Elephant House takes ‘PlasticCycle’ project to the next phase

• ‘PlasticCycle’ project has recycled over 10 metric tons of plastic waste, now extends to the Southern Expressway

Sri Lanka’s legendary consumer food brand, Elephant House, together with Walkers Tours, the Road Development Authority, and Beira Enviro Solutions, has joined hands with the John Keells Group to scale up the already successful ‘PlasticCycle’ project to ensure responsible disposal of plastic. 

Having placed plastic collection bins at all exit terminals of the Southern Expressway in July 2018, an awareness campaign was carried out recently to encourage responsible disposal of plastic (PET) bottles. According to the Road Development Authority, the Southern Expressway has more than 70,000 motor vehicles exiting its toll booths daily, with this number rising significantly during weekends and holidays, so the benefits from this project will be significant.

A social entrepreneurship initiative of the John Keells Group, ‘PlasticCycle’ (www.plasticcycle.lk) was launched in July 2017, with a vision of being the catalyst in significantly reducing plastic pollution in Sri Lanka. Initially, the methodology involved placing plastic collection bins, sponsored by Elephant House, at prominent locations around Colombo, including Supermarket outlets. This initiative recently surpassed a total collection of 10,000 kilograms of plastic waste, a milestone achievement in its journey towards reducing plastic pollution. 

John Keells Holdings Executive Vice President and Consumer Foods Sector Head Daminda Gamlath commented: “Elephant House is committed to driving responsible PET disposal and recycling in Sri Lanka. In addition to the ‘PlasticCycle’ initiative, Elephant House has recycled over 55,000 kilograms of plastic waste from our manufacturing plant since 2017. The support shown by responsible citizens to our ongoing initiatives in placing collection bins at key locations in Colombo, including Keells Super outlets, has been very encouraging. The broader efforts of Elephant House to reduce plastic pollution and promote responsible disposal of plastic will continue, paving the way for sustainable recycling across generations to come.” 

Visit www.plasticcyle.lk to use the bin locator to find a ‘PlasticCycle’ bin near you.