99x and MAS Foundation for Change Install Ocean Strainer to Address Plastic Pollution

Wednesday, 20 March 2024 01:05 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

99x, a global product engineering company, installed an Ocean Strainer to address the issue of ocean plastic pollution as part of the company’s sustainability initiatives focusing on the environment. This 80-foot strainer was installed in the Lunawa Lagoon in Moratuwa, in collaboration with the MAS Foundation for Change.

The Ocean Strainer is a floating trap designed by MAS Holdings to collect and remove plastic waste from waterways, preventing plastics from reaching the ocean. The Lunawa Lagoon ecosystem is extremely polluted due to the significant amount of waste entering the lagoon through the four canals. This project has the potential to offer a long-term holistic solution to floating macroplastic pollution by successfully preventing the entry of debris from the largest of the aforementioned four canals, promising an immediate positive impact on the entire lagoon ecosystem.

The installed Ocean Strainer is expected to capture over 20,000 kg of waste annually, which will be collected and disposed of responsibly by local authorities. 99x Chief Operating Officer Shehani Seneviratne said: “Pollution from microplastics is a critical issue that we must address in a sustainable manner. By installing an Ocean Strainer, we go further to address plastic pollution at its source, where we prevent plastic waste before it enters the ocean. We are delighted to partner with the MAS Foundation for Change for this engagement and appreciate their commitment towards this cause.”

MAS Foundation for Change Executive Director Sharika Senanayake said: “We appreciate the support of our partner 99x, who readily came forward to collaborate with us and support us on our journey to turn the tide on pollution and reclaim the purity of our waters. This effort was much appreciated by the community and local government authorities who supported us with the installation of the Ocean Strainer and subsequently keeping the canal clean. The community is looking forward to seeing their lake restored to its full glory like they remember just a few years ago.”