Sri Lanka’s largest textile manufacturer, Hayleys Fabric, hosted its inaugural
Sustainability Forum ‘Nature’, showcasing a new generation of home-grown
innovations with the potential to enable greater circularity in fashion globally.
Drawing together an array of distinguished industry stakeholders, the event served
as a platform for Hayleys Fabric to demonstrate the versatile form and function of
extensive collection of innovative textiles – each with their own unique innovations in
sustainability, as well as the systemic optimisations made across the manufacturing
process in pursuit of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for
2030.
“Even though Sri Lanka contributes 0.03% to global pollution, it is still vulnerable to
climate change given that it is one of the 33 global biodiversity hotspots. As the
Ministry of Environment, we have set strict measures to counteract these changes
but this is not a journey we can take alone. We need the support of all stakeholders,
including corporates who are driving a green and circular economy. This is also a
great opportunity for local businesses to capture and be a part of global supply
chains which are striving to be green,” Chief Guest of the forum, Secretary to the
Ministry of Environment, Dr. Anil Jasinghe said.
Hayleys Group Chairman and Chief Executive Mohan Pandithage together with
members of the Hayleys Group Management Committee were present at the forum.
“The UNSDGs are especially relevant for nations like Sri Lanka. Global apparel
brands require socially responsible supply chain partners who act on this priority and
demonstrate transparency. We view this as an opportunity to create sustainable
innovations that can transform the global fashion industry from having one of the
largest environmental footprints into a truly sustainable, circular model. In this
manner, we hope to strengthen the fabric of society by knitting together a better
environment for all,” Hayleys Fabric Managing Director Rohan Goonetilleke said.
The highlight of the evening was a fashion show showcasing Hayleys
Fabric’s innovative product range for its global and local partners. Hosted by the
manufacturer’s in-house design teams the segment launched four new collections,
namely; Re-cyclo (active wear) The Refuse (athleisure), Mid-Night (casual wear) and
The Tone of Nature (sleep wear).
“Re-cyclo” displayed a wide range of applications of self-coloured yarns and piece
dyeing methods using 100% Recycled Polyester from PET waste in dyed and
undyed forms.
Press Release
Utilising recycled cotton and recycled polyester from post-consumer and pre-
consumer garment wastes, Hayleys Fabric showcased innovation at its best in “The
Refuse” bringing the 3R concept ‘Reduce, reuse and recycle’ into action.
Offering a glimpse into sustainable fashion, a wide range of Casual Wear designed
from undyed materials were showcased with the Mid-Night collection, including
innovative print techniques, such as black print made from charcoal – recycled from
biomass waste.
“The Tone of Nature” collection included a Sleep Wear comfort range packed with
regenerated cellulosic materials and natural dyes extracted from raw materials and
natural waste, processed by in-house experts.
Jasinghe
Fashion show at the sustainability forum
