By: Staff Writer
October 08, Colombo (LNW): Hayleys Fabric PLC, Sri Lanka’s largest textile manufacturer, has been honored with the prestigious ZDHC Torchbearer Award for its outstanding leadership in sustainable chemical management.
The award was presented by Prasad Pant, ZDHC South Asia Region Director, at the fifth ZDHC South Asia Regional Conference on Sustainable Chemical Management in the Fashion Industry, held in Chennai, India, on September 25.
Hayleys Fabric’s HR and Administration Executive Director, Prasanna Pathirana, accepted the award on behalf of the company, highlighting its dedication to creating a safer and more sustainable textile industry. The company’s role as the Gold sponsor of the conference further underscored its commitment to promoting sustainable chemical practices.
The ZDHC Foundation, a global non-profit, aims to eliminate harmful chemicals from the textile, apparel, and footwear industries, striving for a sustainable supply chain that safeguards the environment and human health.
The foundation collaborates with leading brands, retailers, manufacturers, and suppliers worldwide to develop and implement standards and tools for sustainable chemical management.
A signatory member of the ZDHC Foundation since 2021, Hayleys Fabric has been actively involved in the ZDHC ‘Roadmap to Zero’ (RtZ) program since 2015, showcasing its long-term dedication to environmental sustainability.
At the conference, Dunstan Weragala, Head of Compliance at Hayleys Fabric, shared insights on how the ZDHC RtZ program has significantly contributed to the company’s sustainability objectives.
Significantly, Hayleys Fabric is the first and only Sri Lankan textile manufacturer to receive the ZDHC Torchbearer Award, marking a major milestone for the country’s textile industry. This recognition highlights Hayleys Fabric’s leading role in implementing the ZDHC ‘Supplier to Zero’ program, which focuses on sustainable chemical management across the supply chain.
In his acceptance speech, Pathirana acknowledged the pivotal role played by Hayleys Fabric’s Managing Director and CEO, Rohan Goonetilleke, whose support has been instrumental in driving the company’s sustainability journey.
He also praised the relentless efforts of the Compliance Division, led by Weragala, and the DGM Compliance, who have been key in advancing the company’s progress in sustainable practices through the ZDHC initiatives.
Hayleys Fabric PLC’s commitment to sustainable chemical management is a core element of its broader sustainability vision, embedded in the Hayleys Life code.
By prioritizing eco-friendly practices, the company contributes to a safer and more responsible textile supply chain, in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.
This accolade not only reinforces Hayleys Fabric PLC’s position as a leader in sustainable textile manufacturing in Sri Lanka but also sets a benchmark for other industry players to follow in their pursuit of environmental stewardship.
