Samaposha’s contribution to environmental sustainability recognised at National Green Awards

Friday, 13 June 2014 00:00 -     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Plenty Foods Ltd, the manufacturer of Samaposha, its flagship cereal brand, and fully owned subsidiary of Ceylon Biscuits Limited (CBL) received the bronze award under the ‘Food and Beverage Sector’ at ‘The National Green Awards 2013/14’ conducted recently by the Central Environmental Authority (CEA). The ‘National Green Awards’ is the country’s highest environmental award and the citation received by Plenty Foods honours their contribution and initiatives towards overseeing and beautifying the landscape in Kandy with focused dedication creating greener and cleaner spaces in a sustainable manner. Designed as a platform to recognise efforts by industries, the annual National Green Awards are presented to industries who contribute towards an eco-friendly environment. Not only industries but the service sector, local authorities, schools and other organisations too can participate. Conducted at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), the 2013/2014 ‘National Green Awards’ was held under the distinguished patronage of Mahinda Rajapaksa, the President of Sri Lanka who participated as the Chief Guest. The Award was bestowed on Plenty Foods, for its state-of-the-art Samaposha factory in Pallekele, for its persistent efforts and initiatives towards maintaining a cleaner and greener surrounding environment in the factory locale, in its manufacturing processes, conservation of the environment and contributing through energy conservation. Noteworthy is CBL’s Plenty Foods dedication to utilising production raw materials from planting and harvesting, to the final manufacture of goods being processed in an eco-friendly manner. For the crops, chemical fertiliser is minimised, instead organic fertiliser employed, encouraging the farmers and prompting sustainable and organic farming methods. Employing such eco-friendly methods is a clear indication of the company’s continued commitment towards a green and sustainable management. The efficient officials of the Organisation are frequently contributing towards maintaining a factory premises and surroundings that is ecologically pleasing. The machinery is constantly upgraded and maintained, reducing their energy usage and employing energy conservation methods are contributory factors towards this aim. Waste-water is also recycled and used towards beautifying the surrounding gardens of the factory. Moreover, sound and gas emissions are curtailed in the surrounding environs of the factory too. Commenting on CBL’s Plenty Foods dedication towards protecting the environment Plenty Foods Director/CEO Shammi Karunaratne said, “Our intention is through our commerce we aim to further serve society by following correct and beneficial methods portrayed by our own behaviours. We are hopeful that all personnel involved in production, from the farmer to manufacturing develop individual thoughts responsibilities to protect the environment. Towards this aim, our unique community outreach and social welfare program the ‘Govi Pawula’ scheme (Farmer Family) has been valuable.” Samaposha ingredients include corn, rice, soya and green gram, the four-fold cereals enriched with nine vitamins and iron, free of chemicals, flavours, colouring and preservatives. Samaposha maintains high quality production and safety standards and is the recipient of the SLS-1036, ISO-22000, HACCP and GMP certifications.

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