Since January 2022, the EU Switch Asia funded PLASTICS Project has supported over 150 SMEs in the plastic waste management sector across the Western Province of Sri Lanka, building their capacity through a wide range of technical and business development programs. These included:

Business management & planning

Process optimization through Resource Efficiency and Cleaner Production (RECP) concepts

Supporting SMEs in adopting green certifications through the Quick Environmental Management Certification (QEMS) process

Networking & market linkages

Financial literacy & taxation

Health & safety practices

Access to green financing and flexible loans

Promoting Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

Now, as the project approaches its final phase, we are working to ensure sustainability and collective action by establishing district-based Plastic Waste Management Associations that can operate at both district and provincial levels.

On 27th August 2025, we held an important workshop with the appointed Working Committee of the Gampaha District Association at ACTED premises. The focus was on formulating the statute and action plan to operationalize the association, ensuring long-term collaboration, policy engagement, and stronger representation for SMEs in the sector.

This step marks a significant move towards building resilient networks that can drive the circular economy and EPR agenda in Sri Lanka.