GRI continues focus on sustainability during COVID-19

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.

Shanaka Gunaratne, senior general manager, said GRI's production plants also fulfill all Central Environmental Authority (CEA) requirements.

"The company invests in new, energy-efficient machinery while ensuring noise and dust level compliance are observed," he said, noting the plant has one of the largest rooftop solar systems in Sri Lanka, with a capacity of 1,200kW and helps to reduce more than 1,100 metric tons of carbon emissions per year.

The company also has strict waste management policies and efficient waster-water management system, including harvesting rainwater.

Customers who visit GRI's production plant are encouraged to plant a tree there, while tree-planting efforts are encouraged within the larger community surrounding GRI.

According to Mahesha Ranasoma, CEO of GR, GRI's in-house academy trains employees on new energy management and sustainability practices to ensure that sustainability is a dynamic process and employees recognize its importance. Environmentally sustainable growth is our strategic goal, both now and for generations to come."