Brandix launches 2017 Blood Drive marking 10th year as major corporate donor

The Brandix Group has announced the launch of a four-month ‘Blood Drive’ at factories across Sri Lanka to mark the milestone 10th anniversary of the Group’s annual contribution as a corporate blood donor to the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS).

Recognized as the largest corporate donor of blood in Sri Lanka for the past seven years consecutively, the Group has donated a cumulative 24,513 units of blood to the NBTS over the past decade, with the campaign of 2016-17 resulting in the collection of 4,090 units of blood, the highest volume donated in a single year.

The 2017-18 Brandix Blood Drive commenced at Brandix Athleisure, Polonnaruwa and Brandix Fast Fashion, Mirigama and was followed by a collection at the Group’s Head Office in Colombo recently. Over the next four months, teams from the NTBS will visit Brandix manufacturing locations on designated days to collect blood from volunteers among the associates employed at them.

“It is heartening see that the enthusiasm of our associates and their commitment to the cause has not wavered over the 10 years of this annual blood drive,” commented Ishan Dantanarayana, Chief People Officer of the Brandix Group. “Their civic consciousness is steadfast and continues to inspire us to expand this initiative each year.”

Beside the annual recognition bestowed on Brandix by NBTS for the past seven years for being the largest corporate blood donor in the country, the Group was also honoured with a plaque in 2013, in acknowledgement of an aggregate 10,000 pints of blood donated voluntarily by its employees by end 2012.

According to the NTBS, donations of this scale over a significant time period are necessary to meet the organisation’s requirements. By being geographically widespread, the Brandix campaign increases supplies of blood in many areas, including those that do not usually receive donations of significant volume compared with areas like Colombo. Brandix’s blood donation campaigns are also extra significant as they are conducted on weekdays instead of the general norm of weekends. This is particularly helpful in sustaining blood platelets, which have a lifespan of five days, for use during the course of the week.

Brandix signs Joint Venture agreement with Best Pacific of Hong Kong

Seeks to unlock growth opportunities in the fast-evolving Sportswear and Athleisure domains

Sri Lanka’s leading exporter Brandix has announced plans to launch a joint venture with the global synthetic materials manufacturer Best Pacific of Hong Kong to produce synthetic fabric and webbing in Sri Lanka with specific focus on warp knit synthetic fabric.

An agreement signed by the two companies in Colombo this week envisages the construction of a manufacturing facility in Pannala for the manufacture of synthetic fabric and webbing. The joint venture will be managed by Best Pacific, a leading one-stop solutions provider in the synthetic space.

Commenting on the proposed joint venture, Brandix CEO Mr Ashroff Omar said: “This joint venture will propel Brandix’s drive towards delivering the most innovative and inspiring products to the consumer.”

The Best Pacific Group has established long-term and close collaboration with customers of leading brands such as Marks & Spencer, Spanx, Triumph, Victoria’s Secret, Wacoal, Aimer, Chantelle, Embry Form and Maniform. With its strong innovation and product development capabilities, the Group not only manufactures synthetic materials for these brands, but also jointly develops new materials and products in order to start new market trends for their products.

Sri Lanka’s Exporter of the Year, Brandix is the pioneer of the concept of “total solutions” in the local apparel industry and has been ranked the country’s most valuable export brand in Brand Finance’s ranking of Sri Lanka’s leading brands in 2015, 2016 and 2017.

181 Brandix associates graduate from Gap Inc.’s P.A.C.E. programme

A group of 181 Brandix associates recently completed Gap Inc.’s Personal Advancement & Career Enhancement (P.A.C.E.) programme for female workers in the apparel industry.

The programme provides workers with foundational skills, technical training and support to help them advance in the workplace and in their personal lives. Three separate graduation ceremonies have been organised to recognise the achievement.

The third such batch to graduate in the past five years, the group included 29 associates from Brandix Fast Fashion I, Mirigama, 16 from Brandix Fast Fashion II, Mirigama, 41 from Brandix Fast Fashion, Minuwangoda, 33 from Brandix Essentials, Koggala, and 62 from Brandix Essentials, Rambukkana.

The P.A.C.E. programme that produced these graduates recorded an impressive retention rate of 87 per cent this year. To date, 464 Brandix associates have completed the course, the company said.

Significantly, the P.A.C.E. programme for these associates was conducted by Brandix’s own internal trainers, some of who had previously graduated from the same course.

“Gap Inc.’s P.A.C.E. programme is designed to inspire and help female employees gain the skills and confidence they need to advance at work and in life, Anusha Alles, Head of CSR & Corporate Communications at Brandix said. “P.A.C.E. graduates have progressed well in their careers and contributed more to their workplaces, their peers and their families.”

Three P.A.C.E. graduates have been promoted to Group Leader and two as Technicians at Brandix Essentials; while two have been promoted as Trainee Mechanics, two as Technicians, and another two have received staff promotions at Brandix Fast Fashion, Ms Alles disclosed.

