Echelon Studio

DIMO: Embedding Sustainability into Strategy and Group-Wide Product Portfolio

How DIMO is securing long-term competitiveness across the group

DIMO: Embedding Sustainability into Strategy and Group-Wide Product Portfolio

Sustainability has moved from being a peripheral concern to a central focus for businesses worldwide, as they face growing pressure from consumers, regulators, and investors to adopt environmentally and socially responsible practices.

For DIMO, sustainability is a strategic opportunity to innovate and enhance customer experiences to secure brand loyalty and foster long-term competitiveness. DIMO’s 2030 sustainability agenda revolves around three pillars: being a resilient business, building resilient communities, and conserving a living planet. The company’s focus on innovative product design, sustainable entrepreneurship, circularity, and ethical business conduct is reflected across its diverse businesses in agriculture, energy, healthcare, mobility, etc enabling DIMO to become a resilient business.

By embedding sustainability into its product portfolio, DIMO has positioned itself to meet evolving market demands while addressing critical global challenges. From promoting eco-friendly farming practices to offering renewable energy solutions and electric mobility, DIMO’s commitment to sustainability enables it to create value for customers while positively impacting society and the environment. As businesses increasingly recognize the importance of sustainability for long-term survival, DIMO’s proactive approach highlights how integrating sustainable solutions can drive competitiveness and resilience while fuelling the dreams and aspirations of the communities it serves.

Here is how sustainability is being integrated across the sectors it represents:

Agriculture

DIMO Agribusinesses focuses on delivering products that promote eco-friendly farming while improving agricultural efficiency. DIMO’s soil testing laboratory service provides soil testing, leaf testing, fertilizer testing, and site-specific recommendations, helping farmers optimize their input use, conserve resources, and maintain long-term productivity based on soil and leaf analytical data. The company’s range of innovative fertilizers improves soil health and reduces the need for chemical inputs, which can enhance soil quality over time.

The company’s agri-tech solutions, particularly water-efficient irrigation systems from the Rivilus brand, help farmers conserve water, a critical resource in agriculture. Providing farming methods such as poly-tunnels and greenhouses, the company enables farmers to conduct their cultivations in more effective environments under its offerings. DIMO Agribusinesses’ Agri Water Solutions exemplify sustainability by manufacturing Alkathene pipes from recycled materials, significantly reducing environmental impact.

DIMO Agribusinesses Crop Care arm offers crop care solutions, which allow farmers to adopt more sustainable pest management practices. Additionally, the company supplies hybrid and local seeds contributing to higher yields.

The company’s sustainable coconut-based products, under the  Miditer, Flava and DIMO CocoFresh brands, offer organically produced virgin coconut oils and other coconut-derived products. These production processes minimize waste and support eco-friendly agricultural practices. Additionally, DIMO’s range of dehydrated fruit products, produced through the company’s food processing plant, Tropical Health Foods, offers consumers healthy snack options and organic fruit chunks, manufactured using sustainable methods.

These sustainable agricultural practices contribute to the prevention of soil degradation, conserve resources, improve efficiency in the industry, help farmers reduce chemical usage, and promote healthy foods. By supporting out-grower programmes, DIMO also promotes rural economic development, providing training, consultations and market linkages for small-scale farmers, which lead to increased income generation and community resilience.

Power & Energy, Water

DIMO Energy’s renewable energy initiatives are critical in reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The company’s solar photovoltaic (PV) systems allow businesses to generate clean energy, reducing power consumed from the grid and carbon emissions. Solar energy solutions help consumers achieve energy independence while lowering electricity costs.

DIMO introduced the microgrid concept to Sri Lanka, integrating renewable energy into the power mix intelligently. Microgrids balance the variable output of solar and wind energy with traditional generation, ensuring a stable power supply. Operating autonomously, they can switch seamlessly between renewable sources and other resources when needed, without human intervention. Microgrids combine renewable energy, distributed generators (DGs), and storage devices, functioning in parallel with the main grid or as an independent power island. The microgrid pilot project implemented at the University of Moratuwa demonstrates DIMO’s ability to combine renewable energy with conventional power generation, ensuring energy reliability while minimizing environmental impact.

