Apparel

March 15, 2024

The-LCY-Store-at-OGF-Mall-L3-Store-No.-25-LBN.jpeg

LCY, a brand synonymous with manufacturing high-quality men’s polos of international standards, has proudly dominated the local market for the past three decades. Mastering the craft of polo manufacturing with top-notch materials and contemporary designs, LCY now debuts its highly anticipated Women’s Polo Range, ‘LCY for Her.’ This collection offers a diverse range of polos, catering to the multifaceted lifestyle of today’s modern woman.

Speaking of the launch, Hussain Jiffry, Director, LCY, stated: “As a brand that has been defining the polo experience for over a decade, LCY takes immense pride in continuously innovating and delivering the highest quality with each range offered. The launch of LCY Women’s Polo ‘LCY for Her’ marks a significant milestone for us, as we cater to a new segment and embrace inclusivity. It symbolises our commitment to evolving with the times while staying true to our core values of excellence and inclusiveness.”

The LCY Women’s Polo Collection boasts affordability and suitability for tropical climates. Designed for comfort and versatility, these polos seamlessly transition from day to night, offering women a stylish yet practical wardrobe staple. The materials chosen prioritise comfort, ensuring a luxurious feel against the skin. The range of women’s work polo shirts features designs suitable for every occasion.

Highlighting the range, Harindi Hettiarachchi, Brand Manager, LCY commented: “Our team dedicated significant time to develop designs and select the perfect solid colours and prints that complement the versatility and elegance of women. The result is a collection that truly resonates with today’s modern woman’s lifestyle. Moreover, this collection is also truly unique as it’s not just for women, but also by women. It’s a collection for women, designed by women, and made by women. Behind every stitch and every design, there’s a team of creative and talented women dedicated to bringing this vision to life.”

LCY’s ‘LCY for Her’ collection is now available nationwide at major fashion retailers and at the flagship store at One Galle Face Mall. Customers can also conveniently purchase the collection online through the website www.lcy.lk, embracing strength, sophistication, and empowerment through every polo shirt.

February 27, 2024

Crocodile, the esteemed fashion brand celebrated for its timeless designs and unwavering commitment to quality, proudly introduces its latest venture: Crocodile Kids for Boys. The launch event, held recently at One Galle Face Mall, was an exciting and full of engaging activities for the young attendees. It marked a significant milestone for Crocodile as it ventured into the realm of children’s fashion, bringing forth a collection that combines playful styles, vibrant colours, and utmost comfort.

For over 70 years, Crocodile has been a prominent name in global fashion. Established in Sri Lanka in 2008, the company has grown into a premium brand, known for its quality and excellence. With wide selection of fashion available for men, women and now boys, Crocodile is renowned in the world of fashion and has set extraordinarily high standards in Sri Lanka over the years.

Mr Ahmed Ikram, Chief Business Officer of Crocodile Sri Lanka, said. ” We are thrilled to introduce Crocodile Kids for Boys, a collection that embodies the essence of childhood joy and style. Crafted with the same precision and care that defines Crocodile, this collection promises to revolutionize the way young boys dress, offering them an array of fashionable options that reflect their personality and energy.”

The launch event saw a host of kids and parents exploring the diverse range of clothing meticulously curated for boys. From trendy t-shirts to smart casuals, each garment was created with the exemplary Crocodile charm, blending contemporary flair with timeless elegance.

In addition to One Galle Face Mall, the Crocodile Kids for Boys Collection is also available at the Flagship outlet at Duplication Road, Pelawatte, Marino Mall, and Dharmapala Mawatha Outlets.

Crocodile continues to captivate fashion enthusiasts worldwide with its unparalleled craftsmanship and commitment Crocodile hopes to keep consistently growing with innovative designs and uncompromising quality.

January 26, 2024

Landmark acquisition signifies the first time a Sri Lankan apparel manufacturer has acquired a brand management company in one of its key markets.

25 January 2024, Colombo, Sri Lanka: In a landmark move for the Sri Lankan apparel industry, Hela Apparel Holdings PLC has announced the acquisition of a major UK-based apparel brand licensing house. The company, which currently trades under the name Focus Brands, is a market leader in the design, sourcing, distribution and promotion of sports fashion and lifestyle apparel brands. It currently holds exclusive licensing agreements for the design and distribution of a number of major apparel brands, including Ellesse and Nautica, in the UK, European Union and other global markets. Hela has acquired a 100% shareholding in the company from JD Sports Fashion PLC, one of the world’s leading global omnichannel retailers of sports, fashion, and outdoor brands with 3,400 stores across 38 countries.

