Lead, Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability for Coca-Cola in Sri Lanka, Maldives, Nepal and Bhutan graced the occasion with their presence.
CEO of Janathakshan GTE Ltd., Mr. Janaka Hemathilaka said “This initiative goes beyond immediate benefits for project beneficiaries, extending its positive impact to the nation. Together, we are able to promote the principles of a circular economy and actively contribute to key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as Responsible Production and Consumption (SDG 12), Climate Action (SDG 13), and Life below Water (SDG 14). It also stimulates the county’s economy and paves the way towards a cleaner and greener environment. It is a testament to our commitment to foster a holistic and sustainable development for a better future.”
Parallel to establishing of the MRFs in Negambo and Colombo, Janathakshan has been organizing awareness campaigns, targeting schools and local communities, to promote responsible disposal practices and emphasize the importance of recycling, specifically on PET plastic, and proper waste management at the household, organizational and community levels. These initiatives have already reached thousands of people in Colombo, Negambo, Galle, Matara and Anuradhapura through number of awareness programmes and beach cleanups which were organized in partnership with government authorities including respective Divisional Secretariates, Central Environmental Authority, etc. and non-governmental entities i.e. Red Cross Sri Lanka.
Eko Wave marks the second MRF in the country to be established under the project ‘Strengthening informal sector waste collection system for improved waste management and increased collection and recycling of PET plastic in Sri Lanka’, supported and funded by The Coca-Cola Foundation and Eco Spindles, and implemented in collaboration with Janathakshan. This project is taking significant steps to combat plastic pollution in Sri Lanka by establishing six MRFs nationwide.