How did the launch of John Keells Group’s social entrepreneurship project Plasticcycle come about, and what are its key objectives?

Nisreen: Our Group’s strategic outlook is based on the ‘triple bottom line’ impact of economic, environmental, and social performance. Considering the alarming statistics and related repercussions arising from plastic pollution in Sri Lanka, we embarked on a journey to become plastic-neutral as a Group, while leveraging on the reach we have as Sri Lanka’s largest listed conglomerate to try and make a real difference.

Plasticcycle was launched in 2017, as a social entrepreneurship project, to integrate our efforts into the circular economy of plastic waste management and be a catalyst in significantly reducing plastic pollution in Sri Lanka. With Plasticcycle, our focus lies in the three key areas of reducing single-use plastic, promoting responsible disposal, and driving recycling initiatives and innovation.

What is the Cleaner Seabeds for Sri Lanka Expedition, and what prompted The Pearl Protectors to launch it?

Muditha: The Pearl Protectors, a youthled marine conservation organization, launched Cleaner Seabeds for Sri Lanka in 2022-a four-year national volunteer initiative. It unites various stakeholders and patrons to protect and conserve Sri Lanka’s underwater marine ecosystem.

The main objective of the Cleaner Seabeds for Sri Lanka expedition is to conserve sensitive marine ecosystems by removing ghost fishing nets and marine litter that pollute the seabed and reefs. By removing such litter, the expedition expects to revive the reefs, allowing marine life to regenerate and ensure a healthier ocean. Additionally, the expedition aims to raise awareness, advocate for better policies, and promote improved utilization of ghost fishing nets. It also emphasizes the harmful impact of single-use plastics and advocates for enhanced waste management systems to prevent marine litter from polluting the ocean and seabeds.

What does the partnership with Plasticcycle and Pearl Protectors entail?

Nisreen: While our Group had contributed to The Pearl Protectors’ initiatives over the past couple of years, in April 2023 Plasticcycle partnered with this initiative to support underwater clean-ups across significant parts of the Sri Lankan coastal belt. These areas face plastic waste accumulation due to inadequate waste management practices and ocean currents bringing in transoceanic waste. This project allows us to broaden our focus beyond land initiatives and contribute towards cleaner oceans.

Muditha: Plasticcycle’s support comes at a critical stage, as the ocean and marine environment are overwhelmed by plastic pollution and marine litter. Through this partnership, we aim to revive numerous fragile marine ecosystems in Sri Lanka. Our dedicated volunteers, including experienced divers, adhere to stringent safety protocols and a code of conduct. Moreover, certified divers within the John Keells Group have the opportunity to participate as volunteers, making this truly a well-rounded partnership.

What are some of the other key initiatives of Plasticcycle?

Nisreen: Over the last five years, I believe Plasticcycle has become well-known for the network of over 250 recyclable plastic waste collection bins, that are being strategically placed in diverse locations, such as supermarkets, hospitals, expressways, and recreational spaces, in collaboration with like-minded corporates. With this network, and through streamlined monitoring and reporting processes, we ensure that the collected recyclable plastic waste reaches designated recyclers, a critical step in fulfilling our commitments.

By working with AGC Innovate, an organization that lays out Plastic-Modified Asphalt Concrete, we aim to increase the upcycling of non-recyclable plastic waste. We also collaborated with the Sri Lanka Navy, where Plasticcycle contributed to the development and testing of a prototype chamber to produce value-added products such as flowerpots from non-recyclable plastic waste.

In addition to our tri-lingual website and social media platforms, we prioritize raising awareness through targeted sessions for diverse stakeholders. In the last financial year alone, we educated over 3,000 individuals through these initiatives. Among them, ‘Bin-novate,’ a competition spanning three age groups, invited youth to design coastal-friendly plastic waste collection bins. Also, since inception, Plasticcycle has worked closely with the Ministry of Environment, the Marine Environment Protection Authority, and the Central Environment Authority to influence policy changes that support minimising plastic pollution.