Sri Lanka’s apparel sector is cementing its reputation as a global leader in sustainability, with top manufacturers like Brandix, Teejay Lanka, Hirdaramani, Hayleys Fabric, and MAS Holdings showcasing major strides in climate action, circularity, ethical practices, and community impact.
These manufacturers are at the forefront of the Net Zero movement. Brandix has cut emissions by 84 per cent and achieved Net Zero certification at five facilities, aiming for a Net Zero status across all its global locations by 2030. Hirdaramani is the country's first company to get SBTi approval for Net Zero targets.
The industry is also heavily invested in the circular economy. MAS diverted an impressive 99 per cent of its waste from landfills, and Brandix achieved a 90 per cent recycling and recovery rate. Teejay reused or recycled 3,900 tons of material and was appointed the patron company for the Sustainable Supply Chain Working Group by the UN Global Compact Sri Lanka. Hirdaramani is furthering its commitment with ‘Mihila Tex,’ a new sustainable textile mill.
Powering this push is a growing commitment to renewables. MAS Holdings reported that 397 per cent of its energy comes from renewable sources, contributing to a 24.04 per cent reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions from a 2019 baseline. Teejay Lanka has also expanded its renewable energy footprint to 14 per cent of its total consumption.
The social impact extends well beyond the factory. MAS created 2.1 million opportunities through community initiatives and increased women’s participation in management to 26 per cent. Brandix awarded over 1,000 scholarships and facilitated 47,000 pints of employee-donated blood. Hirdaramani’s decade-old ‘Wonders of Well-being (WOW)’ program has even gained global recognition, including case studies from Harvard University's T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
Sustainability is being driven by innovation, not just compliance. MAS saw a notable 40 per cent of its revenue generated from sustainable products, while Teejay approved 410 new, sustainable fabrics in the last fiscal year. Hirdaramani also won a Silver Award at the Global Chemical Leasing Award 2024 for its innovative natural detergent using soapberries.
Underpinning these efforts are strong governance and transparency practices. All four companies adhere to rigorous global standards, with Teejay aligning its reporting to GRI and IFRS S1 & S2, and Brandix reaffirming its zero-tolerance policy on wage violations and corruption.
Collectively, these milestones solidify Sri Lanka’s apparel sector as a responsible sourcing destination, illustrating how the industry is successfully shaping a future where fashion and responsibility go hand in hand.
