Hemas Consumer Brands, a prominent player in the fast-moving consumer goods sector, is ramping up its initiatives to minimize its plastic footprint, aiming for a pollution-free future for upcoming generations. As part of its goal to achieve 100% plastic collection and recycling by 2030, the company has formed a strategic alliance with Sri Lanka’s largest plastic recycler, Eco Spindles (Pvt) Ltd., by investing in a baling facility in Galle. The partnership targets the collection of 360,000 kg (360 metric tonnes) of plastic over the next three years. Hemas Consumer Brands is leading various social, environmental, and governance (ESG) initiatives under Hemas Group’s Environmental Agenda 2030, which emphasizes responsible consumption, ecosystem protection, and natural resource conservation.

The company aims to cut plastic use in packaging by 30% and achieve 100% collection and recycling of plastic waste from manufacturing by 2030. To support this objective, Hemas Consumer Brands has previously collaborated with Eco Spindles to set up a cutting-edge Material Recovery Facility (MRF). This facility is designed to efficiently collect, process, and recycle plastic materials, playing a crucial role in advancing sustainable waste management practices.

In collaboration with John Keells Holdings’ Plasticycle project, Hemas Consumer Brands has set up 30 collection points in and around Colombo, fostering plastic recycling and adopting a circular economy model. The company has also partnered with Cleantech to gather plastic waste from events and designated collection sites across the country. Furthermore, Hemas Consumer Brands is involved in a noteworthy initiative with Clean Ocean Force to conduct a cleanup of Negombo Lagoon.

Shiyan Jayaweera, Director of Marketing at Hemas Consumer Brands, highlighted the company’s latest sustainability initiative aimed at reducing plastic waste. Jayaweera emphasized Hemas' commitment to sustainability and their efforts to accelerate the reduction of plastic packaging through enhanced collection and recycling. The company is launching a large-scale plastic waste collection project in Galle, in partnership with Eco Spindles (Pvt) Ltd, Sri Lanka’s largest recycling partner. This project involves establishing a baling site to improve recycling infrastructure. Jayaweera noted that investing in such infrastructure underscores Hemas’ dedication to mitigating the environmental impact of their packaging and advancing their sustainability goals.

Hemas Consumer Brands is committed to cutting down plastic use throughout its operations, with its brands proactively reducing plastic in their products. Recently, the Kumarika brand achieved a 20% reduction in plastic packaging, setting a benchmark for other brands to emulate.

The company has implemented a range of impactful initiatives to advance sustainability and environmental stewardship, concentrating on responsible consumption. By partnering with the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS), Hemas Consumer Brands is leading mangrove regeneration efforts in Anawilundawa to conserve coastal habitats and safeguard marine life, which earned them the esteemed UN Decade of Restoration Flagship Award for 2024. Additionally, the company has intensified its efforts to address deforestation and promote sustainable land management practices, underscoring its commitment to preserving natural habitats and biodiversity.