Identification of drawbacks and barriers plastic based upcycling industry in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The Upcycling converts waste materials into new products giving higher value and/or quality in their second life. Though it encourages low energy consumption and the law cost of raw materials, still it is not well-established industry in Sri Lanka which the country needs of sustainable businesses opportunities and waste management methods. Three case studies of Plastic based upcycling brands in Sri Lanka have been studied to identify the current state of the industry considering the manufacturing process, scale of production, distribution and manufacturers’ approach to the industry. It mainly targets niche markets which appreciates eco-friendly and sustainable products. Product designs which can get the customer attraction by finishing, aesthetic and functionality could have achieved its target market and it does not depend on the manufacturing technique. In Sri Lanka, applying marketing strategies which can be used in promoting upcycling products positively much not have been practiced in the industry. Low awareness about the upcycle products is one of the issues appears in the local context. Through the study, inability of practicing product design and marketing strategies is identified as the barrier because of the low production cost and continuous supplement of raw material reduce the economic barrier in the plastic based upcycle industry in Sri Lanka.