FLO by Brandix takes top honours at SLASSCOM Ingenuity Awards

Brandix underscored its leadership position in shaping technology-driven manufacturing, securing First Runner-Up in the National Category for Best Innovative Solution in Manufacturing at the recent SLASSCOM (Sri Lanka Association for Software and Services Companies) Awards.

The company’s end-to-end digital operations platform, FLO, was recognised for its innovative features that enable Brandix to transform its apparel manufacturing operations, offering real-time visibility and control from order intake to shipment, streamlining planning, quality, production, and inventory for smarter, more agile decision-making.

This home-grown solution is undergoing further enhancements, and showcases the passion, innovative vision and skills of the Brandix team, who has focused on integrating AI and automation in its journey towards a digital future. Brandix, through its ‘SMART Factory’ programme, embodies the synergy between technology, efficiency, inclusivity and safety.

FLO was recognized at the SLASSCOM National Ingenuity Awards, the country’s premier annual celebration of innovation in technology and digital transformation.

Brandix Director of Group ICT and Digital, Oshada Senanayake, welcomed this outstanding recognition at the SLASSCOM Ingenuity Awards, and noted he is “proud of its in-house talent and innovators, who are constantly pushing the boundaries of possibilities.

Shine a Light on Her: The Power of Women Supporting Women

As children, we’re taught some of life’s simple yet profound lessons: be kind, share, help others. We carry those values in our hearts—until the world starts whispering a different story. One where success feels like a race. Where scarcity looms, and competition creeps in. Especially for women, it can feel like we have to outshine each other just to be seen.

But there’s another way. A more powerful one. Shine Theory, created by Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman, invites us to rewrite the narrative. It shows us that the spotlight isn’t scarce—and when women support each other, we all shine brighter. It’s not just feel-good thinking. It’s transformative. We go further, grow stronger, and thrive deeper when we lift together.

From Competition to Collaboration

Shine Theory flips the script. Instead of asking, How do I win? it asks, How can we rise together?

This shift isn’t always easy. Supporting someone else can challenge our ego or awaken old insecurities. But it’s worth it. Because when I help someone succeed, I’m not diminishing myself—I’m investing in a stronger circle. One that will hold me up when I need it too.

As Priya Parker, author of The Art of Gathering, shares: great communities aren’t just about who shows up—but how they show up for each other. At Brandix, we see this every day—in how women collaborate, mentor, and share credit freely. We believe the world needs more of this.

How Support Shapes Careers

Most careers start with someone believing in you before you believe in yourself. When I first joined Brandix, I was nervous to speak at my first big meeting. I had thoughts, but no voice—until a friend turned to me and asked for my perspective. As I hesitated, unsure if I belonged, she gently tapped the table to quietly call the room to attention.

That moment gave me the courage to speak. And more than that—it ensured I was heard. That’s Shine Theory in action. And we see it across Brandix: a kind word during a deadline, a hand extended when someone stumbles, a mentor opening a door without being asked.

Iconic Friendships That Shaped History

If you want proof that women supporting women works—just look at some of history’s most powerful partnerships. Before she became a household name, Oprah Winfrey found herself at a crossroads—navigating fame, pressure, and the weight of being a first. And then she met Maya Angelou. More than a mentor, Maya became a north star. She offered wisdom in moments when Oprah needed grounding most, reminding her, “When you learn, teach. When you get, give.” Through decades of friendship, Maya didn’t just guide Oprah—she made space for her to grow, grieve, rise, and lead with purpose. Another example is Shonda Rhimes and Viola Davis.

When Shonda cast Viola in How to Get Away with Murder, she didn’t just write a powerful character—she opened a door that had too often been closed. For the first time, a Black woman over 40 was leading a primetime network drama. Viola later said, “You cannot win an Emmy for roles that are simply not there.” Shonda created that role—and by doing so, changed the landscape of television.

These are reminders that behind every iconic woman, there can be another woman who helped her rise—with belief, with boldness, and with an open heart.

Shining Together at Brandix

Shine Theory isn’t just about moments—it’s a mindset. A culture where success is defined not by who gets ahead, but by how many people you bring with you.