These success stories are of M. K. S. Dilhani and Niluka Priyadarshani from Brandix Essentials, Koggala who began the P.A.C.E. course as Team Leaders and were promoted as Group Leaders ten months later; W. G. J. K. Ranwala and W. M. D. S. Wickramasinghe from Brandix Essentials, Rambukkana who began the course as Team Leaders and were promoted to Group Leader and Trainee Mechanic respectively eleven months later; S. D. Shanika Viduwanthi Dissanayaka and S. M. N. Rosani from Brandix Fast Fashion II, Mirigama who began the course as Team Leader and Group Leader and were promoted as Trainee Mechanic and Technician respectively ten months later; and W. B. C. Priyadarshani Wijesinghe from Brandix Fast Fashion I, Mirigama who began the course as Group Leader and was promoted to Technician ten months later.

The course comprises of eight modules of life skills education including communication, problem solving & decision making, time & stress management, water, sanitation & hygiene, financial literacy, legal literacy & social entitlement, general & reproductive health and execution excellence.>

Launched in 2007, Gap Inc. operates the P.A.C.E. programme in 16 countries including India, Cambodia, Vietnam, Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Pakistan, Jordan, Myanmar and Sri Lanka, and has trained more than 65,000 women. Research shows P.A.C.E. graduates are more productive, have lower rates of absenteeism and are promoted faster than factory workers who do not participate in the programme.

In addition to the P.A.C.E. programme, Brandix has also graduated 35 female mechanics that completed on-going in-house training courses on sewing machine maintenance and repair in yet another example of the Group’s commitment to the empowerment of female employees.

Brandix Chairman Priyan Fernando honoured in India as pioneer in global Shared Services

Brandix Chairman Priyan Fernando has been felicitated with the prestigious Leadership Award by Shared Services Forum India (SSF) for his contribution as a pioneering business leader to global Shared Services during his tenure as Executive Vice President, Global Business Services of American Express.

The honour was bestowed on Mr Fernando at the 2017 Global Shared Services Conclave held in New Delhi recently.

In its felicitation, Shared Services Forum stated that Mr Fernando was recognised for pioneering financial shared servicing in India and for his creativity in leading global Shared Services and enterprise-wide transformation, delivering value and impact to business, industry and society. The Forum noted that “in his most recent position as Executive Vice President, Global Business Services (GBS) of American Express, he was responsible for all internal servicing of this $32 billion Payments and Services Company with a presence in over 130 markets.”

“This organisation, which he built from the ground up, today delivers all financial, procurement, real estate, human resources and business transformation support across the entire American Express enterprise. His pioneering work has sown the seeds of innovation and excellence for many Shared Services organisations,” SSF said.

In his acceptance message, Mr Fernando said that setting up of Shared Services in an organisation can be done only with uncompromising grit and integrity. He recognised the footprints of all those professionals and leaders who have shaped the Shared Services Industry to what it is today, and declared that “Shared Services are pivotal to transformation and winning in the market place.”

Priyan Fernando was appointed a non-executive Director of the Brandix Group in 2011, and succeeded Deshamanya Ken Balendra as Chairman of the Group in May 2013, upon the latter’s retirement.

Brandix Chairman Priyan Fernando has been felicitated with the prestigious Leadership Award by Shared Services Forum India (SSF) for his contribution as a pioneering business leader to global Shared Services during his tenure as Executive Vice President, Global Business Services of American Express.

The honour was bestowed on Mr Fernando at the 2017 Global Shared Services Conclave held in New Delhi recently.

In its felicitation, Shared Services Forum stated that Mr Fernando was recognised for pioneering financial shared servicing in India and for his creativity in leading global Shared Services and enterprise-wide transformation, delivering value and impact to business, industry and society. The Forum noted that “in his most recent position as Executive Vice President, Global Business Services (GBS) of American Express, he was responsible for all internal servicing of this $32 billion Payments and Services Company with a presence in over 130 markets.”

“This organisation, which he built from the ground up, today delivers all financial, procurement, real estate, human resources and business transformation support across the entire American Express enterprise. His pioneering work has sown the seeds of innovation and excellence for many Shared Services organisations,” SSF said.

In his acceptance message, Mr Fernando said that setting up of Shared Services in an organisation can be done only with uncompromising grit and integrity. He recognised the footprints of all those professionals and leaders who have shaped the Shared Services Industry to what it is today, and declared that “Shared Services are pivotal to transformation and winning in the market place.”

Priyan Fernando was appointed a non-executive Director of the Brandix Group in 2011, and succeeded Deshamanya Ken Balendra as Chairman of the Group in May 2013, upon the latter’s retirement.

Brandix to Accelerate Transformation Journey with Accenture

Sri Lanka’s premier apparel solutions provider, Brandix is embarking on the next phase of its transformation journey in collaboration with Accenture, to enhance end-to-end processes and optimise operations.

As part of the program called ‘Transformation Version 3.0,’ Accenture will provide technology-led innovations and best practices to strengthen the processes at Brandix across finance, procurement, human resources, and logistics. “Brandix is invested deeply in its transformation based on nascent technologies including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation to enhance governance, productivity and business processes,” stated Managing Director Hasitha Premaratne.

Our collaboration with Accenture has helped us become a future-ready intelligent enterprise and our continued association will further strengthen our ability to drive growth, and explore new opportunities over the long-term,” he added. The program will also enable a host of new capabilities leveraging technology to boost productivity, innovation and learning for Brandix across functions.