Through the acquisition, Hela has taken the first major step in its strategy to become a fully vertically integrated service provider for the apparel sector. Focus Brands will form the basis for the organisation’s new brand licensing division, which will initially operate independently of the existing apparel manufacturing business. The transaction also marks the first time a Sri Lankan apparel manufacturer has acquired a brand management company in one of its key markets, moving Hela significantly closer to its end customer and expanding its range of services to brand marketing and distribution.

Sharing his thoughts on the acquisition, A. R. Rasiah, Chairman of Hela Apparel Holdings PLC, said “The addition of Focus Brands to the Hela Group is a watershed moment for us as an organisation. We see immense potential to build significant synergies with our existing manufacturing business, supported by the addition of a Focus Brands well-experienced team of over 200 who have a proven track record of successfully growing major apparel brands. We intend to leverage their renowned design, product development, marketing, and distribution capabilities to further elevate Hela’s offering to its existing customers across the industry.”

The acquisition will expand Hela’s global presence through Focus Brands’ six state-of-the-art product showrooms located in London, Manchester, Berlin, Munich, Düsseldorf, and Amsterdam, alongside a sourcing office in China. The company’s service offering to its customers will be further strengthened through a network of warehousing facilities in the UK and Europe, placing Hela in a distinctively advantageous position within the industry.

Dr Alastair Alderton, Co-Chairman and Non-Executive Director of Hela Apparel Holdings PLC, and CEO of Rianta Capital, a London-based investment advisory firm with a strong footprint in the global fashion industry and representatives of Hela’s largest shareholder, added his thoughts on the acquisition. “The global apparel industry as we know, has changed drastically. The demands of consumers are evolving at a rapid pace and geopolitical volatility is increasing, which calls for much closer collaboration and harnessing of synergies between apparel brands and trusted manufacturers. Through this acquisition, Hela will gain closer access to its end-consumer and be able to provide truly comprehensive solutions to the brands it serves. We look forward to supporting Hela on this journey with Rianta Capital’s market-leading expertise in forward-looking consumer apparel businesses.”

Hela Apparel Holdings PLC provides sustainability-focused apparel supply chain solutions. The company works closely with global brands, from design to delivery in the intimate, active and kids wear product categories. With 10 manufacturing facilities across four countries and a workforce of over 17,000 across the globe, Hela leads the industry in ethical and sustainable working environments.

December 14, 2023

Commends resilience of SMEs with zero-closures; urgent support imperative to boost recovery

13^th December 2023: The Sri Lanka Chamber of Garment Exporters (SLCGE) commended the remarkable resilience of its apparel SME membership for rapidly adapting to tough global market conditions and ending the year with zero closures.

As the apex body for SMEs in the apparel sector, the SLCGE comprises 76 members – all of which operate outside of Sri Lanka’s Free Trade Zones (FTZ). “Over the past year, our industry has been hit hard with the 20% reduction in orders,” stated SLCGE Chairman Bandula Fernando. “SME apparel producers are among the worst impacted. However, they have also been among the first and fastest to respond to market contractions. Hence, even as the order book contracted, they have ensured that all existing orders have been completely fulfilled to the highest quality standards.

Their success in these trying times is a phenomenal achievement and a testament to their resilience and adaptability. But it is now imperative that our industry, the Government and all stakeholders work together to support a rapid recovery in the SME apparel sector.”

He added that the industry’s first priority was to double-down on trade facilitation in order to strengthen market access for these SMEs to at least get to the same level their regional competitors currently enjoy.

“Sri Lanka’s largest apparel firms have already set their sights on high-value niches in new and emerging markets across the globe. While these larger firms already have most of the capital, marketing, logistical and innovative capacity required to break into these markets, apparel SMEs are much more reliant on Government-Government engagement, trade concessions and facilitation to secure similar opportunities. “

He added: “While these SMEs have certainly been hit hard by the 20% reduction in orders, they can also benefit first and fastest from any progress we can drive in opening up new markets for them to compete in. We urge all stakeholders to add their support to this vital effort.”

Responding to concerns over a reported 20% reduction in apparel sector jobs over the past 12 months, Fernando explained how the SLCGE’s members had successfully mitigated the worst impacts on jobs and livelihoods by avoiding retrenchment. “Instead, we placed a freeze on new hires,” he explained.

“The majority of the 20% reduction in employment from the apparel sector was contained to natural attrition, which in turn prevented the mass job losses that had been the cause of much speculation over the past year. Some companies did request employees to stay at home, but these decisions are made in discussion with the individuals involved and responsible authorities, ensuring arrangements are in place to minimize impact on their livelihoods.

“But there is no question that all of these are stop-gap measures. As an industry that accounts for half of all national exports, we cannot afford to simply sit back and wait for a gradual recovery. We have to take proactive steps to uncover new and untapped opportunities, with special emphasis on how apparel SMEs can be integrated into these supply chains on an urgent basis. We call on our industry colleagues, the Government, regional partners, and the entire global apparel industry to support this vital endeavour,” Fernando stated.

