Hayleys Fabric PLC, Sri Lanka’s largest textile manufacturer and a subsidiary of Hayleys PLC, was recently awarded the prestigious Eco Label Sri Lanka certification for its weft knitted fabrics under the Textile & Apparel category.
The latest in a long line of sustainability accreditations, this certification recognizes Hayleys Fabric’s commitment to sustainable practices and environmentally-friendly manufacturing processes. The Eco Label Sri Lanka certification grants Hayleys Fabric the right to display the “ECO LABEL-SRI LANKA” mark on their weft knitted fabric products and is valid for three years, subject to annual surveillance audits to ensure continued compliance with eco-friendly standards.
“Receiving the Eco Label certification is an important step in our journey towards fostering a greener economy in Sri Lanka and establishing ourselves as a leading sustainable apparel manufacturer in South Asia. The importance of this certification, and eco-labeling in general cannot be overstated; it not only boosts market recognition for environmentally friendly products, preparing them for the global market, but also ensures transparency through third-party verification and helps set stringent environmental standards. We view this certification as a symbol of our dedication towards sustainability, and hope it can serve as an example for other corporates to follow suit,” stated Hayleys Fabric Managing Director Rohan Goonetilleke, expressing his enthusiasm about this achievement.
The Eco-Labelling scheme of Sri Lanka developed to meet the requirement of ISO 14024:2018, signifies that Hayleys Fabric has met stringent criteria set forth by the Eco Label Sri Lanka governing council, demonstrating adherence to eco-friendly practices throughout the manufacturing process. By earning this certification, the manufacturer joins a select group of companies committed to promoting environmental responsibility within the textile industry.
“Being the first textile manufacturer to commit to the Science-based Target Initiatives (SBTis), as well as other certifications like the CEO Water Mandate and successive Carbon Neutral certifications, we are actively cultivating a culture of sustainability and environmental stewardship within the company, and nation. The Eco Label certification serves as yet another testament to our ongoing efforts, complementing our existing achievements. It represents just one of many milestones in our journey to promote environmental-friendly practices and driving positive change within the textile sector,” Hayleys Fabric Head of Sustainability and Sustainable Innovation, Leonie Vaas said.
Partnering with globally renowned fashion and apparel brands including Nike, Victoria’s Secret, Decathlon, Intimissimi and PVH, the company’s impact extends beyond Sri Lanka’s borders. Recent accolades, including Asia Sustainability Awards, Sustainability Impact Awards from the Chartered Quality Institute UK, and Presidential Environmental Green Awards, underscore the manufacturer’s commitment to environmental sustainability, transparency and culture beyond compliance.
Renowned as a trailblazer in circular knitted fabric manufacturing, Hayleys Fabrics PLC incorporates ethical and sustainable practices into every facet of its operations, driving towards establishing Sri Lanka as a responsible manufacturing hub. With an impressive production capacity of 6 million metres of cotton and synthetic fabrics per month, the company offers end-to-end solutions from design to manufacture, solidifying its position as a pioneer in the industry
Backed by over 30 years of experience, Hayleys Fabric was the first apparel company to be listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange in 2003 and played a pioneering role in manufacturing weft knit fabrics in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, the acquisition of South Asia Textiles Ltd in April 2021 propelled the Hayleys Fabric Group to become the largest textiles manufacturer in Sri Lanka manned by a team of nearly 3000 employees.