Technology is a primary driver at Brandix, which recently became one of the first Sri Lankan companies to get on board with Copilot for Microsoft 365, the software solution provider’s cutting-edge AI feature.

Brandix First to Commit to UN Program on Gender Based Violence and Women in Leadership

Brandix Rising for ‘HER’

Sri Lanka’s premier apparel solutions provider, Brandix, continues to lead efforts to inspire and empower women across all walks and leads the way by converting policy into practice. At Brandix 80% of the Group’s workforce constitutes of women, and its facility in India is recognized as the single largest employer of women in the country. Brandix, the first private sector entity from Sri Lanka to commit to the United Nations programme on Gender-based Violence and Women in Leadership, was also recognized as a leading Achiever by the United Nations Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEP) Gender Gap Analysis survey.

The WEP’s Gender Gap Analysis Tool found Brandix to have developed and implemented policies and practices across business functions, including inclusive talent practices with adequate measurement and reporting. Brandix scored full points for Professional Development and Promotions, Health safety and Hygiene, plus, Access to Quality Health Services. Non-Discriminatory and Equal Opportunity Policy, CSR and Advocacy to Support Gender Equality, Recruitment and actions against Violence, Harassment and Sexual Exploitation were other areas that Brandix scored high on. The company also scored above average with Leadership Commitment and Equal Compensation for all.

The WEPs are seven Principles offering guidance on how to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in the workplace, marketplace and community. Jointly established by UN Women and UN Global Compact, the WEPs are informed by international labour and human rights standards and grounded in the recognition that businesses have a stake in, and a responsibility for, gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Since inception – over 50 years ago – Brandix has had strong female leadership supported by an enabling environment helping women to thrive. The company’s EDI Strategy is titled ‘RISING Together’, which supports Inclusion, Diversity and Equity to Accelerate (IDEA), and is founded on the pillars of Gender Equity, An Inclusive and Respectful Workplace and Generational Diversity. Initiatives includes customized programs at all levels including their own programs and others conducted in partnership with customers. Brandix also offers a strong mental well-being structure with counsellors at every operating location, to ensure all employees can feel psychologically safe and supported, plus, create spaces where equal partners come together to do meaningful work.

Gender equity is actively promoted within the company, and Brandix strives to create a safe, diverse and inclusive workplace. Women enjoy equitable representation in the Group’s leadership development programs. The ‘RISE for HER’ mentoring initiative, launched in 2022, supports women in their career development journey, providing networking opportunities and resources for life events to foster a balanced work-life environment. In 2023, women at Brandix enjoyed 7,960 training hours, one of the highest in the country, with 79% of recipients being executives and non-executives. Additionally, over 9,000 women at Brandix have benefitted from the PACE (Personal Advancement and Career Enhancement) Program in partnership with its customers.

Cleaning Up the Clothes We Wear: Sustainable Fashion’s Battle Against Microfiber Pollution

It is no secret that our planet is in trouble. Every day brings us closer to a major environmental crisis. Many of us are also aware that one of the biggest threats we face is from plastic pollution and we try to do our part by saying no to single-use plastics like disposable straws, water bottles and shopping bags; opting instead for reusable alternatives. If enough people do this, it can dramatically cut down volumes of plastic waste. However, there is another problem we need to understand and tackle urgently; and it is hiding in the clothes we wear every day.

As the human population continues to grow, so does the fashion industry. The fast fashion business model has fueled an enormous increase in clothing being produced, sold and discarded. According to a study done by McKinsey, clothing production doubled from 2000 to 2014. During this time, the average consumer bought 60% more garments each year, but kept them for only half as long as they did just 15 years prior. This translates to an incredible 100 billion items of clothing being produced annually – nearly 14 items for each person on Earth; with at least 3 out of 5 articles of clothing being disposed of within a year of being produced and sold.

Brandix understands the significant environmental impact of the apparel industry,” says Dinush Wimalachandra, General Manager for Product Solutions, Research and Development. “Which is why sustainability is a core pillar of our strategy. As leaders in this field, we have made it our responsibility to continuously drive positive change and use our influence to create a more eco-conscious future for fashion.”

Today, the textile industry is undergoing a seismic shift: cotton-based fabrics are being rapidly replaced by non-cotton-based products, particularly synthetics, which is evident in the dramatic growth rate. Synthetic fiber production has climbed by 44% in the last five years, while cotton has only grown by 14%. This trend can be attributed, at least in part, to the high durability and affordability synthetic fibers offer. This makes them extremely versatile for clothing and textile manufacturing. Synthetic clothing or petroleum-based fabric is what we know as: polyester, nylon, acrylic, spandex (also called Lycra or elastane), fleece, or polyolefin. Synthetics dominated the fiber market in 2022, accounting for 65% of global production, according to Statista. Polyester, the king of synthetics, made up 54% of the market share. In comparison, cotton sat at a distant 22%, with other natural plant-based fibers holding a mere 5%.

However, there is a hidden cost to this convenience: synthetic fibers contain some percentage of manmade material, most often, plastic. The Plastic Pollution Coalition revealed, nearly 70 billion clothing items produced globally contain some form of plastic, with production output only expected to increase in the future.

So, what’s the issue with plastic in our clothes?

