Dipped Products launches ambitious new venture into high-tech sports gloves for EU, US

From left: Hayleys Group Chairman and Chief Executive Mohan Pandithage, Hayleys PLC Executive Director Sarath Ganegoda and Dipped Products PLC Chairman Rajitha Kariyawasan ceremonially opening the state-of-the-art new glove factory at Biyagama 

• Producing specialised gloves for leading global brands across 10 sports
• Eco-friendly Rs. 1.3 b facility fulfils requirements for platinum LEED certification
• Up to 60% of raw materials sourced locally including recycled PET fabrics 

Global pioneers in sustainable integrated glove manufacturing, Dipped Products PLC (DPL), a subsidiary of the Hayleys Group, commenced commercial operations at its state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Biyagama, in line with its ambitious diversification into precision-engineered sports gloves.  

Constructed with an investment of Rs. 1.3 billion, the new facility aims to leverage DPL’s exceptional scientific and technical expertise in producing gloves for industrial, household and medical applications to design and build sports gloves that offer maximum performance, protection and comfort. 

“We are excited to formally commence the production of DPL’s precision-engineered sports gloves. Globally the segment is expected to hit $ 1.7 billion by 2027, and we see immense potential for DPL to capture significant market share. Our goal is to combine our nation’s well-established apparel manufacturing capabilities with DPL’s highly advanced technical capabilities in industrial hand protection to produce high quality, premium sports gloves right here in Sri Lanka,” DPL Managing Director Pushpika Janadheera said.

DPL will initially produce 10 new categories of custom-designed sports gloves including cycling, mountain biking, golf, baseball batting, American football, equestrian, winter sports, running and functional fitness, motorbikes and weight lifting. 

Weaving sustainability into its core process, the manufacturer has taken measures to locally source up to 60% of its raw materials – which include recycled yarn from PET bottles and recyclable/biodegradable packaging.   

DPL is pursuing Platinum LEED certification: the highest level of certification awarded by the US Green Building Council (USGBC). Developed by USGBC, LEED is a globally recognised program for buildings that are designed, constructed, maintained, and operated for improved environmental and human health performance. LEED buildings have a positive impact on the triple bottom line: people, planet and profit– reducing pollution, increasing efficiency and lowering emissions, while also creating healthier places for people. 

Accordingly, DPL will be investing in the holistic enhancement of sustainability standards spanning energy and water consumption – including the establishment of comprehensive water treatment and recycling as well as rainwater harvesting facilities, in addition to waste management, materials, health, and indoor environmental quality.

The facility will also feature significant solar power generation capabilities, utilising 17,000 square feet of rooftop to produce 325 kilowatts – equivalent to approximately 110% of the facility’s total energy requirements. 

Established in 1976, Dipped Products is one of the world’s leading rubber glove manufacturers and accounts for a 5% global market share. With a manufacturing capacity of 16 million, DPL is the largest household gloves producer in Sri Lanka. The company’s products now reach 70 countries.