Cinnamon Grand’s B2b: Recycling today for a greener tomorrow

Cinnamon Grand’s ‘first in Sri Lanka’ initiative B2b is back in its fourth year, with a year’s worth of promotional banners recycled into stylish bags. A sale of the immensely popular B2b products will be held today, 5 June, at 10 a.m.

The sale, which will showcase an array of durable, colourful and trendy bags, in different sizes, for different purposes, falls on World Environmental Day and is one of the activities Cinnamon Grand will host to commemorate the day.

All proceeds will be directed to the Children’s Ward of the Maharagama Cancer Hospital. Last time the B2b shop was held, Cinnamon Grand’s associates modelled the unique bags, which proved to be a massive success, resulting in the donation of Rs. 100,000 to the Children’s Ward of the Maharagama Cancer Hospital.

B2b is a unique project that recycles Cinnamon Grand’s flexi banners into practical, durable, waterproof bags, making it the first hotel and only the fourth organisation in the world to embark on this unique recycling initiative.  The transformation of the hotel’s promotional banners into tastefully stitched bags serves to not only fulfil a utility purpose, but more so, encourage responsible fashion and sustainability, while reducing hazards posed to the environment.

This unique concept aligns itself with the 3R principle of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle; it reduces the waste that collects from discarding the banners and reuses this discarded product by recycling it for more productive and creative use. Proceeds from sales are also channelled to the retired tailors, giving them a revived avenue for income. They take much pride in their products, thereby, the initiative also lends to boosting their self-esteem.

B2b was launched into the market by Co-Laureate, 2007 Nobel Prize for Peace Professor Mohan Munasinghe who is an internationally recognised expert on energy, sustainable development and climate change, in 2009. Professor Munasinghe cited this initiative as a “prime example of business innovation applied to promote sustainable development”.

He added: “Cinnamon Grand have taken the lead in this first of its kind recycling project in Sri Lanka. Flexi banners are used widely the world over but are not bio-degradable and never disposed of properly, making it a significant environment hazard. Converting banners to bags clearly meets the requirement of the sustainable development triangle – economic, social and environmental. First, it takes a waste product and adds value to produce an economic good. Second, it is socially beneficial, providing sustainable livelihoods for unemployed and poor people. Third, it reduces the environmental burden of waste disposal through recycling.”

Cinnamon Grand’s Manager of Marketing Communications and Sustainability Tharika Goonethilake said: “B2b is an initiative that is close to our hearts and is a continuous effort we take as part of our corporate sustainability. Cinnamon Grand has reduced the number of banners used as part of a conscious effort to minimise threats posed by flex materials. The new selection of bags is a result of the recycling of a year’s worth of banners, which also includes those used by other organisations for functions held at the Grand. We hope that our on-going B2b project will inspire other corporates to follow suit and recycle promotional collateral in a sustainable manner.”

This pioneering project by Cinnamon Grand, exemplifies the hotel’s commitment to sustainability and the environment. Further, the bags will no doubt give buyers a ‘feel good’ factor, knowing that their purchase is a responsible one which is beneficial to the environment as well as uplifting for the community.

These chic and trendy B2b bags will be available for sale at the B2b shop at 10 a.m. at the Grand’s Ebony Room and can be ordered thereafter from the hotel’s reception. The bags are designed in line with the latest styles and made by retired tailors who possess years of experience and expertise. These vibrant and stylish creations will no doubt add vivacity and effervescence to your wardrobe.

Head on over to Cinnamon Grand and purchase a B2b bag and take a step towards making responsible and sustainable choices, while not compromising on fashion! Call 2497435 for more information.