Plastic acts as a carrier for a multitude of potentially harmful chemicals added during the manufacturing process. Studies reveal that plastics can contain a complex mix of over 13,000 different chemicals, with more than 3,200 of these being classified as hazardous. These chemicals include BPA, phthalates, and PFAS.

Clothes made from synthetic fabrics tend to wear quicker than those made from natural fabrics, leading to them being used and thrown away in a shorter amount of time. When discarded, these items can end up in landfills, polluting the air, soil, waterways and oceans. Discarded clothing containing plastic alone is estimated to release at least 1.4 quintillion (or a million trillions) tiny fibers, known as microfibers, into the ocean.

“We recognize that microfiber pollution is a serious threat,” explains Wimalachandra. “There is an urgent need for the apparel industry to take action. Brandix is proactively implementing measures to safeguard the environment, focusing on cleaner air, water, and a healthier planet.”

What are microfibers?

Each time an article of clothing is washed, whether synthetic or natural, it sheds millions of microfibers into the wastewater. The microfibers found in textiles usually contain chemical additives, from the manufacturing process, such as plasticizers (added to improve elasticity of the material), or antimicrobial agents. They can also absorb chemicals present in the water or drainage systems, such as Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) and Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), many of which are known carcinogens. Most present day washing machines are not equipped to catch these small fragments, nor are drainage systems, which leads to them finding their way into rivers and, eventually oceans.

In the case of synthetic clothing, the microfibers that detach from clothes during washing are a type of microplastic. 35% of microplastics released globally into the oceans is estimated to come from the seemingly simple act of laundering our clothes. Chemicals leaching from these synthetic microfibers can enter the bloodstream of animals that ingest them, leading to a range of health problems. The effects of microplastic ingestion on marine life are catastrophic. Microplastics have been linked to damaged digestive systems, starvation, endocrine disruption, and stunted growth in some species. While the consequences for marine ecosystems are dire, it is even more concerning that these same particles have found their way into our own digestive systems.

Disturbingly, microplastics have been detected in everyday food and drink items, including bottled water, tap water, salt, and even beer. Studies estimate that each person unknowingly ingests 14,000 to 68,000 plastic microfibers every year.

Additionally, natural fabrics, like cotton and wool, also shed microfibers. Some microfibers are small and light enough to stay afloat in the air. Scientists have only recently detected microplastic particles in the lower airways of humans. This means we are not just ingesting these tiny textile fragments through food and water, we are also inhaling them. This finding significantly expands the scope of microplastic exposure and raises questions about its potential impact on our respiratory health. One study revealed that in a household, 33% of microplastics in floating dust came from synthetic fabrics. Researchers approximate we inhale a credit card’s worth of plastic particles per week through airborne dust. Microplastics are all around us, and have been found in human bloodstreams and even breast milk.

What’s being done to combat microplastic pollution?

Once these tiny plastic fibers enter our waterways and ecosystems, their removal is extremely difficult. They can persist for years, presenting a long term environmental challenge. The World Health Organization has called for more attention to be paid to the dangers of microplastics.

Global initiatives like The Microfibre Consortium, based in Bristol, England, are fostering innovation to tackle the problem. In September 2021, the Consortium launched the ambitious Microfibre 2030 Commitment, aiming to rally 80% of its signatories – including leading brands like Adidas, Gap, Puma, and Under Armour – to adopt specific microfiber reduction limits by 2030.

The nonprofit is going beyond setting ambitious goals. To ensure accurate measurement of microfiber shedding, they have developed a publicly available test method: the Microfibre Consortium Test Method. Validated by ten independent international laboratories, this method simulates home laundry cycles and incorporates eight repetitions for reliable results. The collected data is then fed into the Consortium’s Microfibre Data Portal, paving the way for a future global rating system for microfiber shedding within the textile industry.

Adding to the global effort is the Cross Industry Agreement (CIA). This initiative brings together five European industry associations representing the entire lifecycle of garments, from production to washing and care. United by a common goal, these voluntary collaborators are working towards preventing microplastics from entering aquatic environments when synthetic textiles are laundered.

The fight against microfiber pollution extends beyond industry initiatives. Governments are also taking action. The European Commission has pledged to tackle microplastics, including those originating from apparel. France will take a pioneering step next year by mandating new washing machines to include microfiber filters.

Consumers also play a crucial role. The National Environmental Education Foundation offers practical solutions to reduce microfiber shedding at home. These include opting for cold water washing cycles, minimizing the frequency of washing clothes, and installing microfiber filters in existing washing machines.

How are apparel manufacturing companies getting in the game? 

The textile industry sits at the heart of economic progress, an essential part of our modern world. Yet, as a global manufacturing giant, it also presents some of the most complex environmental challenges we face. However, within this same industry lies immense potential for the most impactful positive environmental change.

“To accelerate progress on fiber fragmentation, the textile industry requires a unified front. Brandix is setting the standard by forging strong partnerships with leading sustainability initiatives. Through this collaborative effort, we can move beyond individual initiatives and enact coordinated, impactful change that benefits both the environment and the industry’s long-term sustainability and social responsibility,” says Wimalachandra.

