Business
Bottle-to-bottle recycling can boost Sri Lanka in the transition to circularity in plastics
By Amila Abeynayaka
Dr. Abeynayaka is a Policy Researcher currently attached to the IGES Centre Collaborating with UNEP on Environmental Technologies (CCET), Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES), Japan.
Pollution caused by the irresponsible disposal of plastics is a significant issue, particularly in developing countries like Sri Lanka.
According to Great Britain’s Royal Statistical Society, it is estimated that only 9% of all plastics ever produced globally has been recycled. This is particularly concerning since according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), all nations collectively produce about 300 million metric tonnes of plastic every year – nearly equivalent in weight to that of the entire global human population.
However, not all plastics are equal in this equation. Polyethene terephthalate (PET) plastics, in particular, stand out, given that they are 100% recyclable. PET is considered the most promising food-packaging plastic for recycling and is used extensively for this purpose, particularly for the production of bottles containing drinks, hand sanitisers, dishwashing liquid etc. In addition, PET is more suitable for the recycling process, given its ability to minimise the possibility of contamination following consumption.
Hence, in sharp contrast with the overall recycling rate of plastics, PET bottle recycling rates in some countries exceed 80%. Sri Lanka also aspires to increase its PET bottle collection and recycling rate from 27% to 100% by 2025 to ‘ensure safe, high-quality and durable products,’ as per the National Action Plan on Plastic Waste Management in Sri Lanka (NAPPWM).
The changes required
Technology is not a constraint and is already available within the country. However, achieving this target requires crosscutting enabling conditions, including legal arrangements and policy changes, stakeholder engagement and dialogue, public participation, financing, and capacity development.
Legal and policy changes are necessary for a crucial shift towards bottle-to-bottle recycling. This relates to recycling an entire PET bottle to produce a new PET bottle, a concept that has been successfully implemented in many developed regions.
After being used by consumers, the three common scenarios for PET bottles are; bottle-to-bottle recycling, incineration and landfill disposal.
It is clear that bottle-to-bottle recycling is by far the preferred option among these options. It reduces pollution and carries a host of other benefits, including reducing carbon emissions by decreasing the need for new plastics.
However, Sri Lanka doesn’t legally allow recycled products in food-grade manufacture. The Extraordinary Gazette Notification No. 1160/30 of 29th June 2010 prohibits the use of ‘any food in any package, appliance, container or vessel that has been made from recycled plastic.’ This reality needs to change and conducive regulations/policies should be introduced.
Implementing the changes
In terms of implementation, bottle-to-bottle recycling can be done through two methods; mechanical and chemical recycling. The first refers to using mechanical processes (which typically involve cleaning, grinding, re-melting, and re-granulating). It is considered that through this method, bottle-to-bottle recycling is possible up to 4 to 6 times for PET plastics.
Chemical recycling, in contrast, uses a chemical process to achieve this objective, to break down the material to its original form for processing and, after that, for the production of new items. This system allows potentially infinite cycles of recycling. Still, it has implications for the comparatively larger generation of carbon emissions associated with transboundary PET waste movements.
Besides the method of recycling that should be employed, another critical consideration is whether bottle-to-bottle recycling carries risks since the plastics could potentially get contaminated, especially in food-grade packaging. For instance, contact between plastics and other waste, such as electronic waste, increases the risk of the presence of toxic metals in recycled plastics.
However, such concerns can be addressed by putting the necessary safeguards in place by adopting models similar to those of developed countries. For instance, in the European Union (EU), recycled plastics used in food contact materials should only be obtained from recycling processes that have been assessed for safety by the European Food Safety Authority and authorised by the European Commission.
Transition to a ‘circular’ model
Such certification ensures the separation of different types of waste, domestic waste collection systems with storage and transportation that avoid contaminations and sound tech-driven recycling. Another alternative exists, too, including chemical recycling to regenerate material similar to virgin material.
