Brandix's Giritale plant gets M&S' Eco Factory Attribute

Strategically making use of its natural surroundings, Brandix's Giritale plant secured the M&S Eco Factory Attribute awarded under the latter's 'Plan A' initiative, by significantly reducing its emissions and consumption of resources.

Overall energy consumption was cut by 30 per cent. Fuel consumption too has been reduced by 20 per cent through redesigned boiler and steam distributors which run entirely on biomass. As a result, the overall carbon footprint of the factory has shrunk by 15 per cent. Water consumption has declined by 25 per cent, and the plant now recycles 100 per cent of its solid waste.

"Sustainability through minimal use of natural resources, eco-friendly waste management and ecological preservation are inextricably woven into the very fabric of our business, and we are proud of the Giritale plant's achievement," said Dhananjaya Rajapaksha, CEO of Brandix Casualwear. "It is noteworthy that the factory has successfully adopted international best practices in environmental preservation, while ensuring favourable working conditions for all associates."

Brandix Casualwear Giritale is the third Brandix Group factory in Sri Lanka and the fifth Group factory overall, to be conferred the M&S Eco Factory Attribute. Two other Brandix factories at Ja-Ela and Koggala have received the M&S 'Ethical Factory Attribute.'

Situated opposite the scenic Giritale Tank in the Polonnaruwa District, the factory experiences a natural draft all year round, which has been optimally channelled through the factory via an improved mechanical ventilation system, thereby replacing conventional air conditioning systems. The Margosa (Kohomba) trees surrounding the facility act as a natural cooling filter for the incoming draft.

Meanwhile, special prismatic skylights have been fitted to the roof to allow only the passage of solar light without the accompanying heat. Sophisticated new Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are used as task lights to illuminate the sewing machines at needlepoint, supplementing the natural light provided by the skylights. T5 lighting has been installed for use only on cloudy or rainy days.

Energy requirements in the kitchen are supplied through solar heaters.

Among the procedures adopted to conserve water are the use of push button taps, low-flow water fixtures and the introduction of a sewerage treatment plant and a tertiary filtration system which allows the water to be recycled and re-used for toilet flushing and gardening. As the factory is located opposite the Giritale tank, a rainwater harvesting system is not necessary since water from the tank can be used as and when required, Mr. Rajapaksha explained.