Sri Lanka makes packaging history with Tetra Recart

From left: Wardena Venture Holdings Group MD Praveen Siriwardena, Tetra Pak South Asia MD Cassio Simões, Charithra Hettiarachchi - CEO Wichy Plantations, Wardena Venture Holdings Group ED Indika Perera, Group Chairman Ashoka Siriwardena, and Group HR Director Sarath Jayasinghe

South Asia’s first Tetra Recart R2 production line

Wichy Plantation Company (Pvt) Ltd has commissioned South Asia’s first Tetra Recart R2 production line, marking a transformational milestone for Sri Lanka’s food processing and export sectors. 

This strategic investment positions the country at the forefront of sustainable packaging innovation while future-proofing compliance with incoming European Union regulations.

Since pioneering coconut milk exports from Sri Lanka in 1984, Wichy has consistently led industry innovation. The new Tetra Recart R2 line represents the latest evolution in this four-decade journey, transitioning from traditional retortable formats to next-generation, paper-based packaging that delivers superior sustainability credentials alongside enhanced product quality and consumer convenience.

“Wichy has always been a trendsetter,” said Ashoka Siriwardena, Chairman of Wardena Venture Holdings, Wichy’s parent company. “We take great pride in exporting Sri Lankan products that are far superior in quality, safety, and value. Innovation is at the very core of our value system and remains central to everything we do.”

The facility introduces critical capabilities ahead of 2027 EU food-contact regulations, including BPA-related requirements. Beyond regulatory compliance, the investment delivers unprecedented operational flexibility through three independent fillers capable of combining liquid, semi-liquid, and solid products in a single pass—an industry-leading feature that significantly expands product development possibilities.

“This investment brings next-generation technology that enables us to compete with global giants in any market,” explained Indika Perera, Group CEO and Executive Director. “This strategic move will undoubtedly accelerate Wichy’s journey toward becoming the number one exporter of coconut and food products from Sri Lanka.”

Tetra Pak’s flagship retortable carton solution offers substantial advantages over conventional tin cans and glass jars: extended shelf life, improved recyclability, reduced carbon footprint, and superior transport efficiency. The packaging’s easy-open, re-close functionality addresses evolving consumer preferences in sustainability-driven markets across Europe and beyond.

“This milestone reflects Wichy’s leadership and relentless drive to innovate,” said Cassio Simoes, Managing Director of Tetra Pak South Asia. “Together, we’ve introduced South Asia’s first Tetra Recart solution for coconut-based products—advancing our shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and a future-ready industry.”

Significantly, the facility’s impact extends beyond Wichy’s operations. Through co-packing partnerships, Sri Lankan exporters across multiple categories—including fruits, vegetables, seafood, and ready meals—gain access to world-class packaging technology without substantial capital investment.

The project was executed entirely through in-house expertise, reflecting Wichy’s deep technical capabilities. “People are at the heart of our journey toward greatness,” emphasized Sarath Jayasinghe, Group HR Director. “The planning, preparation, and execution of this milestone were driven entirely by in-house expertise and capability.”

Operating under internationally recognized certifications including BRCGS AA+, IFS, BSCI, SEDEX, Fairtrade, and Naturland, Wichy maintains preferred supplier status with major global retailers. The company has earned numerous national distinctions including Presidential Export Awards and NCE Export Awards.