Knowledge sharing is key in the fight for a healthier planet, and Under Armour is walking the walk, not just talking the talk. In 2023, the global sportswear giant partnered with James Heal, a leader in precision testing solutions, to develop and launch a groundbreaking fiber-shed test method. Moreover, Under Armour is not keeping this innovative solution a secret. They are making their optimized test kits, utilizing a simplified and repeatable method, available for industry-wide use. These kits offer a fast, cost effective way to assess fiber shedding, a significant improvement over the time-consuming and expensive processes previously used in research and development.

Under Armour’s commitment goes beyond public availability, they have also provided complimentary test kits to high-volume textile mills within their global supply chain, to encourage early intervention across their entire production network.

The Brandix Blueprint: fashion and sustainability

“Eliminating or even reducing microfiber pollution is no small feat, but Brandix is not shying away from the challenge. We are committed to tackling this issue head-on through a multi-faceted approach that leaves no stone unturned. Our in-house innovation team is actively looking for methods to minimize microfiber shedding by critically evaluating every stage of our production process. We also partner with leading material scientists, environmental engineers, and research institutions to leverage diverse expertise. By pinpointing the most significant sources of shedding, we can strategically implement solutions for maximum impact,” says Wimalachandra, who is also a valued member of the Brandix innovation team.

“Our fight starts at the source and ends when a garment is disposed of sustainably or recycled. This includes exploring new materials, optimizing existing processes, developing filtration technologies and more. We are currently working to create a new bio-based raw material that will be completely free of plastic. Several ideas are also being explored throughout the industry: brushing techniques, laser and ultrasound cutting, special coatings, and pre-washing garments. Factors like length of the yarn, type of weave, and methods for finishing a seam are also being looked at in relation to how they impact shedding rates. Another promising approach involves specialized machinery that would absorb or extract microfiber from garments before they are released to the market.

Despite being a prevalent topic within the industry, it may not be a danger that many end-users are aware of and the consumers’ actions are the final piece of this puzzle. As a manufacturer, we have a responsibility to create awareness. We can start to do this by providing instructions through labelling but Brandix is also looking at other creative ways to get the message out there. It is up to companies like ours to take on a pioneering role and set an example as responsible stewards of the environment.

While further research is essential to identify best practices and establish industry-wide solutions—a cause in which Brandix is deeply invested—the textile industry has an opportunity to act now and make an impactful difference. What we do today will be a pivotal step in moving the industry towards a more sustainable future.”

 

 

Authored by Kamaya de Soysa

Reimagine, Recycle, Remake: the Future of Fashion is Circular

Brandix is on a mission to become the most sustainable apparel manufacturing company in South Asia. Driven by the desire to affect positive change, we are committed to using our influence in the industry to create a more environmentally conscious future for fashion.

In 2019, our Batticaloa plant was named the world’s first Net Zero Carbon (across Scope 1 and 2) apparel manufacturing facility, and six more facilities have since achieved the same recognition. In 2023, Brandix signed the Amazon Climate Pledge, the first apparel manufacturer in the Asia-Pacific region to do so. The final goal? To achieve Net Zero Carbon (across Scope 1, 2 and 3) across all our global facilities by 2030, which is two decades ahead of the Paris Agreement mandate.

Beyond pioneering net-zero carbon manufacturing, Brandix hopes to inspire environmentally conscious construction within Sri Lanka’s industrial sector. We currently operate the largest green building space in the country, with a combined total of 519,042 square feet across five certified buildings. These certifications include two LEED Platinum, two LEED Gold, and one GreenMark Platinum.

A recent United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report paints a concerning picture of the fashion industry’s environmental impact. The industry is estimated to contribute 2-8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, 9% of annual microplastic pollution found in the oceans, and consume 215 trillion liters of water each year. Recognizing the urgency to act, we have taken a proactive approach by embedding sustainability into the very core of our business model, making it an inseparable aspect part of our daily activities.

Sri Lanka’s recent economic crisis brought home to us all, the severity of resource scarcity and rising costs. In response, Brandix stepped up to strengthen its commitment to material circularity and waste management across all operations. During the year, the company expanded its use and generation of renewable energy, reaching a total capacity of 18 MW. Additionally, Brandix made significant improvements to three of its wastewater recycling plants and two sewage treatment plants. The company also expanded rainwater harvesting, carbon sequestration, and energy optimization initiatives.

Today’s customers demand sustainable and ethical fashion, as a world leader in green apparel manufacturing, we are committed to meeting these evolving demands and upholding the highest global standards.

Designing circularity into sustainable fashion

The traditional, “take-make-dispose” linear economy is facing a challenge from a new paradigm: the circular economy. Circularity prioritizes “reduce, reuse, recycle” aiming to optimize resource use, minimize waste, and conserve precious natural resources. It also represents a powerful contribution to achieving global climate targets.

For businesses, particularly manufacturers, this shift offers significant potential benefits.

Environmental Impact: By extending the life cycle of materials and reducing waste, the circular economy helps lessen our collective environmental footprint.

Cost Savings: A report by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation estimates $700 billion in annual global material cost savings through circular manufacturing. Manufacturers are increasingly recognizing these advantages, driving the shift towards circular practices.

Resource Efficiency: Circularity reduces reliance on scarce resources. This not only benefits the environment, but also makes manufacturers less vulnerable to resource scarcity and price fluctuations.

