Teejay leverages global expertise to hold first-ever Sustainability Summit for textile industry

Chief Guest Presidential Secretariat Climate Change Office Sri Lanka CEO and Senior Additional Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe and the panellists at the discussion on “The Future of Fashion, Technology, and ESG Integration in the Textile Industry” at the first-ever inaugural Sustainability Summit by Teejay Group

Sri Lanka’s first multinational textile manufacturer, the Teejay Group, proudly hosted its inaugural Sustainability Summit, marking a significant milestone as Sri Lanka’s first-ever sustainability summit in the textile industry on 13 August in Colombo. 

This event highlighted Teejay’s role as a leader in the industry, not only in financial performance, but also in sustainability and environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices. The event was hosted based on the need to expand focus to address both chemical management and the broader aspects of sustainability. This summit marks Teejay Group’s first step forward in that very journey. 

The Teejay Group has consistently set benchmarks in the local textile fraternity by pioneering sustainability initiatives. Through collaboration with other industry leaders, the Teejay Group reinforced its commitment to achieving the sustainability goals outlined in its Abhivara 2030 roadmap. The event underscored Teejay’s ongoing efforts to position Sri Lanka as an ethical sourcing hub in the competitive global textile market.

The summit covered important topics such as ‘The Importance of Sustainability to the Textile and Apparel Industry’, ‘Integrating ESG to Future of Sustainable Textile Industry (Climate Actions)’, ‘Traceability and Transparency in the Global Textile and Apparel Industry’, ‘National Policies, Strategies, Plans, and Actions for the Textile Industry’, ‘Alignment of Textile Industry Strategies to UN SDG Goals’, ‘Consumer Demands and Future Brand Requirements in the Fashion Industry’, ‘Chemical Management Framework in the Textile Industry’, and ‘Future of Fashion and Driving Towards Future of Fashion with Technology’.

A key highlight of the summit was the awarding of the Carbon Zero Certification, reflecting Teejay’s significant strides towards reducing its environmental impact. The event also showcased innovative solutions, best practices, technology, and digitalisation aimed at achieving greater sustainability in textile production. It fostered collaboration among industry stakeholders, including textile manufacturers, brands, chemical suppliers, Government agencies, and NGOs, with the goal of developing a roadmap for transitioning the textile industry towards a more sustainable future.

The summit featured a distinguished panel of experts, including Dr. Anil Jasinghe as the Chief Guest who delivered the keynote speech, setting the background for the three key sessions.

The main panel discussion was on “The Future of Fashion, Technologies, and ESG Integration in the Textile Industry”, where industry veterans such as National Innovation Agency Chief Innovation Officer Prof. Ajith de Alwis, UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka Executive Director Rathika de Silva, Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) Secretary General Yohan Lawrence, MAS Kreeda Sustainable Business General Manager Eranga Dilhan, Teejay Group Chief Executive Officer Pubudu De Silva, and Industrial Development Board Sri Lanka Chairman Dr. Saranga Alahapperuma shared their expertise. The panellists addressed a range of critical topics that are pivotal to the future of the textile industry. Discussions included academia, corporate angle, brand perspective and policy making, and local and international frameworks. 

The second session of the summit covered “Chemical Management Framework in the Textile Industry and Future of Fashion” where Society of Dyers and Colourists (SDC) United Kingdom Trustee Board Member and BluWin Senior Technical Marketing Officer Dr. Siva Pariti and ZDHC Foundation South Asia Director and Competence Centres Director Prasad Pant spoke extensively about the drive towards safer chemistry and circularity. 

The third session featured a technical presentation, including “Merging Sustainable Technical Solutions on the Textile and Apparel Industry”. During this session, Matter UK CEO Adam Root covered the topic of “Innovative Solutions for Microfibre Detachment in the Fashion Industry”, Senior Principal Scientist Dr. Nuwan De Silva spoke extensively about “Technology Integration for Sustainable Textile Production and Future of Fashion”, and HSBC Solutions Structuring, South and Southeast Asia, Global Trade Solutions Regional Head Rakesh Patwari spoke on “Climate Financing and Green Economy”.

As a leader in the export market, Teejay not only contributes significantly to export revenue, but also upholds its responsibility as a corporate entity by positioning Sri Lanka as an ethical sourcing hub on the global stage. Teejay, as the first multinational knit fabric mill in Sri Lanka, has made remarkable progress in its sustainability journey, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to preserving the planet.

Commenting on the summit, Teejay Group CEO Pubudu De Silva said: “At Teejay, sustainability is not just a goal; it’s a core value that guides every aspect of our business. Our commitment to a greener future is reflected in the innovative practices we implement and the collaborations we foster across the industry. Hosting Sri Lanka’s first-ever Sustainability Summit in the textile industry is a testament to our leadership and dedication to driving change. By bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators, we will explore solutions for a greener future for textiles. We believe that by setting benchmarks today, we are paving the way for a more sustainable tomorrow.”

Adding further, Engineering and Sustainability Deputy General Manager Mendaka Hettithanthri said: “Our journey towards sustainability is fuelled by a relentless pursuit of excellence to protect our planet. Every step we take is aimed at minimising our environmental footprint while maximising positive impact. Teejay’s efforts on sustainability are intertwined, ensuring that innovation goes hand in hand with environmental stewardship. By integrating cutting-edge technology with sustainable practices, we are redefining the future of textile manufacturing.”

Teejay’s inaugural summit was a testament to its pioneering spirit in sustainability, setting the stage for future initiatives that will continue to advance the industry’s sustainability agenda.