However, such efforts require collaboration between and high levels of awareness among all stakeholders. This includes manufacturers and recyclers in the private sector, consumers and the Government. The model used in Japan provides an excellent case study. In this model, consumers ensure proper segregation of used plastic containers and packages, which facilitates the collection of the segregated waste by the Municipal Government. Manufacturers recycle this waste and, after that, use it in products. Hence, all stakeholders play an equally-critical role, which ensures the smooth functioning of the system.
Sri Lanka too can transition to a similar model, with high ‘circularity,’ which involves a ‘closed loop’. In this, the value of plastics is retained through reuse and recycling, not allowing leakage into the environment. This is unlike the present ‘linear’ model in which plastics are used and disposed of, creating significant damage.
Such a model will be beneficial economically – for instance, by reducing foreign exchange lost through imports of plastics each year and socially and environmentally – by reducing pollution and its harmful effects – which includes the likes of the increased spread of diseases such as dengue.
Hence, Sri Lanka should begin the transition towards bottle-to-bottle recycling of PET plastics. However, as indicated, this requires the support of all stakeholders.
The author would appreciate your feedback on the article. You can start a conversation with Dr. Abeynayaka directly on Twitter on @litterlifecycle.
Web: www.iges.or.jp/en | www.ccet.jp
Transforming “waste” into “resources” once again (a Japanese example)
A game-changer for Sri Lanka’s capital market
As the global community convened for the World Bank Group’s 2025 Spring Meetings under the timely theme “Jobs: The Path to Prosperity,” one message stood out: prosperity in the developing world depends not only on physical infrastructure but also on strong financial systems.
Among the influential voices at this year’s gathering was Douglas L. Peterson, Special Advisor to S&P Global and a longstanding advocate of resilient market economies.
Drawing from a decade-long tenure as CEO of S&P Global, Peterson delivered key insights that resonate deeply with the challenges and opportunities facing emerging economies such as Sri Lanka.
Peterson stressed that while global capital is abundant, it doesn’t move indiscriminately. “It follows signals, namely, data, transparency, regulatory certainty, labour and market stability.”
“When investors look to deploy capital in developing markets, they’re seeking a solid financial infrastructure,” Peterson said. “That includes reliable data, transparent pricing mechanisms, independent credit rating agencies, and clearly defined bankruptcy laws.”
These factors may not make headlines, but Peterson underscored their essential role.
“Financial infrastructure enables confidence, and confidence attracts investment,” he said.
A key initiative Peterson is championing in collaboration with the World Bank is titled ‘Originate to Distribute’, a structured finance approach where loans are created by institutions like the World Bank but sold to private investors.
Traditionally, loans from development banks remain on their balance sheets for decades. This initiative proposes standardising and structuring such loans so that private investors can purchase, pool, and trade them – essentially converting infrastructure loans into a new, tradable asset class.
“This is about creating velocity and scale,” Peterson said. “If the World Bank can originate loans and distribute them to the private sector, every dollar stretches further. It helps close the multi-trillion-dollar infrastructure investment gap.”
For countries like Sri Lanka, where public finances are under pressure, such a model could unlock significant private capital provided the regulatory environment and financial infrastructure are prepared to support it.
In alignment with the World Bank’s focus on job creation, Peterson prioritised five sectors he believes are pivotal for employment growth in developing nations: infrastructure (both physical and digital), agri-business, healthcare, tourism, and manufacturing. The common thread across all these sectors, he asserted, is infrastructure.
“Build an airport and you get hotels, transport services and even carbon savings,” Peterson said. “A bridge not only connects communities but also cuts costs, travel time, and emissions.”
According to Peterson, infrastructure investment yields a multiplier effect, often generating an additional $1.40 to $1.60 for every dollar spent. It also catalyses other industries. Manufacturing depends on roads and ports; tourism needs transport and energy; agriculture requires logistics and storage; and healthcare relies on reliable access and communication systems.
Peterson’s reflections also touched on a more structural issue that Sri Lanka is currently facing; the need to develop robust domestic capital markets. He emphasised moving beyond a banking-dominated financial system toward one that includes institutional investors like insurance companies and pension funds.
“These institutions become long-term investors,” he noted. “They form the foundation for sustainable infrastructure investment. Homegrown capital reduces reliance on external debt and increases financial resilience.”
