Daily Mirror - Print Edition

Brandix Takes the Lead: Achieving Net-Zero Carbon Status in Sri Lanka’s Apparel Industry

08 Jun 2023 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}      

 Professor Ajith De Alwis presenting the Net Zero carbon certification to the Brandix Essentials Koggala team       

Celebrating this certification with a special event held at Brandix Essentials Koggala, Group Director Natasha Borelessa expressed the company’s ambitious goal of extending the certification to all their remaining factories in Sri Lanka

With carbon emissions at an all-time high and climate change becoming an ever-looming threat to the planet, sustainability has become one of the most crucial responsibilities of the corporate world. As people around the world are increasingly conscious of the environmental impacts of their consumption habits, increased scrutiny has been placed on the apparel sector, one of the most significant contributors to Sri Lanka’s economy. 
Brandix, an innovative player in Sri Lanka’s apparel industry, recently celebrated obtaining Net-Zero Carbon certification at an impressive six out of their seventeen facilities in Sri Lanka. To underline their commitment to the planet, Brandix chose World Environment Day to proudly announce their achievement of Net-Zero Carbon status of their Koggala facility. 


Celebrating this certification with a special event held at Brandix Essentials Koggala, Group Director Natasha Borelessa expressed the company’s ambitious goal of extending the certification to all their remaining factories in Sri Lanka. “This significant undertaking showcases Brandix’s unwavering dedication to reducing their carbon footprint and sets a pioneering example for sustainable practices within the apparel industry,” she said. 
Distinguishing themselves from other organizations aiming to achieve “net zero” emissions by 2050 as per the Paris Agreement, Brandix sets an ambitious target of converting all its facilities to Net-Zero Carbon status by 2030—twenty years ahead of schedule, Borelessa said. 


With a workforce of 1,299 employees and covering a total area of 122,940 square feet, Brandix Essentials in Koggala stands as a testament to what can be achieved when sustainability takes centre stage in manufacturing operations. Serving renowned customers such as PVH, Tommy John, Lacoste, Saalt, Torrid, and Amazon, Brandix has proven that sustainable practices can go hand in hand with meeting customer demands and ensuring business success.

 

 

Distinguishing themselves from other organizations aiming to achieve “net zero” emissions by 2050 as per the Paris Agreement, Brandix sets an ambitious target of converting all its facilities to Net-Zero Carbon status by 2030—twenty years ahead of schedule


In addition to their Net Zero Carbon status, Brandix has made impressive strides in energy efficiency. The average monthly consumption of energy at the Koggala facility, for example, stands at around 96,451 KWhr. By incorporating energy-saving measures and implementing renewable energy sources, Brandix has demonstrated that sustainable manufacturing is not only beneficial for the environment but also economically viable.


Over the last 15 years Brandix has made significant strides in reducing its carbon footprint and embracing eco-friendly practices. One of Brandix’s notable achievements in this realm came in 2019 when their factory in Batticaloa, Sri Lanka, was recognized as the world’s first “Net Zero Carbon” facility by the prestigious World Green Building Council (WGBC). This remarkable feat was a result of their unwavering dedication to neutralizing carbon dioxide emissions from their operations. By employing highly energy-efficient practices and harnessing on-site renewable energy resources, the factory successfully achieved a state of carbon neutrality.


As one of Sri Lanka’s pioneering companies to measure their carbon emissions, Brandix embarked on a comprehensive strategy to reduce their environmental impact across all fronts. Over the years, they have implemented innovative sustainable techniques and technologies, making a positive impact on the air, water, and earth - the three main pillars of the environment. These achievements not only underscore their dedication to environmental stewardship but also position them as a global role model for the industry.


Brandix’s remarkable achievements in sustainability serve as a source of inspiration for other companies and industries worldwide. By showcasing that a greener future is possible through innovation and commitment, Brandix has paved the way for a more sustainable and responsible corporate landscape.