Lanka Upcycles

Founded in 2012, Lanka Upcycles (Rice & Carry) is a social enterprise on Sri Lanka’s East coast. The company is specialized in recycling and manufacturing products from waste materials, according to Fair Trade principles. Since May 2019, Lanka Upcycles is a fully approved and guaranteed member of the World Fair Trade Organisation (WFTO). Lanka Upcycles believes in using business for social good and seeks to improve the livelihoods of the communities on Sri Lanka’s East coast. Their mission is to: offer local solutions to the global waste crisis create steady jobs for women from rural areas promote Fair Trade principles locally and globally In 2012, Lanka Upcycles started with their brand Rice & Carry, making handbags from upcycled rice bags and spice sacks. In 2018, the company expanded their brand portfolio with Click Clack handloom fabrics, and Waste Less Arugam Bay, a local recycling and environmental education centre. With Waste Less Arugam Bay, Lanka Upcycles is the first recycler AND manufacturer of fair trade plastic products, certified by the WFTO. In addition to their own brands, Lanka Upcycles manufactures fair trade products for other businesses, locally and internationally. The company headquarters and Rice & Carry manufactory is in Komari, a small town on the East coast. Komari is 20 kilometres away from the popular surfing town Arugam Bay, where the Rice & Carry shop and Waste Less Arugam Bay Center are located. In 2020, a new production hall and warehouse for recycled plastics will be opened in Arugam Bay.