Horana Plantations PLC (HPL), a leading entity in Sri Lanka’s plantation sector and part of the Hayleys Group PLC, has become the first company in the country to establish a management system fully compliant with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). This milestone sets a new standard for sustainability within the industry.
The achievement received third-party verification from the global non-profit organization, Preferred by Nature, which focuses on promoting sustainable practices for people, nature, and climate. This organization has played a key role in supporting the European Commission’s initiatives to combat deforestation. HPL’s management system adheres to strict certification standards, including sustainable agricultural practices, chain of custody requirements, and specific EUDR indicators. The company emphasizes minimizing environmental impact and enhancing transparency in its supply chain processes.
By complying with the EUDR, HPL gains access to the EU market, which mandates high environmental standards aimed at preventing deforestation and encouraging sustainability. Sri Lankan firms that meet EUDR standards can enhance their competitiveness and appeal to European buyers, distinguishing themselves from markets that may not comply with these regulations.
In a statement, Hayleys Plantations Managing Director Dr. Roshan Rajadurai expressed pride in aligning with the EUDR, highlighting it as a testament to the company’s commitment to sustainability and effective governance. “Meeting EUDR requirements positions HPL as a preferred partner in environmentally conscious markets. We will continue to drive responsible growth that benefits our business, our employees, and the environment,” he stated.
HPL has also been active in sharing knowledge on sustainability and regulatory compliance with the broader Sri Lankan plantation industry. The company has organized initiatives to educate local buyers and fellow plantation firms on best practices for EUDR compliance and sustainable agricultural methods, including presentations at CRTA (Colombo Rubber Traders’ Association) meetings.
In addition to EUDR compliance, HPL has obtained various environmental certifications, such as ISO 14000, Carbon Neutral, Ecosystem Restoration Verification, and ECO Label. The company is a signatory to global initiatives like the UN Global Compact and Climate Neutral Now and has committed to Science Based Targets (SBTi). HPL’s dedication to sustainability has been recognized with multiple awards, including three Gold awards at the Commonwealth Business Excellence Awards in 2023 and 2024, and it has been certified as a Great Place to Work, ranking among the Top 15 Companies in the Manufacturing and Production Industry in 2023. Additionally, HPL was awarded the Agriculture and Plantation Sector Winner at the National Business Excellence Awards 2024.
Get the newest updates in supply chain logistics news on The Supply Chain Report. Visit ADAMftd.com for free international trade tools.
#Sustainability #EnvironmentalRegulations #SriLanka #Agriculture #CorporateResponsibility
