Be an eco-trendsetter, buy B2b at Cinnamon Grand

Successfully merging two buzz-word concepts of the 21st Century, Cinnamon Grand presents its guests and patrons with a unique opportunity to partake in a sustainable fashion initiative this June.

Grand’s popular Banners to Bags (B2b) venture is back for the fifth consecutive year, bringing to life exclusive bags made out of old flexi banners used by the hotel during the past year. Close to 45 banners are recycled this year and are turned in to eye-catching trendy bags; stitched to perfection by retired tailors of the hotel. These include large 6x12 flexi banners used by the hotel as well as banners that were used by other organisations for functions at the Grand.

The bags will go on sale on 5 June at the Cedar Room from 10.00 a.m. onwards.

Last year, over 250 bags were sold, and funds collected were channelled towards the hotel’s primary CSR initiative, the Children’s Ward of the Maharagama Cancer Hospital. 43 banners were recycled for this process in 2013. A ‘first in Sri Lanka’ initiative, B2b emphasises the hotel’s Green Agenda, embracing two of its four-fold principles of waste management and recycling, and community awareness. The concept also aligns itself with the 3R principle of reduce, reuse and recycle, which the hotel passionately pursue. During the transformation from banners to bags, Grand reduces waste byretaining these banners which are petroleum by-products lessening the environmental impact, reusing them and recycling it for a creative, longer term use.

Cinnamon Grand is hailed as the fourth organisation in the world to embark on this unique recycling initiative of converting used promotional flex banners of the hotel in to practical, durable and waterproof bags. Designing for change, B2b was introduced to the market in 2007 by Nobel Prize for PeaceCo-Laureate Prof. Mohan Munasinghe after extensive research to endorse this as sustainable corporate initiative. Alluding to this as a ‘prime example of business innovation applied to promote sustainable development’, Prof. Munasinghe applauded the hotel for designing a sustainable development triangle, with benefits touching on economic, social and environmental aspects of the community. By taking in to its fold retired tailors of the hotel, the initiative creates a sustainable livelihood option for people while boosting their self-worth and dignity.

Bags for sale are strong, durable and 100% waterproof and is ideal for the modern day trendsetters who loves to make a statement while at the same time contributing towards a worthy cause. As the bags are made from different banners, no two bags will be alike and will be unique and one-of-a-kind.

Miss India for Miss Earth 2013, Sobhita Dhulipala endorsing Cinnamon Grand’s B2b bags.

“In a day and age when being sustainable and green is generating as much hype as the latest trends in fashion, B2b initiative successfully merges these aspects while adding value to the society as a whole,” Cinnamon Grand Marketing Communications and Sustainability Manager Tharika Goonethilake said. “This looks at the whole circle of social, economic and environment, and acts not only on an eco-standpoint but also on consumer awareness and income generation avenues. We are happy to continue this venture and we hope we receive the same support we received throughout the years from patrons and guests.

Cinnamon Grand invites all guests and patrons to join in this worthy cause and help make a difference, by making a responsible choice which will surely make them stand out among the crowds. For more information call 011-249 7435.