The majority of Sri Lankan apparel SMEs primarily export to the United States, United Kingdom, EU and India, reflecting the industry’s regional partnerships. To address these challenges, the SLCGE has taken proactive measures, engaging in direct market access initiatives through buyer and consumer engagement. In particular, the Chamber is focused on strategic exploration of untapped markets in East Europe, the Middle East and East Asia.

“Factories are eager to diversify their market presence and identify new opportunities in non-traditional markets with growth potential. It is essential that we help apparel SMEs to increase their visibility and network in these emerging markets, encouraging them to participate in trade exhibitions, showcase their capabilities and establish new commercial partnerships.”

Fernando asserted that locally, Sri Lanka needs to move ahead with the difficult but essential work of improving ease of doing business and investing in technology and R&D to strengthen productivity and competitiveness. “In this manner we need to establish a new value proposition for Sri Lankan apparel that leverages on our unique strengths as an integrated sustainable, ethical manufacturing hub for global apparel brands to drive an industry-wide resurgence.”

December 12, 2023

Ritz Clothing, a longstanding and respected player in Sri Lanka’s apparel sector, traces its roots back to the visionary initiation of the 200 Factories project of the early 1990s by the late President Mr. Ranasinghe Premadasa. At the helm of this dynamic enterprise, Mr. Chandrasena Kodikara, has and continues to play a pivotal role in developing factories across the country. Notably, as a visionary businessman and community leader, Mr. Kodikara has acquired and revived many factories and value chains, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the industry.

Founded in 2012 with the acquisition of its inaugural plant in Nikaweratiya, Ritz Clothing’s journey has been one of resilience, driven by an ambitious vision. Mr. Kodikara’s leadership, supported by the strategic manoeuvring of Managing Director, Mrs. Punsisi Kodikara, has propelled the organization to remarkable heights. Now comprising of six production facilities manned by a team of over 4,500 Humbuluwa individuals, Ritz Clothing stands as an exceptional example of economic empowerment, particularly in rural communities. Meanwhile, its Nikaweretiya Factory has recently undergone a comprehensive overhaul with significant investments, increasing its capacity from 380 machines to 550 machines, and providing employment opportunities to a further 300+ people.

The company’s broader expansion trajectory commenced in 2014, coinciding with Mrs. Punsisi Kodikara’s entry as Managing Director. Rapid expansions in Magallegama, Polpithigama, Alawwa, Humbuluwa, and Yapahuwa underscore the company’s commitment to sustainably growing the scale of its operations. Meanwhile, Mr. Risitha Kodikara, who joined the Senior Management Team in subsequent years, spearheaded the transformation of Ritz Clothing Yapahuwa and Nikaweratiya, infusing US $4.5 million and $3 million, respectively, into these endeavours.

The grand opening of the Nikaweratiya factory was held on the 18^th of November 2023. Officials representing the key brands were present at the event which includes Sanmar, Next, Triupmh, MGF and Lidl.

As part of its strategic vision, Ritz Clothing has also unveiled plans for the Polpithigama Factory, set to accommodate 2,000 machines with operations slated to commence in July 2024. Magallegama, another forthcoming expansion, will consolidate all intimate wear solutions within one expansive facility.

Mr. Nalin Amarasena, Group CEO at Ritz Clothing emphasized, “Our journey thus far has allowed us to expand our global reach, whilst empowering our local communities. With factories in multiple regions, we’ve accessed new markets, diversified our customer base, and amplified our presence, worldwide. This commitment to global impact and local value creation is underpinned by our production capacity of 3.2 million garments per month, meticulously crafted using the finest materials and most modern machinery. Driven by a quest for quality and excellence, we are working to consistently transcend the norm and deliver outstanding experiences for our customers.”

Quality is the signature of Ritz Clothing, driven by a dedication to making the world a better place. Accordingly, sustainability lies at the heart of the company’s endeavours, driving its journey towards becoming a leader in the industry. The company is also dedicated towards its communities, with a number of ongoing social upliftment programmes and women’s empowerment initiatives. In crafting experiences, fostering economic empowerment, and embracing sustainability, Ritz Clothing has positioned itself not just as an industry leader but as a transformative force shaping the future of apparel manufacturing in Sri Lanka and beyond.

