In an effort to reduce the carbon footprint of businesses, the private sector has proposed an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) initiative to be adopted as a more cohesive alternative to address the environmental issues created by flexible packaging in Sri Lanka.

The initiative, led by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) would create a win-win situation, as it would allow consumers to continue to benefit from the advantages of flexible packaging, a statement said.

“It is important that we retain smaller and affordable packaging sizes within the market as this allows consumers of different socio-economic groups to have access to products.

“We need to ensure that we look towards a sustainable alternative to the issues of plastic waste. EPR is one such alternative,” said CCC Secretary General and Chief Executive Officer Manjula de Silva said.