Design Flexibility: Circular principles encourage manufacturers to create products that are more adaptable in terms of design and materials. This translates to easier repair, reuse, and eventual recycling.

The potential economic benefits are equally compelling. A McKinsey report suggests that the transition to a circular economy could unlock $2 trillion in value by 2030.

“Our strategic focus prioritizes sustainability through a multi-pronged approach: investing in renewable energy, optimizing energy efficiency, cleaner production methods, and responsible use of materials. 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. 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 is actively exploring different methods of closing the loop in the lifecycle of clothing, from utilizing bio-based raw materials to designing products for infinite recyclability or biodegradation. These bio-based and biodegradable materials offer a sustainable alternative, with the ability to safely re-enter the natural world and return valuable nutrients back to the environment if necessary. Another focus area is the utilization of cotton waste that ingrains circular principles: recapturing value from existing materials and reducing demand for virgin resources, while minimizing waste and pollution,” says Dinush Wimalachandra, who leads Product Solutions, Research and Development at Brandix.

 

Is cotton the enemy of ethical fashion?

Cotton, according to the World Wildlife Fund, is a global economic powerhouse. As the most widespread profitable non-food crop, it provides income for over 250 million people and employs nearly 7% of the developing world’s workforce. However, this success story hides a dark secret: current cotton production methods are demonstrably unsustainable.

These unsustainable practices threaten the very future of the industry they prop up. Cotton production is known for its heavy water usage, with some experts claiming it is the thirstiest crop among all agricultural commodities. Diverting surface and groundwater for irrigation leads to the steep cost of freshwater loss through evaporation and inefficient water management. Furthermore, Conventional cotton cultivation relies heavily on fertilizers and pesticides, the runoff of which pollutes rivers, lakes, wetlands, and aquifers. These pollutants devastate biodiversity through immediate toxicity and long-term accumulation. Heavy use of pesticides is also a concern for the health of farm workers and nearby populations.

The consequences of cotton’s water footprint are starkly evident in major ecosystems like the Aral Sea in Central Asia, the Indus Delta in the Indian Subcontinent, and the Murray Darling River in Australia. All of which are under severe stress as a result of water diversion and pollution caused by cotton production.

Soil degradation is another major concern. Despite the global area devoted to cotton cultivation remaining constant for over 70 years, soil quality in many regions has been depleted and degraded. Intensive farming practices on established fields has led to exhaustion, forcing expansion into new areas. This habitat destruction adds another layer to the environmental cost of cotton production.

 

From trash to treasure: how Brandix is giving cotton waste new life

In the early days of cotton production, textile manufacturers simply discarded excess material as waste. Later, this waste found new life in other industries, transformed into products like cardboard, bricks, and upholstery. However, the challenge still persists, with the total quantity of textile waste projected to reach 148 million tons by 2030, of which cotton waste will account for about thirty five to forty percent.

The fashion industry’s current shift towards sustainability, is giving recycled cotton the spotlight. Recycled cotton can be broadly defined as transforming used or excess cotton fabric into usable fibers that can be given new life in a variety of textile products. Recycled cotton is also commonly referred to as regenerated or reclaimed cotton.

Brandix has been able to successfully integrate recycled cotton into the company’s product portfolio by using 90% of cotton cut waste. Scraps of yarn and fabric by-products are turned into high-quality yarn and ultimately sustainable apparel. While this is the primary source, the company is constantly exploring ways to further reduce waste and increase resource independence. This includes finding innovative approaches to turn even more cut and knitting waste into recycled cotton.

Going even further, Brandix is exploring the potential of a “post-consumer” source for cotton waste – discarded garments that can be repurposed into new products. However, accessing post-consumer waste presents a unique challenge. Unlike manufacturing waste, it relies heavily on participation from the end-users, the consumers. To address this, we are in discussions with the brands we supply to develop collection and reverse logistics systems that encourage consumers to return used clothing and textiles.

Once used garments are received, the recycling process begins. Sorting post-consumer waste is particularly labor-intensive due to the vast variety of colors, fabric blends, and even smaller components like sewing thread and traces of spandex. Each of these elements needs careful consideration and categorization before the material can be reintroduced into the recycling stream. This new avenue has, in turn, created demand for different business services requiring specialized knowledge and expertise.

After sorting, machines are used to shred the fabric into yarn and then break it down further into raw fiber. This rough processing often results in breakages and entanglement, which can lead to a decrease in the strength and quality of the fiber. The shredding process can also impact fiber length and uniformity, potentially limiting end-use application. The raw fibers are then spun back into yarns to create new textiles. Brandix is actively experimenting with methods to improve the quality of recycled fibers, aiming to achieve results that equal or even surpass the quality of virgin fibers.

Today’s consumers are increasingly more conscious of environmental impact, prioritizing products and services that employ sustainable practices. This shift in consumer behavior is pushing manufacturers to find innovative ways to keep materials in circulation and out of landfills.

Brandix is embracing this movement. The concept of “make and remake” guides our design philosophy. We are also rethinking traditional production methods and creating garments designed for extended lifespans and recyclability.

