Hayleys Fabric PLC has solidified its status as a trailblazer in sustainable textiles, becoming the first Sri Lankan company to be featured in a case study on the prestigious Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) website. This recognition comes on the heels of the company’s recent win at the International Quality Awards 2024, where it earned the ‘Sustainability Impact’ award.
As a leader in the shift towards sustainability in the textile industry, Hayleys Fabric is committed to pioneering eco-friendly innovations and responsible production methods. The company’s recognition on the GOTS platform highlights its dedication to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices.
Managing Director and CEO Rohan Goonetilleke expressed pride in the company’s achievements, stating, “The global shift towards sustainability in textiles is part of a fundamental transformation urgently needed across all resource-intensive industries. Hayleys Fabric’s recognition on the GOTS platform is a testament to our unwavering commitment to these responsible practices and environmental stewardship.”
Hayleys Fabric produces over 3 million metres of fabric monthly and boasts an annual turnover of $72 million. Since earning GOTS certification in 2014, the company has adhered to the stringent environmental and social criteria set by the standard. GOTS is the world’s leading processing standard for organic textiles and fibres, requiring manufacturers to use at least 70% certified organic fibres and adhere to strict regulations on chemical inputs and waste management.
The company’s innovative approach to sustainability includes producing sustainable products like mahogany dye from furniture waste and black dye from biomass waste. Additionally, Hayleys Fabric has developed its own brand of fabric through its Innovation Centre, further showcasing its commitment to eco-friendly practices.
Hayleys Fabric also emphasizes maintaining a sustainable supply chain by ensuring sustainable sourcing practices through rigorous environmental and social compliance screening for its raw material suppliers. Social criteria, including fair labour practices and safe working conditions, are also a priority for the company. Certified and compliant with ISO 45001 since December 2020, Hayleys Fabric operates a 100% women-only knitting plant at Wagawatta, offering a supportive work environment with dedicated medical facilities.
Beyond its certification achievements, Hayleys Fabric actively participates in various environmental and social CSR projects, cementing its role as a leader in sustainable textile manufacturing. The company’s green belt and biodiversity wetland park adjacent to its facility serve as a sanctuary for nearly 300 species of flora and fauna and double as an educational and research hub for local schools and universities.
This milestone underscores Hayleys Fabric’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and positions the company as a global leader in responsible textile production.