DIMO’s focus on solar energy and microgrids enhances its competitive edge in the renewable energy market, positioning the company as a key player in the clean energy transition. These efforts support national and global carbon reduction goals, strengthening DIMO’s reputation as a sustainability leader.

In the Water sector,  DIMO  offers advanced Electro-Mechanical systems to the National Water Supply and Drainage Board incorporating highly efficient KSB pumps and systems, designed with energy-saving as the main engineering consideration.  Such systems consume less energy while delivering optimal performance, contributing to the national agenda of energy conservation. Apart from this, through cost-effective and efficient Water Recycling solutions, the company encourages communities to recycle water so that the waste of resources is minimized.

DIMO’s water solutions also focus on water conservation reducing water pollution and preserving natural resources.  Additionally, the general public would benefit from cost savings as efficient water generation leads to lower utility expenses.

Healthcare

In the healthcare sector, DIMO provides advanced medical equipment that reduces environmental impact while improving patient care. Products sourced from leading manufacturers such as Siemens focus on minimizing radiation exposure, especially in the CT Scanners and radiotherapy product lines. DIMO’s range of anaesthesia products, which consume less gas, helps medical facilities optimize resource use.

These medical equipment advancements contribute to social sustainability by improving diagnostic accuracy, enabling quicker and more precise identification of medical conditions. This enhances patient care and well-being, ensuring timely treatment and reducing the burden of prolonged illnesses. By minimizing costly misdiagnoses, it also promotes equitable access to high-quality healthcare for all.

The medical engineering equipment provided by DIMO enhances both patient safety and operational efficiency in hospitals. These solutions boost overall efficiency by automating routine tasks and optimizing workflows, allowing healthcare providers to dedicate more time to patient care. Designed with sustainability and patient comfort in mind, these equipment offer user-friendly interfaces while improving the patient experience. By streamlining operations and reducing resource consumption, these innovations contribute to a more sustainable healthcare environment.

Education

Vocational Education and Training (VET) is vital for a country’s social and economic progress, providing an alternative path for youth and adults to grow professionally while supplying the skilled workforce essential for sustainable development. In line with this vision, DIMO offers globally recognized vocational courses in Automobile Mechatronics and Plant Engineering, accredited by the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce. The company also provides training in Hybrid and EV technology, along with City and Guilds Certificates and Diplomas, enhancing employability and fostering entrepreneurship among local youth. Courses on plant engineering, hybrid and electric vehicles, with a focus on green technology, also showcase the company’s commitment to a greener tomorrow. As part of its long-standing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, DIMO has offered the Certificate in Automobile Mechatronics course free of charge since 1990 providing 650 skilled technicians to the global industry.

 Industrial

DIMO’s Material Handling Equipment business provides electric and hybrid alternatives to conventional diesel-powered Material Handling solutions for industries. Electric forklifts and trucks are designed to operate with zero emissions, contributing to improved air quality in industrial settings. DIMO also supplies electric mobility solutions, such as electric reach stackers and loaders, which help reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

By offering these electric and hybrid options, DIMO enhances its competitiveness in a market increasingly driven by sustainability requirements. These products generate cost savings for businesses through lower fuel consumption and reduced maintenance costs while improving compliance with environmental standards. The shift to electric equipment also helps minimize the carbon footprint of industrial operations of storage facilities, container yards and ports aligning with broader efforts to combat climate change.

Construction

DIMO’s Construction machinery arm offers Komatsu Hybrid Excavators that reduce fuel consumption and lower the carbon footprint at construction sites. These energy-efficient machines help construction companies meet sustainability goals, reduce resource waste, and cut operational costs, aligning with global trends in sustainable infrastructure and climate change mitigation.

Building Services

DIMO’s Siemens Building Management System (BMS) provides an integrated solution for optimizing energy consumption in commercial and industrial buildings. In Sri Lanka’s tropical climate, companies incur higher energy costs due to extensive air conditioning use. DIMO’s Siemens-powered BMS optimize air conditioning by monitoring temperature and CO2 levels, leading to reduced energy consumption and promoting sustainability. This solution has been deployed in various large-scale projects, helping businesses reduce energy costs and their environmental footprints.

