INSEE Ecocycle opens women-led material recovery facility in Puttalam

INSEE Ecocycle, the waste management arm of INSEE Cement and the pioneer in sustainable waste management solutions in Sri Lanka, announced the inauguration of its newly established women-led material recovery facility (MRF) in Puttalam. This innovative facility marks a significant milestone in INSEE Ecocycle’s ongoing commitment to reducing plastic waste across Sri Lanka.

The establishment of the MRF is a vital component among the many initiatives under the PLEASE (Plastic Free Rivers and Seas for South Asia) project, implemented by the South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP) with the invaluable support of the World Bank and United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) to reduce the plastic waste in Sri Lanka. This opening of the MRF was attended by representatives from the SACEP, UNOPS, INSEE Cement and INSEE Ecocycle in Sri Lanka.

The MRF in Puttalam will serve as a crucial hub for collecting, segregating, sorting and processing post-consumer plastic waste, significantly reducing the environmental impact while supporting circular economy practices in Sri Lanka. By diverting these materials back into the cycle, the project aims to contribute to circular economy practices by closing the loop on plastic waste. 

“We believe that the new MRF in Puttalam sets a great example of how we can combine sustainable practices with gender empowerment to create a lasting impact,” said INSEE Ecocycle Lanka General Manager Sujith Gunawardhana. 

“We are confident that the MRF will make a substantial contribution to environmental stewardship. But this facility is not only about managing waste; it’s about empowering women, strengthening communities, enhancing livelihoods and setting a precedent for inclusive growth in the waste management industry,” he added.

A key highlight of this initiative is its focus on gender inclusivity. The MRF will provide employment opportunities and a stable income source for the local women, uplifting their livelihoods and contributing to the community’s overall economic development. By empowering women and offering them financial independence, the project aims to reduce poverty and enhance the quality of life for families in the region while promoting gender equity and diversity in Sri Lanka.