 

Authored by Kamaya de Soysa 

From Yarn to Performance: the Potential of Functional Textiles

Imagine clothing that responds to our needs, adjusts to our environment, and minimizes impact on the planet. This is not science fiction; it is the future Brandix is weaving. No longer confined to aesthetics and basic comfort, clothes are evolving into intuitive enhancements. Driven by innovation and agility, Brandix is leading a revolution where sustainable fashion meets function.

What is functional clothing?

Functional clothing goes beyond simply covering our body. This is innovative apparel built for adaptability. They are specially designed to provide comfort and protection; meeting user performance demands in a variety of different ways. Working in harmony with your physiology and offering a range of benefits tailored to your needs.

In essence, it is an upgrade on traditional clothing, offering advanced performance properties that were previously reserved exclusively for athletes, military personnel, and technical workers who needed specialized gear to conquer adverse conditions. Today, functional clothing can elevate our everyday experience, keeping us comfortable and supported in many aspects of our lives.

 

Redefining innovative apparel

With consumer expectations rising year by year, activewear has come a long way from plain cotton tees. Functional clothing has taken center stage in the activewear and sportswear market, and its popularity is only set to soar in the coming years. Statista has projected a surge from $89 billion in 2017 to an incredible $244.6 billion by 2025.
“Brandix is not waiting on the sidelines, we are getting in the game early. We are committed to leading the charge by crafting the next generation of performance apparel through extensive research and development efforts that venture beyond the limits of current innovation.

Our journey starts with analyzing the chemical makeup of our raw materials, understanding both their strengths and limitations. It is only with in-depth knowledge that we can start to unlock their full potential. This scientific lens must be applied at a granular level, across every stage of the production process.

The innovation team at Brandix is a powerhouse of some of Sri Lanka’s brightest minds. While we use the full extent of our in-house expertise, we also partner with external specialists. This open innovation concept fosters collaboration. It allows us to strategically leverage cutting-edge technologies developed by some of the world’s leading experts, which accelerates our progress.

In this highly competitive landscape, there is always the potential for overlaps in innovation. We need to remain vigilant to protect our intellectual property. We need to stay ahead of the curve, while delivering solutions that address specific customer pain points,” says Dinush Wimalachandra, General Manager for Marketing at Brandix.

Beneath the surface: the science behind functional clothing

The human body is an amazing machine that is constantly working to maintain a stable internal temperature regardless of the external environment. This remarkable process, called thermoregulation, is essential for our well-being. When thermoregulation fails, in extreme cases, it can lead to overheating (hyperthermia) or hypothermia. Both of which can be detrimental to our health and even life-threatening.

The concept of functional clothing begins with a multi-layered design that helps regulate our body temperature and keep us comfortable in different conditions. The yarns in these fabrics utilize a combination of materials with varying hydrophilicity (water-loving) and hydrophobicity (water-repelling) properties. The specific yarn structure also plays a crucial role, influencing capillary action and the rate of moisture transfer. Each layer performs a specific function:

 

The three layers can be combined to complement each other or work independently, depending on the requirement.

Going beyond basic protection, the next generation of functional textiles is penetrating intelligent yarns and polymers used in the bonding and printing processes. These are not your average threads; they are precisely engineered to perform specific functions that cater to specialized needs. We achieve this by incorporating properties directly into the yarn itself. This stands in contrast to older methods that rely on surface treatments and coatings. These external finishes often deteriorate with wear and washing, leaving garments ineffective after a short period of use. By embedding functionalities within the yarn, Brandix is creating clothing that endures, delivering consistent comfort and long-lasting performance.

 

So, what can functional clothing really do for us?

Sweat Happens: Why moisture absorption matters in activewear

Anyone who has ever pushed themselves during a workout knows the importance of moisture-wicking clothing. A drenched t-shirt is more than just uncomfortable – it can weigh you down and even make you feel colder in certain conditions.

Brandix is exploring innovative technologies and techniques to create clothing with specific dimensions and cuts that are customized to the wearer’s body composition. One key feature is the strategic use of smart elements. For instance, mesh fabrics are incorporated in areas prone to sweat, like around the armpits. This breathable material allows for maximum moisture control. The goal is to ensure the clothing keeps up with the wearer during intense activity.

Beat the Heat: How breathability keeps you cool

Imagine the stifling feeling of a plastic bag – that is what wearing clothes with poor breathability is like. Breathability is essential in clothing because it wicks away moisture vapor from your body, preventing overheating and keeping you feeling fresh and dry during exercise. Mesh elements and ventilation cutouts are common ways to improve breathability in garments. Additionally, some fabrics can even offer both breathability and waterproof features, making them ideal for unpredictable outdoor conditions.

Race the wind: The power of aerodynamics

For athletes participating in speed-focused sports like running and cycling, every second counts. This is where aerodynamic clothing comes in. By minimizing wind resistance, these garments can significantly boost performance. The secret lies in a perfect fit: aerodynamic clothing contours seamlessly to our bodies, allowing air to flow smoothly around us rather than creating drag. This translates to less energy wasted fighting the wind, enabling us to push our limits and shave precious seconds off our timing.

Gear Up for Performance: The benefits of compression

Compression clothing offers a unique advantage for athletes and anyone seeking to optimize their workouts. These garments fit snugly around the body, promoting improved blood circulation. This translates to several benefits: increased oxygen delivery to muscles, faster recovery times, reduced swelling and pain, and improved joint and ligament support. Compression socks, shirts and leggings offer different levels of compression to cater to individual needs and activity levels.

