Biography of Chullaka Hapuarachchi: Founder & MD of Eco360 -Entrepreneur
Biography of Chullaka Hapuarachchi:
Journey Towards Sustainability
Chullaka Hapuarachchi is the Managing Director of Eco360 Pvt
Ltd, a company dedicated to creating sustainable and eco-friendly packaging
solutions. His journey into the world of environmental sustainability started
with a personal passion to reduce plastic waste. In 2016, he combined his
family’s poly manufacturing plant with a recycling facility to launch Eco360, a
company focused on creating compostable products as alternatives to plastic.
With products made from materials like cornstarch and cassava, Eco360 aims to
provide packaging solutions that can decompose naturally in home composts,
avoiding the harmful impact of plastic waste.
The Eco360 Mission
At the core of Eco360’s mission is a simple but powerful
message: "Compost me." Chullaka has been clear about the problem of
"biodegradable" plastics, which often break down into smaller pieces
that still damage the environment. He insists on avoiding the term
"biodegradable" due to its associations with greenwashing. Instead,
the company uses materials like cornstarch, cassava, and other industrial waste
to produce alternatives to plastic. These products are designed to break down
completely, leaving no harmful traces in the environment.
Innovative Raw Materials for Packaging
Chullaka’s efforts to use waste products as raw materials
instead of food crops reflect his dedication to sustainability. For instance,
cornstarch and cassava are often discarded after industrial processes, yet they
serve as ideal raw materials for Eco360’s compostable packaging. By using these
waste products, Eco360 ensures that its solutions are not only environmentally
friendly but also economically viable. Additionally, Chullaka notes that using
food sources as raw materials can be counterproductive and unsustainable, so it
is crucial to use industrial waste instead.
Alternative Raw Materials and Sustainability
Another material Eco360 uses is sugarcane waste, which is
often repurposed as fuel in Sri Lanka. Chullaka points out that while the waste
is technically being used, it is not being reused as a sustainable alternative
like it is in other countries such as China. There, sugarcane waste is sold to
industries for use in sustainable products. This insight has shaped Eco360’s
approach, as they seek to encourage the reuse of waste materials, ultimately
contributing to a circular economy where products are made from discarded
materials rather than new resources.
Facing the Challenges of a Green Startup
As a startup in the eco-friendly packaging industry, Eco360
faces a significant challenge: the cost of their products is higher than that
of plastic alternatives. Despite the environmental benefits, many businesses
hesitate to switch to sustainable packaging because plastic remains cheaper.
Chullaka understands the importance of persistent education, both for consumers
and businesses, to raise awareness about the true cost of plastic pollution.
The company works tirelessly to demonstrate that the environmental damage
caused by plastic far outweighs the initial cost difference.
Biography of Chullaka Hapuarachchi: Founder & MD of Eco360 -Entrepreneur /startup/age/recycling facility/reducing plastic waste/Eco360 story
Shifting Consumer Mindset
While convincing businesses to make the switch to
sustainable alternatives can be tough, Chullaka has noticed a shift in consumer
demand. People are becoming more vocal about the need for sustainable
packaging, often urging their favorite brands to adopt more eco-friendly
practices. This public pressure has proven to be a powerful motivator, and
Chullaka is optimistic that this growing demand will continue to drive change.
He has seen firsthand how passionate individuals and communities can influence
large brands to consider their environmental impact more seriously.
Corporate Partnerships Driving Change
Despite the challenges, Eco360 has made significant strides
by partnering with socially conscious companies. Brands like Harpos and
Resplendent Ceylon are already using Eco360’s compostable packaging, leading
the way in sustainable packaging solutions. Additionally, Eco360 has signed a
partnership with Keells, a major local supermarket chain, to replace up to one
million plastic bags per month with their compostable alternatives. This
collaboration is a huge step forward in reducing plastic waste and has the
potential to inspire other companies to follow suit.
Support from the Startup Ecosystem
Eco360’s journey has been supported by the startup
ecosystem, particularly through HATCH, a platform that connects environmentally
conscious entrepreneurs. HATCH has provided Chullaka and his team with valuable
resources, including mentorship and access to like-minded individuals. The
community support from HATCH has been instrumental in helping Eco360 grow and
spread awareness about the issue of plastic pollution. By engaging in various
events and initiatives, Eco360 has been able to reach a broader audience and
inspire more people to take action against plastic waste.
The Future of Eco360
Looking forward, Chullaka remains hopeful that the demand
for eco-friendly packaging will continue to rise. He believes that businesses
and consumers alike will increasingly recognize the long-term benefits of
sustainable alternatives. While the initial investment may be higher, the
environmental cost of continuing to use plastic is unsustainable. As more
companies switch to alternatives like those offered by Eco360, the cost of
these solutions will decrease, making them more accessible to a wider range of businesses.
A Commitment to a Greener Future
Chullaka's vision for Eco360 is rooted in his commitment to
reducing the harmful impact of plastic on the planet. Through innovation,
partnerships, and a steadfast belief in the power of consumer influence, Eco360
is working to create a world where compostable, sustainable packaging is the
norm rather than the exception. By challenging the status quo and offering
alternatives to plastic, Eco360 is paving the way for a greener, cleaner future
where environmental responsibility is at the heart of business decisions.
Timeline for story
2016: Combined family’s poly manufacturing plant with a
recycling facility to launch Eco360.
2016-Present: Focused on creating compostable packaging from
materials like cornstarch and cassava.
Present: Partnered with brands like Harpos, Resplendent
Ceylon, and Keells for sustainable packaging.
Present: Continues working with HATCH for mentorship and
ecosystem support.
Future: Aims to make compostable packaging the industry
standard, reducing plastic waste.
