Hayleys Fabric first in industry to be awarded ISO 50001

Hayleys Fabric Managing Director and CEO Rohan Goonetilleke (left) receives the ISO 50001:2018 

certification from SGS Sri Lanka Business Head Chamalka Wimalasiri

Hayleys Fabric recently broke new ground for the Sri Lankan fabric manufacturing industry, becoming the first fabric manufacturer in the nation to earn the ‘ISO 50001:2018’ certification.

The determined journey by Hayleys Fabric to minimise greenhouse gases and adhere to the global sustainable agenda is progressing in the right direction, with a reduction of its year on year carbon intensity footprint from 3.8 to 3.2 tCO2 e/MT.

“We’re proud of our team and their commitment towards sustainable textile manufacturing. Being the first fabric manufacturer in the nation to receive ISO 50001:2018 certification for our energy management is a bold testament to our journey towards total environmental sustainability,” said Hayleys Fabric Managing Director and CEO Rohan Goonetilleke.

The ISO-approved audit team from SGS Italy has certified that Hayleys Fabric uses energy management systems (EnMS), based on the ISO-50001 internationally recognised framework for integrating energy management into existing processes. The voluntary standard allows organisations to establish processes that improve energy performance, including efficient energy use and consumption.

“Collaboration is critical in the fight against climate change. We are a member of the Climate Emergency Task force – Sri Lanka United Nations Global Compact and have committed to the Science Based Targets Initiative – a first in the manufacturing industry. We are progressing well on the global initiative of ‘zero discharge of hazardous chemicals’ (ZDHC) and will reach this goal three years before the target.”

“Achieving ISO 50001 helps guide us in our plans to be at the forefront of new energy-efficient technology and manufacturing practices – a key driver in meeting the expectations of our customers and our ambitious climate targets.”

Through its journey, Hayleys Fabric has increased its renewable energy consumption percentage to 68% primarily through its rooftop solar panels, with steam generation through biomass boilers being another component. The company has introduced several measures designed to tackle energy reduction and conservation through process improvements, innovation and culture change through training on its energy management system.

Hayleys Fabric PLC is a pioneer in textiles manufacturing in Sri Lanka capable of delivering end-to-end solutions from design to manufacture, and was the first apparel sector company to be listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange in 2003. Maintaining a production capacity of 4.5 million m of fabric per month, the company stands as a leading partner to globally renowned fashion, apparel and accessories brands.