INSEE Cement leads the way as first cement manufacturer in Sri Lanka to achieve EcoLabel

INSEE Cement (Siam City Cement (Lanka) Limited), Sri Lanka’s only fully integrated cement manufacturer and market leader behind flagship brands INSEE Sanstha and Mahaweli Marine Plus, has become the first cement company in Sri Lanka to be awarded the prestigious EcoLabel certification by the National Cleaner Production Centre (NCPC) Sri Lanka, the local authority responsible for running the EcoLabel programme in Sri Lanka and the country’s Global Ecolabelling Network (GEN) representative.

The historic recognition demonstrates INSEE Cement’s long-standing commitment to environmentally responsible manufacturing and sustainable development in the construction sector.

The EcoLabel certification recognises products and organisations that meet the highest standards of environmental performance through independently verified, multi-criteria assessment. The scheme aligns with ISO 14024 Type I standards and provides a trusted benchmark for consumers and industry stakeholders seeking greener alternatives. In securing the EcoLabel, INSEE Cement has set a new precedent for building-materials producers in Sri Lanka and strengthened confidence in sustainable procurement practices across the construction value chain.

INSEE Cement’s achievement complements its existing Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) certification, establishing the company as the only organisation in Sri Lanka to hold both credentials. The dual recognition indicates a comprehensive approach to environmental stewardship, from transparent lifecycle assessment and emissions reporting to concrete measures, reducing resource consumption, waste generation, and the carbon intensity of cement production. Together, these certifications demonstrate INSEE’s strategic integration of sustainability into product development, operations, and stakeholder engagement.

Eng. Thusith Gunawarnasuriya, Chief Operating Officer of INSEE Cement, said, “This achievement is a proud milestone for INSEE and for Sri Lanka. Being the first cement company in the country to earn the EcoLabel certification reaffirms our leadership in sustainability and our responsibility to future generations. We remain committed to producing high-quality cement and advancing greener manufacturing practices contributing to a healthier environment and a more resilient built environment.”

Eng. Samantha Kumarasena, CEO of NCPC Sri Lanka, commented, “INSEE Cement’s EcoLabel certification is a landmark for the industry and a clear signal that Sri Lankan companies can meet global environmental benchmarks. The certification showcases how sector leaders can drive change, adopting best practices and encouraging market-wide transitions toward sustainable construction materials. We expect this milestone to inspire others across the industry to accelerate their environmental improvements.”

Key initiatives have supported INSEE Cement’s certification including investments in energy efficiency upgrades, optimisation of raw-material use, adoption of alternative fuels and clinker substitution strategies, and strengthened emissions monitoring and control systems. The company has also prioritised employee training, community outreach, and supply-chain collaboration to embed sustainability across every stage of production and distribution. These efforts have translated into measurable reductions in greenhouse gas intensity and improved resource productivity, reinforced through transparent reporting and third-party verification.

The EcoLabel certification recognises INSEE Cement’s technical and operational achievements and enhances the company’s ability to support sustainable building practices nationwide. Architects, contractors, developers and policymakers can now rely on certified INSEE products when specifying materials for green buildings and infrastructure projects, helping to meet regulatory targets and voluntary sustainability goals. The certification also strengthens the proposition for public and private procurement policies, prioritising environmentally preferable construction materials.

With this recognition, INSEE Cement continues to lead the local industry toward a more sustainable future where economic development and environmental protection progress together. The company will build on this momentum continuing to innovate in product formulation, process efficiency and stakeholder partnerships, reinforcing its role as a responsible manufacturer dedicated to safeguarding resources and supporting Sri Lanka’s sustainable development objectives.