Thermo Plastics redefining standards in manufacturing industry

From left: Rashid Hameen (Director), Dushani Mahipala (Director), Harshana Mahipala (Director), Kishan Musafer (Marketing Manager)

Thermo Plastics Ltd., a pioneer in flexible packaging in the apparel industry has become the first and only polybag manufacturer to be awarded a slew of certifications for its high standards in processes, quality and environmental consciousness. The company was awarded the following accreditations and is the only polybag manufacturer to receive all four; ISO 9001:2008, ISO 14001:2004, ISO 50001:2011 and OHSAS 18001:2007 from SGS, Geneva, the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company.

Covering a gamut of requirements from health and safety, quality management systems, to energy and the environment, the accreditations paint a picture of a well-rounded business that is focused on setting and recognising the standards that others may not. This has not been a new concept for the team whom, since inception has been led by BAM Holdings Ltd. Chairman B.A. Mahipala. 

His exceeding passion for wildlife photography and conservation has been inculcated into the business model of Thermo Plastics and therefore the business has consistently taken keen and great strides in being more than a poly bag manufacturer, but rather one that understands its impact on the world at large and takes effective action in order to make that impact a positive one.  

Established in 1985, Thermo Plastics is one of the pioneers in the manufacturing of high quality flexible packaging for the apparel industry. Carving itself a niche market by being one of the few eco conscious companies to create printed and unprinted bags, standard and waterproof zipper lock bags and oxo biodegradable bags, they count many high profile garment exporters as clients, a veritable who’s who in the rapidly burgeoning apparel manufacturing market. 

Thermo Plastic Ltd Director Rashid Hameen spoke on how the certifications will help them to continuously develop and improve themselves and have a smaller carbon footprint. “Being eco-friendly and sustainable are buzzwords in the business world, but for us, they are more than words. They lay the foundation for everything that we do and these certifications are a testament to this ethic. The Thermo Plastics factory, which is based in Homagama, is a well-oiled machine in terms of quality, teamwork and sustainable manufacturing. All machinery that we use in the premises are low energy consumers and the inks and chemicals used in the process are free from harmful heavy metals, and toxic elements.”

He further added, “At our factory and office we take every necessary action in order to save energy by utilizing natural lighting, cross ventilation and rainwater harvesting; we are proud to say that 12 percent of the energy used by the factory is from solar power. The level of commitment towards waste management and efficiency also stretch over to the company’s IT system, where we maintain international best practices with a cloud-based storage system and some of our customers have opted for a portal based purchase order system that saves paper and reduces human error, we have also developed an  in-house ERP system. 

“We are stringent in remaining compliant to the laws and regulations that govern the environment commitment of energy star ratings and are always open to new ideas, systems and purchases that keep these regulations in mind. Our objective is to be the best polybag manufacturer in Sri Lanka while retaining an eco-friendly status, while continuing to set the standards that will create ethical and guilt-free products that will revolutionise the industry.”

Considering the impact that plastic and its production has had on the natural world, the company takes great pride in positioning itself as a sustainable and ethical business that is committed to leaving Mother Earth better than before; a claim few have made and fewer have accomplished. By implementing and continuously reviewing prudent energy measures and depending on renewable energy sources, the company has consistently improved on its energy consumption and conservation in the course of creating flexible packing materials.

As a business that understands the importance of people, Thermo Plastics has been aware and active in creating opportunities for not only its workforce, but also the larger community and its stakeholders. The certifications received by the company are also part of their responsibility to engage with diverse segments and work towards a greater good. In that vein, the company has invested heavily in the betterment of its team and has been a support in creating objectives and targets that for which all resources are provided. Much work has also been done in enhancing the competency of the operational staff as well as regular updates on the creation of health and safety in every aspect of the work process. 

As responsible corporate citizens, the company has interacted and given back to the community, especially in the area of Homagama in which the factory is based. From short term CSR activities that better the lives of the community through environmental conservation and awareness, to large scale projects such as the building of the Homagama Base Hospital, BAM Holdings has been an active organiser and instigator of change that will last for generations. 

Thermo Plastics Ltd is a subsidiary of BAM Holdings Ltd which is vertically integrated garments manufacture whose core business is children’s apparel and clothing manufacturing. They have also diversified into agriculture, renewable energy and the leisure sector for further information visit www.thermosl.com.