'Garments Without Guilt' – Creating ripples across the globe

30 May '09

7 min read

“The Brandix Green Revolution (or “Haritha Peraliya” in Sinhala) was launched in July '07 at the Green Factory and subsequently across the Group in order to build awareness among our Associates about global warming, the effects of climate change and the importance of energy conservation. A rally with a series of activities was also conducted in May '07 at the Green Plant to drive the 'Green Message' to all our Associates.

Some of the Environmental initiatives undertaken at our Geen plant in Seeduwa:
•Introduction of sophisticated new air-conditioning systems and redesigned ducting
•Special prismatic material used for skylights in the roof
•Sophisticated new light emitting diodes (LED's) used as task lights provide light to the sewing machines at needle point
•A new rain water direct harvesting system with a collection capacity of 114,000 litres
•Zero solid waste disposal by recycling or reusing 100% of the solid waste produced
•Transportation within the premises by electric vehicles
•An advanced intelligent Building Management System (first of its' kind in a garment factory) controlling relative humidity and carbon dioxide levels
•Substantially increased green areas in the gardens.

“The company intends to replicate the key learnings and achievements from this concept across the rest of the Group. We will also be implementing an Environmental Management System across the entire Group by mid 2009. Once implemented, the system will clearly outline the responsibilities associated with achieving and maintaining compliance with environmental regulations.

“Other initiatives in the pipeline are the implementation of an efficient air conditioning system and the improvement of the use natural lighting across the entire Group. Another activity we hope to implement will be to maintain an Environmental Diary among our Associates, where they will document all of their environmental activities on a daily basis and each of them will be evaluated quarterly. In addition, we hope to produce carbon audited products in the future as one of our environmental initiatives”.

Mr Masakorala said, “JAAF, having identified this competitive advantage, took the bold step to position the industry on the ethical and sustainable platform with its brand message – Sri Lanka Apparel – 'Garments Without Guilt'. In its efforts to further solidify its positioning, the industry has undertaken to audit its own Code of Conduct using SGS. Currently over 100 factories are certified under the 'Garments Without Guilt' Certification. As stated previously, the efforts made towards the sustainable means of production are driven by the manufacturers in line with their own inherent thinking as in the past. JAAF's role includes supporting, expanding and communicating these efforts”.

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India