Dipped Products PLC officially unveiled the DPL Pulse ESG Roadmap 2030 in August 2023, marking the initiation of a comprehensive initiative to enhance existing sustainability endeavors and introduce innovative programs. Managing Director Pushpika Janadheera asserts, “We firmly believe that the integration of ESG considerations into our business strategy and risk management enhances the resilience of our operations, ensuring inclusive and sustainable value creation for our stakeholders.”
On the occasion of World Wetland Day, Chandika Rathnasiri, our Director of Engineering & Projects, who oversees our global Engineering and Sustainability teams, emphasizes, “Fostering a culture of Environmental Sustainability & ESG is not solely the responsibility of the Engineering or Sustainability departments. It is a collective obligation extending to every department and individual within our organization and throughout the entire value chain. Therefore, sharing knowledge and promoting best practices on a broader scale is crucial to aligning everyone with sustainable living and business practices daily.”
Our commitment to environmentally sustainable practices continues to receive accolades, with the latest recognition at the Hayleys Chairman’s Award 2023 on February 26, 2024, where we clinched the Best Project under the ESG Category. This achievement highlights our dedication to Wastewater Management, specifically acknowledging the excellence of our Wastewater treatment facilities and constructed wetlands at the Hanwella Operating Location. In light of this recent honor, technical experts behind the scenes share insights into our remarkable journey in Wastewater Management.
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Gamini, as the Ideologist of this project at our Hanwella manufacturing location, could you please share the story behind this project and briefly outline how the overall process operates?
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Certainly. Taking you back to 2014, we installed two Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems, each with a 200 m3 capacity, to recycle treated wastewater from production operations. This was to comply with the 1:8 dilution factor required by environmental regulations when discharging treated wastewater into the outside canal at our Hanwella facility. However, the processing cost of RO treated water was Rs. 0.43 per liter, leading to a Rs. 1.50 increase in glove processing cost per pair. In search of a cost-effective alternative, we observed a natural drain near the operations building with a rocky bottom and flourishing blue water lily plants. This inspired us to explore how we could leverage these natural resources, leading to the transformation of the drain into a water treatment system – a constructed wetland.
Natural wetlands act as Earth’s kidneys, purifying polluted water in the environment. Our constructed wetland, rich in biodiversity, mimics this process, ensuring effective water treatment even in an industrial setting. With leadership commitment to environmental sustainability and the green light from the Board of Investment and Central Environmental Authority, we initiated a trial, known as phase 01, which proved successful. This triumph spurred us to expand the concept with the establishment of a second constructed wetland, phase 02, at the Hanwella Operating location. Currently, we are also in the early stages of creating a constructed wetland at our Kottawa Operating Facility.
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Jeewantha, as the supervisor who is overseeing the daily operations of this initiative, can you highlight the positive impacts and benefits for both business and the environment? Additionally, what challenges have been faced, and what areas do you see for improvement?
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Initiatives of this nature are groundbreaking for any business, particularly in the realm of environmental sustainability. Fortunately, we initiated this work almost a decade ago, and today, we proudly stand with an initiative that has overcome challenges and undergone multiple improvements to be recognized as a success.
One notable positive impact is the re-use of nearly 50% of wastewater generated in the manufacturing process after tertiary treatment through our constructed wetlands. This not only demonstrates the effectiveness of our solution but also aligns with our commitment to sustainability. We release treated water from the constructed wetland to natural water sources outside the premises, such as a water canal, significantly reducing our reliance on fresh water by about 50%. This contributes to the preservation of natural water resources in the country. As an organization deeply rooted in environmentally friendly initiatives, we take pride in the positive financial impacts, such as monthly cost savings averaging around Rs. 2.2 million.
In terms of challenges, we face issues in protecting the biodiversity in the constructed wetlands from external factors like extreme weather conditions and high temperatures. Regarding improvements, our ongoing efforts focus on ensuring error-free functionality through multiple renovations, upgrades, and embracing new developments.
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Palitha, in your role as the Manager leading this groundbreaking initiative, could you provide insights into the achievements and accolades received for our Waste Water Management Systems and Constructed Wetlands at the DPL Group’s business premises? Additionally, what are the future plans for the next steps of this project?
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Certainly, our unique initiative has garnered significant recognition through awards and accolades over the years, and this trend continues. The most recent accomplishment was receiving the Best Project under the ESG Category at the Hayleys Chairman’s Award 2023. This recognition specifically acknowledged our total wastewater reuse in the new production line, generated through the new/phase 2 of the constructed wetland at the Hanwella Operating facility. This achievement was made possible through our hard work, efforts, and the crucial approvals from the Board of Investments and Central Environmental Authority. We were able to showcase evidence of our capacity and capability to recycle and reuse the total wastewater generated in the new high-volume glove production line.
Our initiatives have not only gained recognition but have also attracted global customers who are intrigued by the industrial setting and the biodiversity we have fostered. Situated in the lush green village area of Hanwella with a dense population, our Hanwella Operating facility has become a point of interest for local visitors, and the residents of the village appreciate our environmentally friendly efforts.
Surprisingly, our commitment to sustainability has gained the interest of schools and universities, leading to academic-related visit requests. We happily accommodate these visits as they serve as opportunities to share knowledge on sustainable wastewater management and wetland biodiversity. This engagement allows us to extend our knowledge and best practices to a broader community, promoting similar efforts.
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Kapila, as the Head of ESG or Sustainability for the DPL Group, could you elaborate on the connection between our efforts and the DPL Pulse ESG Roadmap 2030, launched in August 2023, and how well this aligns with global frameworks like the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs)?
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Certainly, our focus is on achieving the targets outlined in the “DPL Pulse – ESG Roadmap 2030,” with specific emphasis on our Water Management Policy. The key areas we aim to address include:
- 30% sustainable water sourcing, encompassing recycled water usage
- 55% re-use of treated wastewater
- 30% reduction in water intensity by enhancing the quality of treated water and increasing the quantity of reused water
Our initiatives are designed to align with global standards and frameworks. While our efforts contribute to various United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, the primary focus is on UN SDG 06 – “Clean Water & Sanitation.” Specifically, our alignment with SDG Goal 06 targets includes:
- UN SDG Target 6.3: Improving water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, minimizing hazardous chemical release, halving untreated wastewater, and substantially increasing global recycling and safe reuse by 2030.
- UN SDG Target 6.4: Substantially increasing water-use efficiency across all sectors, ensuring sustainable withdrawals and freshwater supply, addressing water scarcity, and substantially reducing the number of people suffering from water scarcity by 2030.
Our commitment extends to continuous monitoring and evaluation to meet these set targets within the stipulated timeline. Reporting plays a pivotal role in our process, and we align with global, regional, and national reporting standards and frameworks.
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Dipped Products PLC transcends the ordinary; it becomes a symbol of hope, a testament to what is possible when passion meets purpose. As we applaud their successes, we are not just celebrating a company; we are cheering for a shared vision of a sustainable world. Today, let’s not just acknowledge achievements, but let’s embrace the emotions behind them—a journey fueled by love for our planet.
