Keells partners Chakra Suthra to expand Trash2Cash

Keells embarked on a partnership with Chakra Suthra, in implementing the unique concept of ‘Trash2Cash’- a first in the Sri Lankan retail landscape. Chakra Suthra is a technology startup dedicated to creating circular economic solutions to business problems, with a vision to make every home and business in Sri Lanka, Zero waste. Chakra Suthra is comprised of a team of domain experts in a variety of fields such as technology, chemistry, and circular economy with open-innovation links locally and internationally.

A press release said: Trash2Cash is an interactive and smart machine that allows customers to deposit plastic bottles and earn credit. The credit can be redeemed against the bill when you shop at selected Keells stores. Trash2Cash was first trialed at the Keells Union Place store in 2021.

The beauty of Trash2Cash lies in its simplicity. In just four easy steps, a user can dispose of empty plastic bottles and gain a benefit from it :Step 1 – Insert empty bottles one at time scanning the barcode, Step 2 – Enter Mobile number, Step 3 – Finish the session and receive a SMS , Step 4 – Present the SMS to the cashier at selected Keells stores to redeem the credit

The collected plastics get upcycled into polyester yarn, recycled garments or into household products, in partnership with other recycling partners.Due to the overwhelming success of the pilot, the initiative is now being expanded to other parts of Greater Colombo. Trash2Cash machines are now available at the following Keells stores: Raththanapitiya, Thalawathugoda (Kalalgoda), Panadura (Gorakana), Thalahena, Union Place, Maharagama, Kohuwala (Sunethradevi Road), Duplication Road, Darley Road,Moratuwa Mall K-zone

Chakra Suthra also aims to expand its recycling operation into other recyclable material such as glass bottles, aluminum cans, and cartons through its Trash2Cash machines in the near future.

In addition to the above initiatives, Keells has also partnered with Plasticcyle of the John Keells Group to introduce plastic collection bins at 47 Keells stores as well as the Keells Sooriyawewa collection center.