INSEE Ecocycle Opens Women-Led Material Recovery Facility in Puttalam to Reduce Plastic Waste under the PLEASE Project

INSEE Ecocycle, the waste management arm of INSEE Cement and the pioneer in sustainable waste management solutions in Sri Lanka, proudly announces 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 the 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 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 Women-Led Material Recovery Facility in Puttalam sets a great example of how we can combine sustainable practices with gender empowerment to create a lasting impact,” said Sujith Gunawardhana, General Manager of INSEE Ecocycle Lanka. “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.”

A key highlight of this initiative is its focus on gender inclusivity. The MRF  will provide employment opportunities and a stable income source for 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.

About INSEE :

Siam City Cement (Lanka) Limited, also known as INSEE Cement, is a member of the Siam City Cement Public Company Limited (SCCC), a leading cement manufacturer in Southeast Asia, founded in 1969 in Thailand. The Company is Sri Lanka’s leading, and only fully integrated, cement manufacturer offering a comprehensive portfolio of construction solutions, including the highly demanded INSEE Sanstha and INSEE Mahaweli Marine Plus brands in Sri Lanka.As INSEE Cement’s waste management arm and a fully owned subsidiary, INSEE Ecocycle Lanka (Private) Limited plays a significant role in the company’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework to reduce carbon emissions, lower usage of thermal energy and embrace the principles of a circular economy. Overall, INSEE continues to steer the local building and construction industry towards high-performing, low-carbon, and future-ready constructions, introducing consistently high-quality blended cement products and sustainable building materials through the company’s strong investment in innovation and R&D.