As Brené Brown, bestselling author and researcher, says: “Connection is why we’re here.” It’s in connection that we find courage, trust, and purpose. At Brandix, we’ve built spaces where that kind of connection can grow—across our boardrooms, factory floors, and communities.

We’re committed to living Shine Theory every day—even when it doesn’t feel easy. Through mentorship, Employee Resource Groups, and everyday kindness, we’re building a culture of inclusion and empowerment —where women rise not despite each other, but because of each other.

Because when one woman shines, we all do.
So here’s our invitation to you:
✨ Shine a light on someone who’s helped you rise.
✨ Tag a woman you admire.
✨ Be the reason someone believes in themselves.

Let’s keep lifting. Let’s keep rising.
Let’s #ShineTogether

#BrandixWomen #EmpoweredBySupport #ShineALightOnHer

 

– Written by the Brandix team, with reflections from across our community.

Brandix Connects with Next Generation at IIT Career Fair

Brandix recently participated in the Career Fair hosted by the Informatics Institute of Technology (IIT), connecting with over 1,000 students exploring their path into the apparel industry. The event offered a space for meaningful dialogue around the future of apparel, driven by innovation, responsible manufacturing, and evolving career landscapes.

Through interactive conversations, Brandix representatives shared how academic skills can contribute to real-world solutions; from advanced production technologies to sustainable product development. Students also gained insight into how purpose-led innovation continues to shape the industry.

This engagement reflects Brandix’s continued efforts to support Sri Lanka’s emerging talent and strengthen partnerships between academia and industry. The enthusiasm and curiosity displayed by the students were a testament to the growing interest in purpose-driven careers that make a difference.

Brandix remains committed to empowering future professionals by bridging the gap between education and industry—ensuring that today’s students become tomorrow’s innovators.

Brandix takes top honours at ACCA Sustainability Reporting Awards

Sri Lanka’s premier apparel solutions provider, Brandix, was the winner of the Manufacturing Category at the ACCA’s Sustainability Report Awards 2024.

The pioneer of sustainability in the apparel trade, Brandix in its ESG Report detailed its effort to reduce environmental impacts, responsible resource management, ethical and socially responsible practices and governance.
Brandix led the field in ACCA’s stringent criterion that included assessment under Completeness, Credibility and Communication. The Brandix ESG Report also captured the company’s focus on Enterprise Risk Management and efforts to build a more resilient business, innovation and adaptability.

“As a global leader in the sphere of apparel manufacture, it is imperative to set the trend and lead by example. Over the past five decades, Brandix has continuously laid the benchmark on responsible consumption and production, and we have successfully encompassed these values into our supply chain globally. We are proud to receive this award from ACCA, which also underscores our commitment to transparency and effective reporting,” said Sahad Mukthar, Director Human Resources of the Brandix Group.

The ACCA Sustainability Reporting Awards is the foremost recognition within this category, which focuses on Environmental Management, Enterprise Risk Management, Double Materiality and External Assurance amongst others. Brandix has consistently been a top performer at the ACCA awards, demonstrating its long-standing commitment to sustainability principles.

How Brandix is Building Systems to Make Fashion Production Speedier, Smarter and Sustainable

In the fast-paced fashion industry, if companies are not moving forward, they inevitably fall behind.

South Asia-based manufacturer Brandix is constantly developing new offerings and services that allow it to get ahead of customer demands. Acting as a partner to its brand customers, Brandix has focused on three key pillars of innovation: agility, digitalization and sustainability. Together, these capabilities allow for more responsive and green production, helping to save time and resources.

“Together with our retail partners, we at Brandix continuously explore inspired solutions that address the unmet needs of a consumer,” said Asanka Wimalaratna, director and CEO of Brandix Knits. “Thriving at the intersection of material, people and technology, we forge a path of innovation that empowers collective success.”