December 12, 2023

In Sri Lanka’s textile sector, a deep-rooted tradition in natural dyeing spans centuries and is intertwined with the nation’s rich textile heritage. The country’s abundant biodiversity has yielded a diverse range of botanical resources, providing a wealth of natural pigments essential to the garment industry. From vivid shades sourced from turmeric, indigo, and madder root to the earthy tones derived from catechu and the vibrant yellows of turmeric, Sri Lanka’s legacy in natural dyes remains a pivotal component of its textile exports. This innovation aligns with global sustainability trends, positioning Sri Lanka as a hub for eco-friendly textile production. Key industry players in the Sri Lankan Apparel Industry, such as Hayleys Fabric PLC, Noyon Private Limited, Dynawash, and Ocean Lanka lead this movement, leveraging natural dyes to cater to international markets increasingly prioritizing environmentally responsible products.

Hayleys Fabric PLC’s Warna by Mahogany Innovation
Hayleys Fabric is at the forefront of eco-conscious fashion, revolutionizing a new era in sustainable textiles. Its commitment to sustainability is vividly portrayed through organic, eco-friendly fabrics woven from natural dyes. Collaborating with nature, the Company has harnessed the power of Neem, Thulsi and a selection of natural dyes derived from pomegranate, mulberry, Mexican marigold, Mahogany wood and black clutch, expanding the horizons of environmentally friendly textiles. This dedication to minimizing environmental impact extends to water treatment practices, earning Hayleys Fabric prestigious accolades for their holistic approach to responsible production.

Recognized among the Top 10 global innovations at ISPO Textrends Spring/Summer 2024, Hayleys Fabric’s ‘Warna by Mahogany’ is the natural dye innovation that has become an industry game changer. Representing one of Sri Lanka’s initial advancements in eco-friendly fabrics on the esteemed ISPO Textrends platform, this acknowledgement solidifies the nation’s leadership in sustainable circular fabric sourcing particularly in sports apparel. This ground-breaking innovation uses waste from the local furniture industry to extract dyes, pioneering a transformative waste-to-fashion initiative.

The company recently earned recognition for its ‘Midnight by Charcoal’ range, a novel collection of textiles featuring organic prints from biomass charcoal waste. In collaboration with its subsidiary, South Asia Textile Private Limited, the ‘Midnight’ range received international acclaim, securing a spot among the ‘Top 10 Innovations in the Street Sports’ category at ISPO Munich. This marks the second time in the past year that a Sri Lankan innovation in eco-friendly fabric dyes from the Hayleys Fabric Group has been acknowledged by ISPO.

The exclusive mahogany dye, offering 16 hybrid colors across diverse fabric compositions, meets stringent international standards and is free from harmful chemicals, ensuring both the wearer’s safety and that of the environmental. With an impact lifecycle assessment revealing a 36% positive environmental impact compared to synthetic dyes, it is evident that Warna champions sustainability. Its residual waste repurposed for fertilizer production embodies circularity, while embracing multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals underscores its commitment to responsible production, innovation, clean water, and climate action.

Driving environmentally-friendly product development further is Hayleys Fabric’s INNO brand which strives to introduce eco-conscious, stylish and functional fabrics to global markets. With a robust textile manufacturing history and a significant presence in the apparel sector, Hayleys Fabric PLC remains a beacon of sustainability, showcasing excellence across design and production.

Noyon Lanka Private Limited’s Planetones

As a subsidiary of MAS Holdings, Noyon Lanka has revolutionized sustainable dyeing with its innovative ‘Planetones’. This 100% natural dye range, accredited with the prestigious ‘Eco Dye Standard’ by the Control Union, marks a significant stride in environmentally conscious dyeing methods. Planetones does not use any metal modent in the dye formulation. Offering a palette of over 50 vibrant colours for polyamides, this solution covers 90% of the colour spectrum barring a brilliant white and jet black. This product is applicable to fabric, elastics, lace, nylon-coated trims and accessories as well as applications such as garment wash. This innovation is not limited to just vibrant hues but extends to substantial environmental impact through its dyeing process, as assessed by “Bluwin”, with over 50% reductions in water consumption, energy usage, GHG emissions, positioning ‘Planetones’ as the benchmark for eco-friendly dyeing practices in the industry. Their adherence to stringent eco-standards including ZDHC and Oeko-Tex underpin the Company’s dedication to following this environmentally friendly dyeing legacy solution.

Whilst the raw material is a 100% natural sourced from plant extracts, the auxiliaries part of the dye process is bio-based, making it a 100% sustainable product offering, setting an exemplary benchmark for sustainable dyeing practices within the industry.

Planetones was ranked top 5, under the “Accelerated Eco” category, at the spring/summer 2025 edition of the ISPO Textrends Awards.

