In 1993 a brief encounter with a piece of ‘recycled paper’ led us on a journey that would give rise to what was at that time a whole new industry in the country. The paper originated in a factory in Pannala, one of only two in the country that was making recycled paper. Due to multiple issues the factory staff had left and operations were at a standstill. Taking over the factory we built a whole new team and added new products and processes to the production cycle – creating paper using waste from paddy, banana and pineapple cultivations as well as waste paper and elephant dung.

Bringing this new product to the Colombo market, we knocked on the doors of leading businesses educating them about the product and the need to support recycling. Our efforts were answered with our first order from Mlesna Tea, followed by John Keels Hotels for whom we still manufacture coasters, hotel stationery etc. The support of these industry leaders opened more doors and the recycled paper industry became a reality.