Agility

After experiencing the repercussions of inventory demand-supply misalignment during the height of the pandemic years, Brandix’s customers are more focused on getting the right product at the right time to secure margins and minimize markdowns and write offs. One way to execute on this is turning to speedy, flexible supply chains that are capable of adapting to the dynamic demands and variations of fashion retail.

Brandix is vertical from fabric to finishing, with facilities spanning across Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, Cambodia and Haiti. It has also invested in and partnered with the reputed fabric mills Teejay Lanka, Teejay India, Best Pacific Textile Ltd. and Ocean Lanka. Owning more of the process allows it to shorten lead times, while its geographic footprint offers diverse allocation options to mitigate a single country of origin risk whilst leveraging on speed and cost.

Brandix’s park in India

 

With some of its customers, Brandix has established integrated partnership models that leverage the retailer’s data analytics and platformed fabrics to be more proactive, allowing for greater inventory alignment. In certain instances, this has led to significantly reduced manufacturing timelines, with products moving from purchase order to in-store in less than two weeks.

Brandix’s textile footprint has also unlocked opportunities for fabric development. The company has collaborated with internal and external specialists to create textile innovations that offer more functionality and performance for the wearer. For instance, Brandix uses a unique combination of mechanical and chemical processes to enhance fabric finishing, providing an alternative to mercerization, which is harmful to the environment.

“Brandix is not waiting on the sidelines, we are getting in the game early,” said Dinush Wimalachandra, general manager for product solutions, research and development, at Brandix. “We are committed to leading the charge by crafting the next generation of apparel through extensive research and development efforts that venture beyond the limits of current innovation.”

Digitalization

Another area where Brandix is accelerating ahead of the pack is digitalization. The company is tapping into a digital toolbox to boost the efficiency and quality of decision-making across the manufacturing process.

Leveraging the Internet of Things, Brandix’s digitalized factories are monitoring processes in real-time, providing data and analytics on machinery. Industry 4.0—or smart manufacturing—supports productivity, waste reduction and improved decision-making.

Brandix is also adding multiple forms of automation. Robotic process automation (RPA) takes on repetitive tasks such as material handling and inventory management, thereby reducing human error and adding efficiency. Meanwhile, advanced manufacturing technologies such as 3D printing allow for more customization. The initial pilot plant in Sri Lanka for digitalization has entered phase two, and now other facilities are being upgraded.

Digitalization is also happening at the design level, with tools and software for product development and production such as computer-aided design (CAD). As part of these solutions, Brandix is using 3D sampling to save time on design and facilitate speedier approvals. This also cuts down on sample production and shipping, offering monetary and environmental savings.

Brandix associate exploring the metaverse

 

Brandix has also adopted Copilot for Microsoft 365, a generative AI tool that supports quicker response times to customers and heightened productivity. “Microsoft’s Copilot has revolutionized how Brandix works—transforming data into decisions, ideas into innovation and challenges into opportunities,” said Ashroff Omar, CEO of Brandix.

Sustainability

Among the industry’s prevalent sustainability concerns is microplastic pollution caused by synthetic materials. To combat this issue, Brandix is working with bio-based materials that are made from renewable resources. For instance, Brandix has found castor seed oil holds promise for man-made fibers, particularly in sportswear since it is breathable, lighter than polyester and dries faster than nylon. As an added benefit, this material can biodegrade at the end of its lifecycle unlike conventional synthetics.

Another priority for Brandix is circularity and finding materials that can be recycled indefinitely. In addition to saving on waste and reducing the need for virgin resources, circular systems offer financial savings. Brandix has been able to reuse 90 percent of its cotton cut waste, turning what would otherwise be discarded into new garments. Expanding upon this, Brandix is looking into leveraging post-consumer cotton waste streams by partnering with brand customers for collection programs.

“By designing clothing for durability, reuse, recyclability and even remanufacturing, we aim to keep our products and the materials used in production circulating within the economy and out of landfills,” said Wimalachandra. “The future sees us decoupling production from virgin resource inputs, furthering innovation, accelerating growth and creating more employment opportunities. Brandix is well-positioned to become the go-to manufacturer for global brands seeking a range of sustainable solutions as our core values—innovation, sustainability and agility—align directly with the principles of circularity.”