Dynawash’s T Hues

T Hues, recently granted a patent in India, represents an innovative leap in Sri Lanka’s textile industry, ushering in a new era of sustainable garment dyeing. Born from a collaborative effort between SLINTEC, Unilever, and Dynawash, this innovation utilizes tea waste to create a versatile 52-color palette. It features a unique blend comprising 80% natural and 20% synthetic dyes, offering remarkable versatility across various fabric compositions, including cotton, nylon, and blends. What sets T Hues apart is not only its color diversity but also its inherent sustainability attributes, boasting a negative carbon footprint and antimicrobial properties. The initiative also ensures traceability through QR-coded hang tags, assuring consumers of its eco-friendly origins and production processes.

With over US$1 million in orders from several leading international global brands, T Hues has demonstrated the commercial viability of sustainable innovation and has gained confidence from major players on Sri Lanka’s ability to deliver in this sphere.

Certified with the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) in line with ZDHC MRSL standards, T Hues embodies Sri Lanka’s steadfast commitment to sustainable fashion practices. Its use of tea waste as a primary ingredient not only underscores resource efficiency but also highlights the innovative reuse of materials, contributing to a circular economy. The blend of natural and synthetic dyes offers an eco-conscious alternative without compromising on quality or performance, meeting stringent quality standards set by global brands and standards. This showcases a commitment to environmental responsibility and technological advancements, setting benchmarks for sustainable dyeing practices within the industry.

The versatile application of T Hues aligns seamlessly with the evolving demands of environmentally conscious consumers. Its amalgamation of eco-friendliness, quality assurance through certifications like GOTS which is recognized as ZDHC MRSL compliance certification epitomizes Sri Lanka’s proactive approach to revolutionizing sustainable fashion practices. Through its traceability features and commitment to minimizing environmental impact, Dynawash’s T Hues is a testament to innovation, sustainability and excellence in the textile industry.

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Ocean Lanka’s Aqua + Dyeing System

Sri Lanka’s well-known weft knitted fabric manufacturer Ocean Lanka spearheads a sustainable revolution in the textile industry with its groundbreaking ‘Ocean Aqua+’ dyeing system. This innovative technology, indigenous to Ocean Lanka and conceptualized by their proficient Dyeing and Color Lab teams, stands as a testament to the company’s commitment to environmental preservation. Redefining the fabric dyeing process, ‘Ocean Aqua+’ has already made substantial strides in augmenting capacity utilization and productivity while championing environmental conservation. This visionary system is engineered specifically for dyeing deep and vibrant-colored fabrics, ensuring a seamless synergy between eco-consciousness and cost-efficiency.

These reputable Apparel companies, each pioneering their unique approach, collectively paint a vivid picture of Sri Lanka’s commitment to sustainable fashion. With collaborations and partnerships transcending borders from international brands – these initiatives emphasize the global reach and impact of Sri Lanka’s textile industry. Moreover, their integration into platforms like Fashion for Good and Material Connexion amplifies their dedication to global sustainability alliances, positioning Sri Lanka as a beacon of eco-friendly textile practices.

It is evident that with the joint efforts of Hayleys Fabric PLC, Noyon Private Limited, and Dynawash, and Ocean Lanka symbolize the amalgamation of innovation, sustainability, and global partnerships, propelling Sri Lanka’s textile industry towards a future where fashion doesn’t just adorn but also nurtures the planet.

December 7, 2023

FAAMA Chairman emphasizes need for SL to adopt vertical integration in apparel manufacturing
Highlights adverse effects of abolishing Simplified Value Added Tax (SVAT)
Notes sustainability, traceability significant concerns for industry

7^th December 2023: Asserting the importance of vertical integration, Chairman of the Fabric and Apparel Accessory Manufacturers Association (FAAMA), Sahan Rajapakse stated that 50% – 60% of Sri Lanka’s fabric requirement is imported. This dependency on imports prolongs the industry’s lead times and impedes its ability to enhance speed and embrace agile models. Notably, over 40% of these imports consist of cotton, while 70% are composed of synthetic materials.

FAAMA is the governing body of fabric and apparel accessory manufacturers of Sri Lanka and a subsidiary of the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF). The association has over 40 member companies and is the unified voice for the apparel industry’s supply chain, aiding fabric and apparel accessory manufacturers to identify opportunities and work towards improving logistics, policies, and infrastructure.

Rajapakse stressed that bringing in supply chains within domestic factories will help reduce lead times and allow Sri Lanka to compete with countries that already have well-established vertical integration. “Countries such as China, Vietnam and Bangladesh all have vertical integration in place. Having this vertical integration will allow investors to develop the product organically within the local supply chain, resulting in reducing freight charges.”

He reiterated that the fabric and cotton fabric industry have great potential for vertical integration. Currently, 40-50% of the required resources is supplied by companies like Hayleys Fabric, Teejay and Ocean Lanka. The industry’s speciality is the value-added market in terms of the functionality of the fabric.