DIMO also supplies energy-efficient TKE Elevators and Escalators for high-rise buildings, large infrastructure development projects and homes. These products help minimize the environmental impact of urban development by optimizing resource usage and lowering emissions.

The company provides energy-efficient LED lighting solutions for hotels, apartments, offices, malls, factories, hospitals, airports, sports complexes, roads and more, ensuring significant energy savings. Recently, DIMO installed Sri Lanka’s first LED floodlighting system in a stadium at Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium. Stadiums typically consume high electricity, but these LED floodlighting systems will help reduce energy consumption.

Car Parking Solutions offered by DIMO help in optimizing vehicle parking spaces while helping in effective resource utilization, thus minimizing the need to drive around looking for parking spots. They cut fuel wastage and contribute to better urban air quality.

By providing these state-of-the-art solutions DIMO enhances efficiencies in building complexes. The ability to offer clients solutions that reduce energy costs and improve sustainability compliance is a significant differentiator in a rapidly changing market.

Home & Garden

DIMO’s Home and Garden portfolio includes well-known products like WD-40 that extend the lifespan of tools and machinery. The product facilitates the reuse of equipment contributing to circular economy principles by preventing resource depletion and minimizing waste. Additionally, DIMO’s Lumin LED lighting products offer energy-efficient alternatives to traditional lighting, with lower electricity consumption and are designed to withstand harsh conditions and vibrations, ensuring a long and reliable service life. LED bulbs are free from harmful substances like mercury, making them safer for both humans and the environment.

DIMO’s STIHL power tools promote sustainable agriculture and gardening practices. STIHL products such as tillers, pruners, mist blowers and many more products, support sustainable agricultural practices by promoting better crop management, reducing the need for harmful chemicals, and encouraging organic farming. For example, STIHL  precision cutting tools reduce the need for excessive use of power, ensuring efficient resource utilization. STIHL’s battery-operated products help reduce dependency on fossil fuels and with advancements in rechargeable battery technology, customers can rely on cleaner energy alternatives.

By offering energy-efficient, cost-effective, resource-efficient solutions, DIMO ensures that its Home and Garden portfolio meets the growing demand for environmentally responsible products.

Mobility

DIMO’s commitment to sustainable mobility is evident in its electric vehicle (EV) offerings. The Mercedes-Benz EQ line includes luxury electric models such as the EQA, EQB, EQE and EQS, which offer zero-emission alternatives to traditional internal combustion engines (ICE). Additionally, the Tata.ev brand provides more accessible electric mobility solutions for the entry-level market, including models like the Tiago.ev, Punch.ev and Nexon.ev.

Both brands contribute to reducing urban air pollution and help consumers transition to sustainable mobility. DIMO also supports EV infrastructure development through initiatives like setting up charging solutions and battery recycling programmes, ensuring that electric vehicle adoption is more feasible for consumers.

By focusing on electric mobility, DIMO positions itself as a leader in the transition to cleaner transportation. The company’s investment in the EV eco-system reflects its commitment to reducing carbon emissions and supporting global efforts to combat climate change.

Sustainable Advantage

As sustainability becomes a critical driver of business success, DIMO’s proactive approach to embedding sustainable practices across its product portfolio demonstrates its understanding of the broader market shift. By integrating sustainability into all the sectors it represents, DIMO not only meets the rising demand for eco-friendly solutions but also positions itself as a leader in fostering long-term resilience and competitiveness.

The company’s focus on enhancing healthy life, sustainable agriculture, resource conservation, promoting energy efficiency, and supporting societal and environmental well-being ensures alignment with consumer expectations and regulatory requirements. This strategic integration of sustainability strengthens DIMO’s brand reputation, fosters customer loyalty, and generates financial benefits, all while contributing to global efforts to address pressing environmental challenges. As businesses worldwide increasingly prioritize sustainability to ensure long-term survival, DIMO’s approach highlights how embedding these principles can be a key driver of success in a rapidly evolving market landscape.