Future First: How Hirdaramani’s sustainability journey helps shape future of fashion

As demand for fast fashion rises worldwide, so does its environmental toll, making sustainability a key area of focus for the global fashion industry. The Hirdaramani Group began its journey in Sustainability early on and reinforced it with the company’s “Future First” Sustainability Roadmap 2025, launched in 2020. This ambitious initiative addresses the industry’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) challenges with specific targets, setting a new benchmark for sustainable manufacturing in Sri Lanka and across the company’s other operating markets in Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and Vietnam.

Hirdaramani’s commitment to sustainability is underscored by its milestone achievement of becoming the first company in Sri Lanka to secure Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) approval for its Net-Zero Science Based Targets. The Group aims to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 54.6% by 2033, driven by a comprehensive decarbonisation strategy. This demonstrates their leadership in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and actively addressing the pressing environmental issues caused by the fashion industry. 

“This achievement reflects our continuous journey of improvement towards doing the right thing as a responsible corporate. We have always considered Sustainability a way of life at Hirdaramani and our efforts towards this end are sincere and intended for long-term impact,” noted Hirdaramani Group Director Siddarth Hirdaramani emphasising the Group’s resolve to create a sustainable and positive environmental impact.

Built on four key pillars – Conserve the environment, empower our associates, support our communities, and trust in good choices – Hirdaramani’s “Future First” sustainability strategy ensures that its core priorities are integrated into every aspect of the business. From reducing emissions and optimising energy efficiency to prioritising employee well-being and ensuring ethical practices, Hirdaramani is shaping a future where sustainability and business success go hand in hand, inspiring others in the industry to follow suit.

Conserve the environment – From focusing on reducing its carbon footprint to improving energy efficiency, managing water use, and cutting emissions in alignment with SDGs 7 (Clean Energy) and 13 (Climate Action), the Group prioritises clean energy and responsible production across its operations.

Empower our associates – Hirdaramani focuses on inspiring, uplifting, and protecting its people. By committing to ensuring happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives for its associates, the company ensures their holistic wellbeing through unique initiatives like “Wonders of Wellbeing”. In addition, employee-centric community initiatives too are addressed as part of its social sustainability efforts.

Support our communities – Hirdaramani prioritises community development under areas of health, education, and equality are key drivers, putting the future of its people and communities first.

Trust in good choices – Trust in good choices is an important pillar in Hirdaramani’s sustainability roadmap. Hirdaramani has made the commitment to ensure that, by 2025, at least 80% of the raw materials used in its manufacturing processes will be certified sustainable, which is defined in line with globally accepted sustainability standards. In addition, the company’s commitment to implementing global best practices is reflected in its alignment with selected international frameworks and standards.

Leading by example

Hirdaramani is paving the way toward net-zero emissions, and is working on a detailed decarbonisation strategy, setting clear annual energy reduction targets to meet its near-term goals by 2033. This roadmap will help keep them on track for the future.

Hirdaramani Apparel Chief Marketing – Communications and Sustainability Officer Manindri Bandaranayake said: “Securing SBTi’s approval for our Net-Zero Science Based Targets assures us that, we are on the right path in our efforts to reduce GHG emissions at Hirdaramani. This is embedded into our Future First sustainability roadmap, and we are gearing ourselves as an organisation to deliver on this commitment.”

Shaping the future of sustainable fashion

Hirdaramani is set to play a vital role in the future of sustainable fashion, both in Sri Lanka and globally. Their focus on environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and strong governance not only drives their own progress but also inspires others in the global fashion industry to take meaningful steps toward a more sustainable future.

Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) Secretary General Yohan Lawrence highlighted the company’s impact: “Hirdaramani’s achievements in the Sustainability space shows that Sri Lankan businesses can have a competitive advantage globally by embracing sustainability. Their efforts not only benefit the entire industry but elevates Sri Lanka’s reputation as a hub for ethical apparel.”

By aligning its Future First strategy with global sustainability goals like the UN SDGs, Hirdaramani also helps reinforce the critical role fashion companies can play in addressing global environmental and social challenges.