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

An online monitoring system has been installed to screen the facility's level of energy consumption. In keeping with the factory's eco-friendly ethos, all associates are encouraged to use push bicycles as a mode of transport to and from work, under an initiative partly funded by Brandix. Currently, the growing fleet comprises of 50 bicycles, and parking facilities are provided in the form of bike sheds. Primarily a manufacturer of apparel for the Marks & Spencer label, the Brandix Giritale factory provides employment to over 600 associates.

Earlier this year, a Brandix Casualwear factory in Bangladesh also received an 'Eco Factory Attribute' from Marks & Spencer, and was the first apparel factory in that country to achieve this status.

Marks & Spencer's 'Plan A' initiative was launched in January 2007 to combat climate change, reduce waste, use sustainable raw materials, trade ethically, and help customers to lead healthier lifestyles. It encourages suppliers around the world to make their supply chains carbon neutral through Green manufacturing processes.

Sri Lanka's single largest apparel exporter, Brandix was the first apparel manufacturer in the world to receive the ISO 50001 certification for the energy management systems of its Eco Centre at Seeduwa. In 2008, this signature facility became the first apparel factory in the world to receive Platinum rating from the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System of the US Green Building Council (USGBC). To date, four Brandix business units have received LEED certification.

The Brandix Group is credited with being the pioneer of the concept of 'total solutions' in Sri Lanka's apparel sector and as a global leader in eco-friendly manufacturing operations. It is supported by 42 facilities in Sri Lanka, India and Bangladesh. The Apparel sector giant recently released its maiden Sustainability Report, the first by a private company in Sri Lanka. The report highlights the eco targets achieved to date, and with the introduction of the Brandix Eco Index next year, the Company sets out its aim for a further 20 per cent reduction in the Group's environmental footprint by 2020.

Brandix Group