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European Union’s Global Gateway supports local innovative solutions to combat plastic pollution in Sri Lanka

06.02.2025
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Press and information team of the Delegation to SRI LANKA AND MALDIVES

The PLASTICS Project funded by the European Union under the SWITCH-Asia programme, which aims to reduce plastic waste and promote a circular economy in Sri Lanka, supports 150 existing SMEs in adopting sustainable circular economy principles. The project fosters connection and innovation through challenges and an incubation programme, focusing on nature-based packaging, recycling innovations, and the sustainable fashion industry.

The Plastic Innovation Challenge, led by the 3Zero House - a flagship programme of Acted, is conducted in partnership with consortium members including Biodiversity Sri Lanka (BSL), ISB, STENUM Asia, TERI, and the involvement of other entrepreneurship ecosystem partners such as Good Life X, Lanka Impact Investing, AOD Design Academy, the National Innovation Agency, Yarl IT Hub, CEFENET, and GIZ.

Eight entrepreneurs were selected and supported through a four-month tailored incubation programme. The cohort is female-led and includes businesses that actively engage vulnerable communities in their value chains as partners, employees, or customers.

As Brene Brown aptly states, "Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity, and change."

PLASTICS Innovation Challenge: empowering local entrepreneurs and fostering change

The European Union and 3Zero House (3ZH) hosted the final event of the Plastics Innovation Challenge on Thursday, January 23, 2025, in Colombo. The awards ceremony brought together the entrepreneurs, partners, and SMEs to announce the winners and conclude the challenge. The event provided an invaluable opportunity for selected entrepreneurs to receive support for acquiring assets to further develop their businesses and increase their impact. Acted will lead the procurement process on their behalf.

The programme began with an address from Ms. Valentina Stivanello, Country Director of Acted Sri Lanka, who emphasized the shared goal of creating a better planet for future generations. She highlighted the importance of changing our habits, promoting the 3Zero World (Zero Carbon, Zero Exclusion, and Zero Poverty), and addressing climate change, inequalities, and extreme poverty. The 3Zero House supports these efforts by offering training, networking opportunities, and fostering dialogue to build meaningful projects with youth.

The European Union reaffirmed its commitment to supporting innovation and inclusivity in tackling urgent climate challenges, aligning with its Global Gateway strategy to foster economic growth while addressing global issues.

From nature-based packaging innovations to recycling and fashion upcycling, the eight entrepreneurs who participated in the PLASTICS Innovation Challenge shared their innovative business solutions and highlighted the support received through the incubation program.  

The winners who received financial support are:

  • AGC Innovate (startup producing pavement bricks from recycled plastic and sand): 1,000,000 LKR to purchase a shredder.
  • Star Mushroom (company developing packaging from agricultural waste mixed with mycelium): 1,000,000 LKR to purchase a dryer.
  • Teshvo (startup creating seaweed-based packaging as an alternative to plastic film): 700,000 LKR to procure a PH meter and water bath.
  • Invent of Minds (startup offering office and home supplies made from coconut fiber and bamboo): 500,000 LKR to procure tools for scaling production.

In addition, the following startups received marketing and visibility support :

  • Ample Clothing: 400,000 LKR for a podcast series to raise awareness on plastic alternatives.
  • ALKE: 300,000 LKR for a social media campaign.

 

Networking

Networking opportunities were provided for the entrepreneurs to connect with other partners and discuss their solutions with the guests, among them representatives from the French Embassy, GLX, LIIN, AOD, GIZ, TERI, Stenum India, ISB, BSL, USAID, SMEs, Waters Edge, NIA, etc. Each invitee received samples of the entrepreneurs' products, helping to give them visibility and support their marketing development.