The fabric and apparel accessory manufacturing industry is also in dire need of government policy support given that it continually battles high electricity and water tariffs which have increased industry operational costs. Rajapakse also highlighted the adverse impact of abolishing the Simplified Value Added Tax (SVAT) can have on the industry including jeopardising the cash flow of businesses. “With the increase of documentation and costs, investors will be discouraged from entering Sri Lanka.”

The industry also sees immense potential for partnerships through foreign direct investment to capitalize on know-how on product and machinery development. “The industry has not had much investment in the past few years,” states Rajapakse. “Improving Sri Lanka’s investment environment can certainly be a tool in strengthening Sri Lanka’s fabric and apparel accessory manufacturing industry and its supply chain.”

He added that expanding the market footprint is an absolute necessity for the industry to maintain product quality and competitiveness. “The US market should be an industry goal while attempting to reach the skilled and ever-evolving markets of China and India. The industry must hold innovation at its core in export diversification and lead through innovation.”

With sustainability and traceability being key in ensuring the customer retention, the industry’s efforts to remain competitive in the global value chain has ensured that 75% of the fabrics produced locally have met sustainability standards. Rajapakse concluded that FAAMA will continue to urge the government to expedite policy support that can drive the industry’s capacity and potential.

December 7, 2023

6^th December 2023: The apex body of the apparel sector, The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), applauds the unprecedented achievements by apparel companies at the 25th Presidential Export Awards. Exhibiting excellence across multiple categories, the industry secured an impressive collection of 31 awards, reaffirming its dedication to innovation, sustainabilityand expanding market horizons.

Organized by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, the awards spanned across 13 categories over the financial years 2021/2022 and 2022/2023. These awards are the pinnacle of recognition conferred by the President of Sri Lanka on exporters who have made exceptional contributions to the country’s export sector and economic advancement.

The accolades achieved by the apparel sector were recognised across several categories, including Best Performing Emerging Exporter, Contributors from the Regions to the Export, Innovative Export Product of the Year, Contributor to Sustainable Development, Market Diversified Exporter, Net Foreign Exchange Earner of the Year and Exporter of the Year.

“The resounding success of the apparel industry at the Presidential Export Awards serves as a testament to the industry’s continuous pursuit of excellence, innovative practices and sustained contribution to the growth and development of Sri Lanka’s export landscape,” said Secretary-General of JAAF Yohan Lawrence.

Leading apparel giants and SMEs recognised at the awards included MAS Active, MAS Intimates, Brandix Apparel, J.K Garments, Dial Textile Industries, Texlan Center, Ocean Lanka, Teejay Lanka, Hela Clothing and Hayleys Fabric.

In a first for the awards, MAS Holdings secured over 16 awards, with MAS Active Trading recognised as the Exporter of the Year. Brandix, meanwhile, was adjudged the leader in Sustainable Development in Exports from Sri Lanka and was acknowledged for its role in the Large Category for Apparel Exports.

Under the sectorial category, J.K. Garments was awarded The Best Exporter – Apparel – Medium, while Hela Apparel Holdings was awarded Overall Award for Best Exporter in Product Diversification and the Sector Award for Best Exporter – Apparel – Medium Category. Dial Textile Industries gained the Merit Award for Apparel-Medium Category.

Ocean Lanka, Hayleys Fabric and Teejay Lanka were recognised for their contribution in the Knitted Fabric Category, while Texlan Center Private Limited was presented with the Best Exporter of the year award in the Hosiery Category.

The Joint Apparel Association Forum congratulates all award winners for this outstanding achievement and remains steadfast in its commitment to empowering its members to boost Sri Lanka’s economy and foster its advancement. These awards serve as added motivation for the industry to persist in its efforts to reach even greater milestones.

December 6, 2023

In Sri Lanka’s textile sector, a deep-rooted tradition in natural dyeing spans centuries and is intertwined with the nation’s rich textile heritage. The country’s abundant biodiversity has yielded a diverse range of botanical resources, providing a wealth of natural pigments essential to the garment industry. From vivid shades sourced from turmeric, indigo, and madder root to the earthy tones derived from catechu and the vibrant yellows of turmeric, Sri Lanka’s legacy in natural dyes remains a pivotal component of its textile exports. This innovation aligns with global sustainability trends, positioning Sri Lanka as a hub for eco-friendly textile production. Key industry players in the Sri Lankan Apparel Industry, such as Hayleys Fabric PLC, Noyon Private Limited, Dynawash, and Ocean Lanka lead this movement, leveraging natural dyes to cater to international markets increasingly prioritizing environmentally responsible products.

