Increasing the Circularity of Plastics in Sri Lanka’s FMCG Packaging
Increasing the Circularity of Plastics in Sri Lanka’s FMCG Packaging
Island Climate Initiative Pvt Ltd (ICI) is introducing a certification mechanism for recycled plastics, aiming to enhance the circularity of plastics by incorporating recycled materials back into FMCG packaging. FMCG packaging is the largest consumer of plastic and the biggest source of post-consumer plastic waste in the economy. Currently, only about 4% of plastic is recycled in Sri Lanka. A significant issue is that recycled plastic is often being repurposed into low-value products that cannot be further recycled and must be disposed of after one use. As a result, much of FMCG packaging in Sri Lanka is still made from 100% imported virgin plastic rather than recycled materials.
Island Climate Initiative Pvt Ltd (ICI) is introducing a certification mechanism for recycled plastics, aiming to enhance the circularity of plastics by incorporating recycled materials back into FMCG packaging. FMCG packaging is the largest consumer of plastic and the biggest source of post-consumer plastic waste in the economy. Currently, only about 4% of plastic is recycled in Sri Lanka. A significant issue is that recycled plastic is often being repurposed into low-value products that cannot be further recycled and must be disposed of after one use. As a result, much of FMCG packaging in Sri Lanka is still made from 100% imported virgin plastic rather than recycled materials.
To address this, ICI is collaborating with plastic sorters and recyclers to produce high-quality recycled plastics, packaging manufacturers, and FMCG companies to create and promote packaging with recycled content, and consumers to increase demand for packaging made with recycled plastics. The goal is to generate demand for post-consumer plastics, encouraging their collection, recycling, and reintroduction into packaging. This will help keep more plastics in circulation and reduce their release into the environment.
To address this, ICI is collaborating with plastic sorters and recyclers to produce high-quality recycled plastics, packaging manufacturers, and FMCG companies to create and promote packaging with recycled content, and consumers to increase demand for packaging made with recycled plastics. The goal is to generate demand for post-consumer plastics, encouraging their collection, recycling, and reintroduction into packaging. This will help keep more plastics in circulation and reduce their release into the environment.
For the integration of recycled plastics (r-plastics) into FMCG packaging to succeed, shifting consumer mindsets is crucial, as consumer demand drives the market. Factors such as changes in packaging aesthetics compared to virgin plastic or concerns about the safety and sanitation of recycled plastic may influence purchasing decisions. To
address these concerns, ICI is launching consumer awareness campaigns and introducing a certification label to guarantee the safety and sustainability of recycled packaging. This label will provide consumers with clear, accessible information about the eco-friendliness, ethical standards, and safety of products, regardless of any aesthetic differences due to the inclusion of r-plastics. By doing so, it will empower consumers to make informed, environmentally responsible choices and encourage FMCG companies to incorporate more recycled content into their packaging. Additionally, ICI plans to support the certification process by developing policy recommendations for the Ministries, the Sri Lanka Standards Institute, and other relevant government institutions. These recommendations will include measures to integrate r-plastic standards into legal and policy frameworks, along with case studies
and guidelines for implementation.
GP Certified is funded by the PLEASE Project, implemented by the South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme, supported by the World Bank, with implementing support from UNOPS.
For the integration of recycled plastics (r-plastics) into FMCG packaging to succeed, shifting consumer mindsets is crucial, as consumer demand drives the market. Factors such as changes in packaging aesthetics compared to virgin plastic or concerns about the safety and sanitation of recycled plastic may influence purchasing decisions. To
address these concerns, ICI is launching consumer awareness campaigns and introducing a certification label to guarantee the safety and sustainability of recycled packaging. This label will provide consumers with clear, accessible information about the eco-friendliness, ethical standards, and safety of products, regardless of any aesthetic differences due to the inclusion of r-plastics. By doing so, it will empower consumers to make informed, environmentally responsible choices and encourage FMCG companies to incorporate more recycled content into their packaging. Additionally, ICI plans to support the certification process by developing policy recommendations for the Ministries, the Sri Lanka Standards Institute, and other relevant government institutions. These recommendations will include measures to integrate r-plastic standards into legal and policy frameworks, along with case studies
and guidelines for implementation.
GP Certified is funded by the PLEASE Project, implemented by the South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme, supported by the World Bank, with implementing support from UNOPS.
Environmental and Social Standards Screening
Environmental and Social
Standards Screening
Island Climate
Initiative (Pvt) Ltd
No 30/11, 2nd Lane Koswatte Road,
Nawala, Sri Lanka
© ICI 2024
Island Climate
Initiative (Pvt) Ltd
No 30/11, 2nd Lane Koswatte Road,
Nawala, Sri Lanka
© ICI 2022