Brandix receives PVH recognition as SL’s best logistics performer to US, Canada

Brandix Apparel has been recognised as the Overall Best Performer for the third consecutive year by global fashion giant PVH for its exports to the USA and Canada from Sri Lanka.

At PVH’s annual vendor performance workshop, held recently in Colombo, Brandix topped all key performance indexes, scoring the highest among the PVH vendors in Sri Lanka for discipline in document timelines, delivery timelines and booking timelines, in addition to being the Overall Best Performer. The event took place at Maersk Lanka, PVH’s logistics partner of choice.

This recognition from PVH, the parent company of brands such as Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein, in collaboration with Maersk, underscores Brandix’s commitment to excellence in meeting customer requirements.

Brandix Group Supply Chain Director Afham Ali stated, “The supply chain in our industry is fast-paced, action-packed and dynamic. To navigate this turbulent terrain, we remain closely attuned to our customers’ requirements and meet them promptly with agile, innovative and sustainable solutions. This recognition from a highly strategic customer strengthens and encourages us to aim even higher.”

With over 50 years of experience, Brandix is a global leader in apparel manufacturing and digital solutions, serving iconic brands worldwide. Its vertically integrated supply chain spans Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, Haiti, the UK and US. Driven by curiosity and a commitment to environmental and social sustainability, Brandix has achieved world firsts in ethical manufacturing. The company builds lifelong relationships with partners who share its purpose, manufacturing Inspired Solutions for clothing that drive prosperity for all.

Brandix donates year’s stationery to 10,559 children across Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s premier apparel solutions provider Brandix continued its commitment to support learning and development amongst future generations, distributing school essentials for the entirety of this year to 10,559 children.

Themed ‘Brandix Manusathkara Thilina’, the free distribution of school essentials to children of all associates is an annual programme conducted by Brandix, which has distributed over 94,000 packs to children in Sri Lanka over the past nine years. The educational pack comes complete with a school bag and the total stationery required for the curriculum year.

Alongside Sri Lanka, children of all Brandix associates in India and Bangladesh also receive education packs as part of the group’s commitment to supporting the growth and education of youngsters in the communities it serves.
With a history spanning over half a century, Brandix actively works to strengthen its communities through ongoing initiatives focused on education, health, sanitation, entrepreneurship and access to clean drinking water. Brandix is committed to supporting the education of its associates’ children by consistently investing in its communities and empowering its associates and their families. The commitment is in alignment with the aim to minimise school dropouts and ensure all children have the necessary resources to complete their education.

Fashion Trends: January 2025 Edition

As a leader in the apparel industry, Brandix recognizes the dynamic shifts shaping fashion in 2025. Insights from the McKinsey & Company ‘State of Fashion 2025’ report highlight transformative trends that resonate with our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and customer-focused solutions. These include:

  • AI as an Enabler: Using technology to enhance product discovery and personalization.
  • Sustainability at the Core: Accelerating decarbonization as both a responsibility and a market differentiator.
  • Engaging the Silver Generation: Tapping into the growing needs of older consumers.

At Brandix, we are positioned to respond to these trends and empower our partners in navigating the evolving landscape.

 

Turning Challenges into Opportunities with AI

Recognized as a transformative force in the fashion industry, artificial intelligence is helping customers overcome their pain points while offering brands a distinct competitive edge. As highlighted in State of Fashion 2025, 82% of consumers want AI to simplify their shopping experience, while 50% of fashion executives identify product discovery as AI’s most impactful application.

Udara Kotuwella, Business Architect for Digital Solutions, discusses how Brandix is leveraging AI to enhance manufacturing at the ‘Digital Horizon: Horizon of Platforms’ event.

 

Decision fatigue, caused by overwhelming product options online, often hampers customer engagement and satisfaction. These challenges offer powerful opportunities to simplify the consumer journey and create value across the supply chain. At Brandix, we are exploring AI to:

  • Enhance Supply Chain Visibility: Leveraging AI to optimize production planning, reduce lead times, and improve inventory management.
  • Enable Personalization: Collaborating with customers to develop smarter, data-driven apparel solutions tailored to end-consumer needs.
  • Support Dynamic Pricing: Helping brands maintain competitive pricing strategies through real-time insights and adaptability.