Hayleys Fabric PLC’s Warna by Mahogany Innovation
Hayleys Fabric is at the forefront of eco-conscious fashion, revolutionizing a new era in sustainable textiles. Its commitment to sustainability is vividly portrayed through organic, eco-friendly fabrics woven from natural dyes. Collaborating with nature, the Company has harnessed the power of Neem, Thulsi and a selection of natural dyes derived from pomegranate, mulberry, Mexican marigold, Mahogany wood and black clutch, expanding the horizons of environmentally friendly textiles. This dedication to minimizing environmental impact extends to water treatment practices, earning Hayleys Fabric prestigious accolades for their holistic approach to responsible production.

Recognized among the Top 10 global innovations at ISPO Textrends Spring/Summer 2024, Hayleys Fabric’s ‘Warna by Mahogany’ is the natural dye innovation that has become an industry game changer. Representing one of Sri Lanka’s initial advancements in eco-friendly fabrics on the esteemed ISPO Textrends platform, this acknowledgement solidifies the nation’s leadership in sustainable circular fabric sourcing particularly in sports apparel. This ground-breaking innovation uses waste from the local furniture industry to extract dyes, pioneering a transformative waste-to-fashion initiative.

The company recently earned recognition for its ‘Midnight by Charcoal’ range, a novel collection of textiles featuring organic prints from biomass charcoal waste. In collaboration with its subsidiary, South Asia Textile Private Limited, the ‘Midnight’ range received international acclaim, securing a spot among the ‘Top 10 Innovations in the Street Sports’ category at ISPO Munich. This marks the second time in the past year that a Sri Lankan innovation in eco-friendly fabric dyes from the Hayleys Fabric Group has been acknowledged by ISPO.

The exclusive mahogany dye, offering 16 hybrid colors across diverse fabric compositions, meets stringent international standards and is free from harmful chemicals, ensuring both the wearer’s safety and that of the environmental. With an impact lifecycle assessment revealing a 36% positive environmental impact compared to synthetic dyes, it is evident that Warna champions sustainability. Its residual waste repurposed for fertilizer production embodies circularity, while embracing multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals underscores its commitment to responsible production, innovation, clean water, and climate action.

Driving environmentally-friendly product development further is Hayleys Fabric’s INNO brand which strives to introduce eco-conscious, stylish and functional fabrics to global markets. With a robust textile manufacturing history and a significant presence in the apparel sector, Hayleys Fabric PLC remains a beacon of sustainability, showcasing excellence across design and production.

Noyon Private Limited’s Planetones

As a subsidiary of MAS Holdings, Noyon Lanka has revolutionized sustainable dyeing with their innovative ‘Planetones’. This 100% natural dye range, accredited with the prestigious ‘Eco Dye Standard’ by the Control Union, marks a significant stride in environmentally conscious dyeing methods. Offering a palette of over 50 vibrant colours for polyamides, their innovation isn’t limited to just vibrant hues but extends to substantial environmental impact. Their commitment to water solubility and adherence to stringent eco-standards like ZDHC and Oeko-Tex underpin their dedication. Moreover, Noyon’s pioneering approach has resulted in substantial reductions in water consumption, energy usage, CO2 emissions, and chemical footprints, positioning ‘Planetones’ as the benchmark for eco-friendly dyeing practices in the industry. This initiative, resonating beyond mere colour vibrancy, profoundly minimizes water usage, energy consumption, CO2 emissions, and chemical loads, setting an exemplary benchmark for sustainable dyeing practices within the industry.

Dynawash’s T Hues

T Hues, recently granted a patent in India, represents an innovative leap in Sri Lanka’s textile industry, ushering in a new era of sustainable garment dyeing. Born from a collaborative effort between SLINTEC, Unilever, and Dynawash, this innovation utilizes tea waste to create a versatile 52-color palette. It features a unique blend comprising 80% natural and 20% synthetic dyes, offering remarkable versatility across various fabric compositions, including cotton, nylon, and blends. What sets T Hues apart is not only its color diversity but also its inherent sustainability attributes, boasting a negative carbon footprint and antimicrobial properties. The initiative also ensures traceability through QR-coded hang tags, assuring consumers of its eco-friendly origins and production processes.

With over US$1 million in orders from several leading international global brands, T Hues has demonstrated the commercial viability of sustainable innovation and has gained confidence from major players on Sri Lanka’s ability to deliver in this sphere.

Certified with the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) in line with ZDHC MRSL standards, T Hues embodies Sri Lanka’s steadfast commitment to sustainable fashion practices. Its use of tea waste as a primary ingredient not only underscores resource efficiency but also highlights the innovative reuse of materials, contributing to a circular economy. The blend of natural and synthetic dyes offers an eco-conscious alternative without compromising on quality or performance, meeting stringent quality standards set by global brands and standards. This showcases a commitment to environmental responsibility and technological advancements, setting benchmarks for sustainable dyeing practices within the industry.

