(Commonwealth_ Hayleys Fabric PLC, a prominent textile manufacturer in Sri Lanka, has been honored with the Gold award in the Textile and Textile Processing Industry category at the Presidential Environmental Awards 2024. This prestigious recognition underscores Hayleys Fabric’s steadfast commitment to environmental sustainability, distinguishing it among nearly 1000 applicants nationwide. The award selection process emphasized companies’ environmental dedication, with Hayleys Fabric standing out for its robust ESG (Environment, Social, and Governance) framework.
“We are deeply honored to receive this prestigious accolade, which reaffirms our dedication to sustainable practices and motivates us to continue setting industry benchmarks. At Hayleys Fabric, we believe that true sustainability is demonstrated through tangible actions and measurable results,” said Rohan Goonetilleke, Managing Director/CEO of Hayleys Fabric PLC.
Hayleys Fabric PLC leads in sustainable practices, pioneering initiatives such as becoming the first Sri Lankan company to commit to the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Validated in August 2023, their targets aim to achieve a 42% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions, and a 25% reduction in Scope 3 emissions by 2030, with a long-term aspiration of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050. Additionally, the company has obtained ISO 50001 certification for energy management, marking a milestone as the first fabric mill in Sri Lanka to do so. Seventy-five percent of their energy usage is sourced from renewable sources, including the operation of Sri Lanka’s largest single rooftop solar installation contributing 4.6MW to the national grid, showcasing their leadership in sustainable energy practices.
Water conservation is another area of excellence for Hayleys Fabric, evidenced by their commitment as a signatory to the CEO Water Mandate since 2020. They operate onsite raw water and wastewater treatment plants to ensure compliance with local and global water discharge regulations. Through continuous process improvements, they achieved a commendable 17% reduction in water intensity last year. Both their annual water and carbon footprints are independently verified by third parties, ensuring transparency and accountability in their sustainability efforts.
Hayleys Fabric prioritizes sustainable sourcing practices through rigorous environmental and social compliance screening of raw material suppliers. Their stringent criteria have earned them the Eco Label Certificate from the Council of Eco Label Sri Lanka, underscoring their commitment to high environmental standards throughout the lifecycle of their products. By promoting sustainability within their supply chain, Hayleys Fabric minimizes environmental impacts and fosters responsible practices among suppliers.
The company has implemented a comprehensive waste management strategy that addresses both hazardous and non-hazardous waste. They incinerate hazardous waste and manage non-hazardous waste through a waste hierarchy that prioritizes reduction, reuse, and recycling. Collaborating with the Pro Green Lab at the University of Moratuwa, they have launched an innovative waste upcycling project that transforms in-house waste into eco-friendly construction materials, contributing significantly to the circular economy.
Hayleys Fabric is actively involved in biodiversity conservation through initiatives like the Diyathuru Uyana biodiversity wetland park along the Kalu River. Recognized by the Environment Ministry for its critical role in biodiversity conservation, the park is home to 146 plant species and 149 animal species, including several endemics to Sri Lanka. The company also participates in a restoration project for the endangered Lagenandra kalugalensis in collaboration with the Central Environment Authority and local universities.
Hayleys Fabric PLC’s Gold award at the Presidential Environmental Awards 2024 underscores their leadership in environmental sustainability within the textile industry. Their comprehensive ESG framework, focusing on energy and emissions management, water conservation, sustainable supply chain practices, waste management, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable innovations, sets a benchmark for industry peers. By reducing environmental impact and promoting responsible practices across stakeholders, Hayleys Fabric exemplifies the crucial role of environmental stewardship in achieving long-term business success and contributing to a sustainable future.
