COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — Global Rubber Industries (Pvt.) Ltd. (GRI) is reaffirming its commitment to sustainability in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The specialty tire maker said sustainability is one of its guiding principles in sourcing, producing and disposing of material.
GRI said it sources natural rubber from Sri Lankan farmers and plantations around the island nation, while supporting and encouraging local rubber farmers and other stake holders. It recently launched its Green X Circle, a sustainable circle of collaboration and connectivity.
In late June, GRI opened a natural rubber collection center in the Monaragala district of Sri Lanka in order to support local rubber tree planters. The center, which is part of GRI's GREEN-X Circle initiative, will allow local farmers "to earn fair value for their hard work" in growing natural rubber.
GRI said it develops new products, generates power, builds tires, recycles waste and manages its water systems with a focus on sustainability.
For example, Ananda Caldera, executive director of GRI, said the tire maker uses a biomass boiler instead of traditional furnace oil boilers to avoid creating a hazardous environment around its factory.
"As our production is an environmentally-friendly 'dry' process, there is no emission of gases or liquid disposal — this is a firm company mandate," Mr. Caldera said.