The versatile application of T Hues aligns seamlessly with the evolving demands of environmentally conscious consumers. Its amalgamation of eco-friendliness, quality assurance through certifications like GOTS which is recognized as ZDHC MRSL compliance certification epitomizes Sri Lanka’s proactive approach to revolutionizing sustainable fashion practices. Through its traceability features and commitment to minimizing environmental impact, Dynawash’s T Hues is a testament to innovation, sustainability and excellence in the textile industry.

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Ocean Lanka’s Aqua + Dyeing System

Sri Lanka’s well-known weft knitted fabric manufacturer Ocean Lanka spearheads a sustainable revolution in the textile industry with its groundbreaking ‘Ocean Aqua+’ dyeing system. This innovative technology, indigenous to Ocean Lanka and conceptualized by their proficient Dyeing and Color Lab teams, stands as a testament to the company’s commitment to environmental preservation. Redefining the fabric dyeing process, ‘Ocean Aqua+’ has already made substantial strides in augmenting capacity utilization and productivity while championing environmental conservation. This visionary system is engineered specifically for dyeing deep and vibrant-colored fabrics, ensuring a seamless synergy between eco-consciousness and cost-efficiency.

These reputable Apparel companies, each pioneering their unique approach, collectively paint a vivid picture of Sri Lanka’s commitment to sustainable fashion. With collaborations and partnerships transcending borders from international brands – these initiatives emphasize the global reach and impact of Sri Lanka’s textile industry. Moreover, their integration into platforms like Fashion for Good and Material Connexion amplifies their dedication to global sustainability alliances, positioning Sri Lanka as a beacon of eco-friendly textile practices.

It is evident that with the joint efforts of Hayleys Fabric PLC, Noyon Private Limited, and Dynawash, and Ocean Lanka symbolize the amalgamation of innovation, sustainability, and global partnerships, propelling Sri Lanka’s textile industry towards a future where fashion doesn’t just adorn but also nurtures the planet.

November 3, 2023

2^nd November 2023: The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), in collaboration with GS1Lanka, recently organized a workshop aimed at introducing Sri Lanka’s apparel industry to the globally recognized GS1 standards. The workshop emphasised the adoption of GS1 Digital Link, cutting-edge technology and a standard for the exchange of product data, currently undergoing trials in Sri Lanka. This workshop is part of a larger GS1 project aiming to help Sri Lankan companies meet evolving and potential new EU Textile Regulation requirements, including the implementation of the Digital Product Passport, and the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act.

GS1, the internationally renowned organisation responsible for managing barcodes, announced that beginning in 2027, traditional barcodes on products will be replaced by a QR code. The shift towards QR codes is driven by the numerous advantages it offers to consumers. These QR codes will not only be a replacement for traditional barcodes but will also be connected to the internet, enhancing consumer experience and information accessibility.

“Annually, regulations result in approximately 9.2 million kilometres of label tape, equivalent to 12 round trips to the moon in a year,” said project Program Director of GSI New Zealand Nick Allison. “The transition to Digital QR labels has the potential to eliminate at least 343,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions from the industry every year. With over 2 million companies employing GS1 standards, over 500 million products currently feature GS1 barcodes worldwide.”

By scanning the new QR code with their smartphones, consumers and retailers will gain access to information about the product, including its origin, composition and ecological footprints. This innovative approach to product labelling is expected to revolutionise how consumers and businesses interact with apparel and other consumer goods.

“We live in an era where consumers are choosing more environmentally friendly products – which means they like to know where their clothing is manufactured, sourced and if it is certified. This is also seen in the regulatory landscape, especially in the EU where transparency and traceability is an important element,” stressed Community Engagement Director (Apparel and General Merchandise) of GS1, Eleanor Gayle. “We are seeing this clarion call from brands, manufacturers and service providers. We need standardization so we can make data access a team sport’,” Gayle added. “It will no longer be that manufacturers operate in one sphere and brands in another; it really has to be a united front, creating a paradigm shift in the supply chain.”

This transformative initiative has also seen the involvement of organizations like TrusTrace, a leading supply chain traceability software solutions provider, which plays a pivotal role in facilitating the transition towards the GS1 Digital Link and QR code system.

Speaking at the workshop, Secretary General of JAAF Yohan Lawrence said “JAAF and GS1 Sri Lanka’s collaborative effort to introduce GS1 standards and GS1 Digital Link represents a significant step forward for the apparel sector in Sri Lanka. It not only ensures compliance with evolving EU regulations but also empowers consumers with greater access to product information, fostering transparency and sustainability within the industry.”

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