For brands, these AI-driven solutions go beyond improving the shopping journey—they open doors to stronger customer relationships, higher engagement, and optimized strategies. By addressing consumer needs with precision, companies can boost conversion rates, enhance product discovery, and establish themselves as innovators in a fast-evolving market. The Brandix digital transformation journey, including investments in Smart Apparel Factories, ensures that we remain a trusted partner for brands seeking innovation and excellence in this space.

 

Leading the Way in Decarbonization

With global apparel consumption projected to increase by 63% by 2030, the fashion industry’s carbon footprint is set to grow significantly, underscoring the need for immediate decarbonization efforts. On this path, the apparel industry would represent more than one quarter of the world’s carbon budget by 2050, demanding a drastic shift towards sustainable practices to avoid exceeding the global carbon budget. For brands willing to take the lead, this challenge presents a unique opportunity to use Sustainability as a Differentiator, building trust and loyalty toward. Proactive efforts in sustainability have the power to shape the future of fashion while driving meaningful impact and sustainable growth.

Sustainability has long been a cornerstone of Brandix’s strategy, and the urgency to decarbonize the fashion industry aligns with our vision to nurture our planet. Key initiatives include:

  • Renewable Energy Adoption: Expanding the use of solar and other renewable energy sources across our operations to reduce carbon emissions and become a Net-Zero Carbon Apparel Manufacturer.
  • Reducing Waste: Partnering with customers and other organizations to implement opportunities in circular design, such as upcycling, recycling, and closed-loop systems leading to zero solid waste being diverted to landfills.
  • Reducing Water Consumption: Leveraging our own water effluent treatment plants, we are actively reducing ground water withdrawal and moving to more green water solutions. Today approximately 24% of our water consumption at Brandix is rainwater harvested / recycled.

 

The Silver Spenders: A Growing Opportunity

As the global population ages, older consumers are emerging as a powerful and dynamic demographic in fashion. Far from being a uniform group, this “Silver Generation” embraces trends, values comfort, and functionality, and increasingly prioritizes quality and sustainability.

According to the report, people aged 50 and older will account for 48% of incremental growth in global spending. With many in this demographic becoming digitally savvy, they are engaging with online shopping, social media, and personalized digital experiences—areas previously associated with younger generations.

Brandix is committed to supporting brands in serving this dynamic demographic. Here’s how we can help:

  • Adaptive Product Development: Designing apparel that prioritizes comfort, fit, and ease of wear, meeting the unique needs of older consumers.
  • Customizable Solutions: Using flexible production capabilities to create styles that resonate with both older and younger generations, driving intergenerational appeal.
  • Sustainable Materials: Incorporating environmentally friendly fabrics that align with the values of this increasingly eco-conscious demographic.

By aligning our expertise with this market’s needs, we enable our customers to expand their reach and deepen their connections with a growing consumer base.

 

Fashion’s Evolving Horizon

The fashion industry’s transformation is an opportunity for Brandix to reaffirm our purpose: delivering inspired solutions through inspired people. By combining our heritage of excellence with forward-thinking strategies, we aim to empower brands, drive innovation and champion sustainability.

As we step into 2025, Brandix is ready to support our customers in navigating challenges, seizing opportunities, and shaping the future of fashion. Together, we can create solutions that matter—solutions that inspire.

 

Source credits:
McKinsey & Company. (2025). State of Fashion 2025.

Brandix discusses journey of transformation; looks at a digital future

One of Sri Lanka’s leading proponents of technology solutions in manufacturing, Brandix, took stock of its transformative journey and discussed new innovative solutions to propel the business forward at the ‘Digital Horizon 2024’, the second edition of Brandix’s own digital keynote session held at Trace Expert City in Colombo.

The event highlighted the significant progress made across the organization over the past two years, showcasing several innovative advancements. A key focus was on the integration of AI, automation, and value addition in Brandix’s Smart Factory journey.

