A consortium of Sri Lankan academic institutions has been awarded a €110,000 research grant aimed at evaluating and reducing the use of single-use plastics across the country’s food and packaging sectors.
Key Highlights
- Sri Lankan universities receive €110,000 to study plastic usage in the food supply chain.
- Research will focus on identifying viable, eco-friendly packaging alternatives.
- The initiative supports regional sustainability goals and policy development for plastic waste reduction.
The initiative addresses a critical environmental concern in Sri Lanka, where single-use plastic packaging in food retail and food services contributes significantly to terrestrial and marine pollution. Researchers will map the lifecycle of plastic packaging currently used in domestic food supply chains, assessing both ecological impact and commercial feasibility.
In addition to examining current usage patterns, the grant will fund research into sustainable, locally sourced alternatives such as bio-based materials and improved recyclable options. By fostering collaboration between academia, food producers, and government regulators, the project seeks to establish actionable frameworks that support Sri Lanka’s transition toward a circular economy.