GOODBYE PLASTIC HELLO GREEN

Sri Lanka's war on single-use plastics has gained a powerful new ally. Sinhalite, a homegrown brand, has just launched compostable lunch sheets, offering a sustainable alternative to the ubiquitous plastic ones that choke waterways, pollute beaches, and threaten wildlife. We sat down with a Sinhalite Founder Ishan Karunaratne to learn more about this eco-friendly innovation and its potential to change everyday habits.

- BY TINA EDWARD GUNAWARDHANA

WHAT INSPIRED SINHALITE TO DEVELOP COMPOSTABLE LUNCH SHEETS?

We've all seen the devastating effects of plastic waste in our environment — from clogged drains during monsoons to marine animals dying from ingesting plastic. It's not just unsightly; it's dangerous. We wanted to create a product that addresses this issue at its root. Compostable lunch sheets offer a practical, eco-friendly alternative that doesn't compromise on convenience, making it easier for people to make a positive change.

HOW ARE THESE LUNCH SHEETS DIFFERENT FROM THE REGULAR PLASTIC ONES?

The main difference is in their composition and life cycle. Traditional lunch sheets are made from petroleum-based plastics that take hundreds of years to break down, releasing toxins in the process. Our compostable sheets are made from plant-based materials, which naturally decompose within months under composting conditions, leaving behind no harmful residue.