Our key raw materials are yarn (cotton and polyester), dyes and chemicals. Proactive efforts in diversifying our supplier base enabled the Hayleys Fabric Group to remain resilient to supply chain disruptions during the year. Our raw material suppliers are selected from the customer nominated suppliers who have been screened for environmental and social compliance to ensure ethical and sustainable business practices. Hayleys Fabric Group also uses its own environmental and social screening processes in accordance with various certifications it complies with which have further strengthened its raw material management process.
Cotton
In order to limit the negative environmental impact of cotton farming we are shifting towards using organic cotton as an input in our production process. We also advocate sourcing sustainable and ethically produced materials through our supply chain, ensuring all our cotton requirements are purchased from BCI, GOTS, OCS, GRS, CMIA and Oeko Tex 100 certified sources.
Polyester
We are cognizant of the environmental impact of polyester and strive to minimise its usage by sourcing recycled polyester yarn where possible. Through our partnership with “Eco-spindles” a local re-cycled yarn producer we purchase recycled polyester yarn produced from recycled ocean waste collected from the shores of Sri Lanka.
Dyes and Chemicals
All processing plants are compliant with the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals list, with Hayleys Fabric PLC plant being compliant as early as 2017.
The dyes and chemicals used are ZDHC Level 1 certified, of which over 60% are of the highest quality, ZDHC Level 3 grading. We also ensure that we do not use any substances specified as restricted in the countries that our end products are shipped to.
Process to Maintain Compliance with Restricted Substances
We follow our OEKO TEX 100 restricted substances list compliance and ZDHC MRSL compliance in managing product chemical compliance. Samples of fabric are sent throughout the year to be tested at the Intertek German testing facility for OEKO- tex compliance and the certificate is renewed annually. We also obtain a declaration from our suppliers that they are compliant with the relevant standards to ensure compliance across the supply chain.
Responsible Disposal of Waste
The total volume of waste generated during the year amounted to 4,958 MT, consisting mainly of sludge (hazardous) and balance non-hazardous waste. We engage in the segregation and disposal of waste in compliance with regulatory requirements and industry best practice.
Hazardous Waste (Sludge)
Ingenerated by INSEE Eco-cycle, the only approved agency by the CEA.
Non-hazardous waste (Recyclable materials and e-waste)
Reused or recycled through professionals in waste management approved by the CEA.
Waste yarn and fabric
Sold to local villagers to encourage self employment.
Waste Reduction Projects
Reduction of sludge
Reducing the moisture content in our sludge so that it dries down and can be used for cement production and furnaces.
Partnerships for innovation
Collaboration with the University of Moratuwa to convert sludge into building material. Estimated cost of Rs.10 MN before commercialization.
Chemical trials
Conducting chemical trials to reduce the mass of sludge and thereby reducing our hazardous waste.
Waste Audit
An external consultant was conducted a waste audit, an initial step towards the benchmarking and setting of targets for waste.
As part of our commitment to building a circular economy we have installed a PET bottle collection point within the Hayleys Fabric PLC premises. Employees are encouraged to collect PET bottles which are sent to an external party to produce recycled yarn and ultimately used as an input in our production process.