Lanka emerging as global leader in eco-friendly manufacture - Brandix

Sri Lanka’s apparel industry is believed to be on the threshold of becoming a leader in eco-friendly manufacture on the global stage, and one industry leader yesterday pledged to spend Rs. 2.7 billion over the next four years to place the country on the world map as a location for environmental best practice.

Speaking at inauguration of the country’s first converted Green Factory, Brandix CEO Ashroff Omar said Sri Lanka is already ahead of many of its competitors in the region in eco-friendly manufacture, and has gained international recognition as a major location for ethical manufacturing.

“Over the next four years, the Brandix Group plans to invest US$ 25 million, more than Rs. 2.7 billion on environmental initiatives. There can be no better demonstration of our commitment to eco-friendly manufacture,” Omar said. “We are confident about the future prospects for Sri Lanka’s apparel industry.”

Reflecting the importance of the event was the presence at the inauguration of Sir Stuart Rose, Chief Executive, Marks & Spencer, and Ministers Professor G. L. Peiris and Dr. Sarath Amunugama.

In his address, Sir Stuart said: “We are delighted to support the ‘eco-factory’ developed by Brandix, which will produce great quality clothing for M&S customers back in the UK.

Not only has it reduced its carbon footprint since its renovation, it has also reduced its energy usage, uses less water and no longer sends waste to landfill. It will also continue to produce great quality clothing - what our customers would expect from M&S.”

The 130,000 square-foot Brandix Casualwear factory at Seeduwa is the Group’s lead manufacturing plant for Marks & Spencer (M&S) and its conversion at a cost of US $ 2.5 million into a ‘Green’ plant, has resulted in a reduction of carbon emissions by 75 per cent, an energy saving of 45 per cent and a reduction of water consumption of nearly 60 per cent.