Peterson’s remarks serve as a timely reminder as job creation and long-term prosperity in Sri Lanka will not come through piecemeal efforts. Instead, they require coordinated investments in both physical and financial infrastructure, from better roads and ports to regulatory frameworks that inspire investor confidence.
Unlocking private capital through trust, transparency, and smart financial engineering is the way forward. And as leaders like Peterson have shown, the tools and models already exist. It is now up to policymakers and financial leaders in Sri Lanka to ensure Sri Lanka is ready to embrace them.
Douglas L. Peterson currently serves on the board of the UN Global Compact and was formerly CEO of S&P Global, where he expanded the company’s market capitalisation from $16 billion to over $150 billion. He also led the G7 task force on sustainable finance in 2021.
By Sanath Nanayakkare
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) successfully organized a visitor delegation to Intersolar Europe 2025, held from 7 – 9 May in Munich, Germany. Recognized globally as one of the most significant and comprehensive trade fairs dedicated to the solar industry, Intersolar serves as a premier platform for showcasing the latest innovations in renewable energy and sustainable technologies.
The Sri Lankan delegation comprised senior representatives from prominent companies in the sector, including Mega Solar, Micro PC Systems, Eco Solar Rays, and Puwakaramba Building Solutions, reflecting the country’s growing commitment to advancing renewable energy solutions.
The primary objective of this visit was to provide Sri Lankan companies direct access to the latest developments in solar technology, including sustainable energy solutions, energy storage systems, e-mobility, floating solar applications, agrivoltaics and recycling solutions. By connecting local enterprises with cutting-edge technologies and global industry leaders, AHK Sri Lanka aims to facilitate the adoption of modern energy solutions in Sri Lanka and support the nation’s broader transition to a more sustainable and energy-secure future.
A key highlight of the delegation’s agenda was a strategic meeting with the organizers of Intersolar Europe. This engagement provided valuable insights into the exhibition’s future vision and fostered discussions on potential collaboration opportunities between German and Sri Lankan stakeholders in the renewable energy sector.
Further amplifying the value of the delegation, AHK Sri Lanka coordinated over 25 tailored B2B meetings between Sri Lankan companies and German/European industry counterparts. These curated matchmaking sessions enabled participants to explore commercial opportunities, initiate technical partnerships, and lay the groundwork for future investments and joint ventures.
Prime Group, Sri Lanka’s leading real estate brand with a 30-year legacy and international branches in Australia and Dubai, has named celebrated Sri Lankan music icon Umaria Sinhawansa as its Global Brand Ambassador. This partnership unites two Sri Lankan powerhouses to showcase local talent and excellence worldwide.
The collaboration aims to strengthen Prime Group’s global expansion while promoting Sri Lankan culture. Umaria, who bought her first property from Prime Group a decade ago, expressed pride in representing the brand. Prime Group’s Co-Chairperson, Sandamini Perera, highlighted Umaria’s embodiment of Sri Lankan heritage and global appeal, aligning with their mission to elevate the country’s real estate innovation.
Together, they aim to inspire trust, connect with international markets, and celebrate Sri Lanka’s cultural richness on a global scale.
Second lot of luxury and decommissioned vehicles owned by the Presidential Secretariat sold
President approves establishment of Anti-Corruption Investigation Units in Provincial Councils and LG Institutions
Seven new envoys to Sri Lanka present credentials to the President
-
Features5 days agoSAITM Graduates Overcome Adversity, Excel Despite Challenges
-
News5 days agoDestined to be pope:Brother says Leo XIV always wanted to be a priest
-
Opinion5 days agoDrs. Navaratnam’s consultation fee three rupees NOT Rs. 300
-
Sports5 days agoASBC Asian U22 and Youth Boxing Championships from Monday
-
Foreign News6 days agoMexico sues Google over ‘Gulf of America’ name change
-
Features4 days agoChampioning Geckos, Conservation, and Cross-Disciplinary Research in Sri Lanka
-
Business5 days agoDilmah – HSBC future writers festival attracts 150+ entries
-
Business5 days agoBloom Hills Holdings wins Gold for Edexcel and Cambridge Education