Through targeted support to strengthen South Asia’s circularity models, the Plastic Free Rivers and Seas for South Asia (PLEASE) project has enabled a major milestone in Sri Lanka’s transition toward a circular economy. As part of this effort, PLEASE-supported Island Climate Initiative (ICI) has recognised Cleantech (Pvt) Ltd as Sri Lanka’s first GP Certified recycler, setting a new benchmark for quality, traceability, and responsible plastic recycling.
Cleantech (Pvt) Ltd, a member of the Abans Group of Companies, achieved GP Certification for its state-of-the-art recycling facility following a rigorous evaluation process. This milestone signals a significant step forward for Sri Lanka’s plastic recycling sector, opening new opportunities for local recyclers, FMCG companies, and sustainability-focused manufacturers to access high-quality, ethically processed recycled plastic produced locally.
Sri Lanka generates thousands of tonnes of plastic waste annually, yet only 4% is recycled. Most plastic waste is either burned or dumped into landfills, polluting oceans and waterways. GP Certified aims to change this by promoting better recycling practices and encouraging FMCG companies to use recycled plastics in their packaging, reducing reliance on imported virgin plastics and preventing more plastic waste from entering the environment.
The GP certification provides recyclers with clear industry guidelines to ensure plastics are recycled to higher standards under safe, ethical, and environmentally responsible conditions. This allows FMCG companies to confidently and safely use recycled plastics in their packaging, supporting a more sustainable circular economy.
The certification was formally awarded on 7 January 2026 at Cleantech’s office in Colombo by Ind-Expo Certification Ltd, Sri Lanka’s leading certification and training body. The certificate was presented by Mr. Shantha Kuruppumullage, CEO of Ind-Expo Certification Ltd, to Mr. Rukitha Nanayakkara, CEO of Cleantech (Pvt) Ltd. The event was attended by key stakeholders, including Mr. Vijaypala Sinnathamby, Project Management Specialist at the South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP), along with representatives from GP Certified and Cleantech.
Ind-Expo Certification Ltd conducted a comprehensive assessment of Cleantech’s operations in line with GP Certified standards, examining process integrity, quality assurance systems, worker safety, and environmental compliance. Cleantech successfully met the stringent criteria required to produce GP Certified recyclate, ensuring consistent material quality suitable for FMCG and packaging applications.
By supporting initiatives such as this, the PLEASE project aims to address plastic pollution at its source, by strengthening local recycling capacity, reducing reliance on imported virgin plastic, and enabling responsible production systems across the value chain. With GP Certification, Cleantech can now supply verified, traceable, and responsibly produced recycled pellets, offering FMCG brands and packaging manufacturers a credible pathway to meet global sustainability commitments.
Reflecting on the achievement, Mr. Kasun Thennakoon, Assistant General Manager of Cleantech, said:
“Becoming Sri Lanka’s first GP Certified recycler is a proud moment for us. This recognition reinforces our commitment to cleaner cities, stronger local industries, and a more sustainable future for the country.”
Mr. Chaminda Rajapakse, Managing Director of GP Certified, added:
“This certification marks an important step forward for Sri Lanka’s recycling ecosystem. It proves that high-quality recycled plastics can be produced locally, responsibly, and at scale. We are pleased to work alongside Cleantech and PLEASE-supported partners to advance circularity in the region.”
The GP Certification programme offers several key sustainability and market benefits, including verified recyclate quality, increased confidence for FMCG adoption, reduced environmental impact, and stronger circularity by keeping plastics in use for longer.
By enabling partnerships between recyclers, certification bodies, and sustainability initiatives, the PLEASE project continues to play a catalytic role in transforming how plastic waste is managed in Sri Lanka, supporting practical, market-based solutions that move the country closer to a cleaner, more circular future.