These Smart Factories exemplify the synergy between efficiency and empathy, offering numerous benefits such as reducing physical exertion and fatigue for employees, enhancing workplace safety, and fostering inclusivity by enabling individuals with disabilities to join the workforce. Leveraging the Internet of Things (IoT) and automation, Brandix has also achieved greater resource efficiency, reduced waste, and minimized its ecological footprint, underscoring its commitment to sustainability.

During the event, participants unveiled several new solutions as the company promotes the development of home-grown, integrated, Smart Factory Solutions. One of Sri Lanka’s premier apparel manufacturers, Brandix was also among the first Sri Lankan companies to adopt Copilot for Microsoft 365, the software solution provider’s cutting-edge artificial intelligence assistance platform, having been invited to join the Global Early Access Programme.

Digital Horizon 2024 also discussed the development and deployment of several other AI-led programs that have been instrumental in driving the company’s digital transformation journey. Oshada Senanayake, Director and Chief Operating Officer for Digital Transformation at Brandix, said “A lot has changed in the sphere of apparel manufacturing; it is no longer the mere traditional cut-and-sew operation that many perceive it to be.

Our Associates on the shop floor employ some of the most modern technologies that have completely changed their quality of work, whilst driving greater learning and technology adoption across the group and the communities we serve. Engaging with some of the biggest names in the technology domain, Brandix is also proud of its in-house talent and innovators who constantly challenge and advance the way we do business. The Horizon platform has been an ideal platform to discuss and take these conversations forward.”

An annual feature on its transformation calendar, the year’s event was themed ‘Horizon of Platforms’, reflecting Brandix’s strategic focus on leveraging cutting-edge technologies to achieve its core transformational goals of customer excellence, operational excellence and category leadership. The agenda was packed with insightful sessions and demonstrations highlighting the company’s achievements over the past year in pursuit of transforming to a digital first company.

Global Textile Market Set for Significant Growth by 2030, Driven by AI and Sustainability

According to a study by Grand View Research, the global textile industry is entering a transformative era, with annual market growth projected at a rate of 4.4% through 2030. This growth is driven by advancements in AI, IoT, and automation, along with rising demand for sustainable and innovative materials.  

As Brandix continues to stay relevant within the industry, we embrace and actively align with these shifts through:  

  • AI-Powered Manufacturing: Brandix has integrated AI-driven solutions like Microsoft 365 Copilot to enhance operational efficiency and enable data-driven decision-making. Since 2020, our Brandix Smart Factory has improved manual processes using AI and automation, setting a strong foundation for innovation in apparel manufacturing.
Udara Kotuwella, Business Architect for Digital Solutions, discusses how Brandix is leveraging AI to enhance manufacturing at the ‘Digital Horizon: Horizon of Platforms’ event.

 

  • Smart Textiles: Our investments in functional fabrics with features like moisture-wicking and temperature regulation, made from eco-friendly, bio-based materials, demonstrate our focus on meeting modern consumer needs while prioritizing sustainability.
This image provides a representation of the potential of functional textiles for performance and sustainability.

 

  • Sustainable Practices: We have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 84%, achieved zero water wastage, and eliminated hazardous chemical discharge. Our Net-Zero Carbon Facility in Batticaloa offsets emissions using renewable energy. Additionally, 100% of our solid waste is diverted from landfills, underscoring our commitment to sustainability. 
Our facility in Batticaloa, Sri Lanka, offsets all Scope 1 and 2 emissions by on-site renewable energy along with energy optimization initiatives to reduce its baseline carbon emissions.

 

At Brandix, the intersection of technology and sustainability drives transformative change. By combining smart textiles, AI-powered manufacturing, and responsible practices, we aim to set new standards for innovation. Our commitment to creating value for customers and building a sustainable, future-ready apparel industry remains steadfast.  

 

Source credits:

Tessa, G. (2024) Global Textile Market Set for Major Growth by 2030.

https://www.textiletoday.com.bd/global-textile-market-set-for-major-growth-by-2030