(From Left to Right) Edga Melan – Group General Manager Engineering & Sustainability, Ishara Perera - Assistant Manager Sustainability, Lilogini Sutherson – Executive Sustainability, Mendaka Hettithanthri – Senior Manager Engineering

Teejay Lanka PLC is a leading textile manufacturer based in Sri Lanka. The company specializes in producing knitted fabric and operates in both the domestic and international markets. Teejay Lanka PLC is known for its commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability in textile manufacturing. They have a diverse product range and serve various sectors including intimate wear, active wear, and casual wear. Additionally, Teejay Lanka PLC places a strong emphasis on corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, environmental sustainability, and ethical business practices. As a company that has consistently set industry standards in many areas, Teejay considers sustainability as a key area to lead the successful and environmental responsible business.

Teejay Group has a defined roadmap to lead its sustainability journey known as Abhivarah 2030. Abhivarah or ‘environment’ embraces the coexistence of life by upholding nature to bring balance to the ecosystem and undertake every possible measure to conserve natural resources for the next generation, in alignment with the UN SDGs.

Teejay has attained numerous environmental accreditations and certifications, including ISO 14001, ISO 14064, ISO 45001, ISO 90001, GRS, GOTS and OEKO-TEX 100. These certifications demonstrate Teejay's commitment to environmental management, energy efficiency, sustainability, and adherence to rigorous environmental standards.

Furthermore, Teejay Lanka PLC stands out as a pioneer in sustainable and responsible manufacturing practices, firmly committed to preserving the environment through practical strategies. With a robust set of energy conservation tactics, Developed a live Energy Monitoring System with collaborating with Dialog Axiata PLC & University of Moratuwa. Monitor each machine and daily monitor electricity, water, steam consumption at the respective machine and general consumer points and the machine utilization is monitored to enhance energy efficiency. Teejay's facility has committed to the Science-Based Targets initiative, demonstrating a proactive approach to mitigating the impacts of climate change and contributing to global climate goals.

As an industry leader, Teejay had already acquired numerous certifications, but it lacked a certification based on life cycle assessment with transparency and credibility. Type 1 eco-label certifications are awarded to products or services that meet comprehensive environmental criteria verified by an independent third party. These certifications typically cover a wide range of environmental impacts across the entire life cycle of the product or service. After thorough deliberation, Teejay made the strategic decision to pursue the NCPC Eco Label Certification Program. This choice reflected Teejay's unwavering dedication to sustainability and environmental responsibility. As a testament to its commitment, Teejay successfully obtained the Eco Label Type 1 certification. This certification highlights Teejay's pledge to produce products that adhere to rigorous environmental standards across their entire life cycle, further solidifying its position as a leader in sustainable manufacturing.

NCPC-SL Eco Label is the first national green product certification scheme and the most successful and influential Type-I eco labelling program in Sri Lanka. With the support provided by the UN Environment Consumer Information Programme and the technical inputs from Eco Mark, Japan, this program has been initiated. NCPC Eco Label is widely respected and recognized locally and internationally as NCPC is a member of RECP Net and is founded by UNIDO and UNEP. NCPC Eco Label gives consumers, including suppliers and procurement teams, confidence that the products and services have been through an independent third-party assessment.

National Cleaner Production Center (NCPC), Sri Lanka, in collaboration with GIZ, organized the High-level Forum on "Eco Label: One Step, Great Change - Join the Transformation" at the Galadari Hotel on the 14th of February.

The forum was honored by Mr. B.K Prabath Chandrakeerthi, Secretary to the Ministry of Environment as the Chief Guest, and featured keynote speeches by Ms. Wilasinee Poonuchaphai, Project Co-Director from GIZ, and Mr. Hiroyuki Kobayashi of Eco Mark Japan. Teejay lanka PLC obtained the honor of presenting the Success stories of implementing “Eco Label-Sri Lanka” was presented by Edga Melan Group engineering & sustainability and received the Eco Label certification.

Business leaders across various sectors, representatives from ministries and heads of government institutions, graced the forum, showcasing a united front for environmental stewardship.

Type 1 eco-label certifications consider various environmental factors such as resource consumption, emissions, energy usage, and waste generation throughout the product's life cycle. Transparent about the criteria used for evaluation and the methodology applied. This transparency enhances the credibility of the certification and instills trust among consumers.

Certifications provide consumers with assurance that the certified products or services have undergone rigorous environmental assessment and meet high sustainability standards.