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Saturday Nov 02, 2024
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Hayleys Fabric Head of Sustainability and Sustainable Innovation Leonie Vaas accepting the Eco Label certification from Ministry of Environment Secretary B.K.P. Chandrakeerthi at the CEO Forum organised by NCPC Sri Lanka and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit
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 recognises 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.
Hayleys Fabric Managing Director Rohan Goonetilleke said: “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-labelling 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.”
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.
Hayleys Fabric Head of Sustainability and Sustainable Innovation Leonie Vaas said: “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 environmentally-friendly practices and drive positive change within the textile sector.”
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.