Staying Fresh: Exploring anti-odor technologies

Anti-odor technology works by disrupting the growth and function of odor-causing bacteria on our skin. Antimicrobial fabrics have special agents embedded in the fibers or coated onto the surface. Common examples include triclosan and triclocarban, which disrupt bacteria’s cell membranes, preventing their growth. Silver coatings or silver-infused yarn also fall under this category. Silver ions released during oxidation effectively destroy bacteria. While effective at first, traditional anti-odor treatments have limitations. Chemicals used in these treatments can be harmful to the environment when released during washing. Additionally, tests show these chemicals often lose effectiveness after a few washes.

At Brandix, we are experimenting with sustainable alternatives to traditional anti-odor treatments, ensuring long-lasting odor control without compromising human health or the planet.

 

The next chapter is functional and smart

The future of functional clothing is certainly bright, but the road ahead will not always be smooth sailing for apparel manufacturers. New regulations and ever evolving consumer preferences are pushing companies to innovate and deliver high-performing functional products, all while keeping prices low and minimizing environmental impact. This balancing act is one of the biggest challenges facing the industry. Brandix is taking the challenge head-on by seeking innovative solutions that cater to different market segments.

Brandix is a leader in activewear and sportswear, however, our vision extends far beyond the athletic field. We are pioneering the use of functional and smart textiles in everyday clothing. Functional yarns that respond to external temperature fluctuations are currently being tested. These garments will actively regulate your body temperature, adapting to the environment to keep you comfortable all day long. This means clothes that can keep you cool on a hot day and warm on a chilly evening – all in one garment!

This versatility eliminates the need for a wardrobe overflowing with weather-specific clothing. A more streamlined wardrobe, may not only simplify our life, but also contribute to a more sustainable future by promoting circularity.

Functional clothing has come a long way, offering impressive features like moisture management and temperature regulation. However, the potential for this technology is not limited to these basic functionalities. Clothing that not only keeps you comfortable but also actively protects you: fire resistance, protection from microbes and viruses, and even light reflection are all possibilities in the realm of next-level functional clothing.

Smart clothing takes functionality a step further, blurring the lines between apparel and technology. These garments can monitor your vital signs on the go, seamlessly integrate with your wearable tech, or even adapt to your mood.

The applications of functional clothing are only just beginning to unfold, promising a future where our garments actively elevate our experiences. At Brandix, our commitment to textile innovation positions us as leaders in shaping this exciting world. We are dedicated in pushing the boundaries of science and technology, developing revolutionary solutions that redefine our relationship with clothing. As technology and innovation continue their rapid evolution, we can envision a world where our garments transform from passive coverings into intelligent companions, actively enhancing our comfort, performance, and overall well-being.

 

Authored by Kamaya de Soysa

Plastic is Out. Bio-Based Raw Materials are Charting the Future of Sustainable Apparel.

Ever wondered about the impact your wardrobe has on the planet? The appeal of stylish and functional clothing is hard to deny, however there is a growing concern for the fashion industry’s impact on the environment. Striking a balance between these two aspects remains a significant challenge. The finger has been pointed at petroleum-based synthetic fibers, but what alternatives are there and which synthetic fibers are more sustainable?

Brandix is working the problem by engineering a new generation of textiles, which are built around bio-based materials. Clothes that are durable, high performing, and made from renewable resources. This innovative approach offers a sustainable alternative to traditional synthetic fibers, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

What are bio-based raw materials?
Bio-based raw materials come from biological sources, like plants, animals and microorganisms; most frequently used are natural fibers, wood, sugar, starch and plant oils.

This is what makes them so promising:

  • Renewable Resources: Bio-based materials are derived from sources that can be replenished, unlike fossil fuels used in conventional synthetic fibers. This reduces dependence on non-renewable resources and promotes sustainable fashion.
  • Reduced Environmental Impact: Production of bio-based materials often requires less energy and generates fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional synthetic fibers. This translates to a smaller carbon footprint for apparel manufacturing companies.
  • Biodegradability: Many bio-based materials are biodegradable, meaning they will decompose naturally at the end of their lifecycle. This helps to minimize waste and microplastic pollution associated with synthetic textiles that can take hundreds of years to break down.
  • Performance Potential: Bio-based materials can be processed to offer similar performance characteristics to traditional synthetic fibers, such as durability, moisture-wicking, and wrinkle resistance. This ensures functionality alongside environmental benefits.

Is fashion embracing a greener future?

When it comes to the buying habits of customers, a recent study by Nielsen sends a clear message: sustainability matters. Fueled by an increase in environmental awareness, especially among young people, attitudes are moving away from fast fashion and towards more eco-friendly, sustainable and ethical clothing options. Industry data reflects this shift, with the sustainable fashion industry currently valued at over $6.5 billion. This figure is projected to climb steadily in the coming years; with analysts predicting the market will reach $10.1 billion by 2025, with further growth to $15 billion by 2030.

A majority of global consumers report a willingness to change their consumption behavior to reduce their environmental impact. They are increasingly interested in purchasing, and sometimes paying a premium for, products that benefit the environment.

  • 73% of global consumers say they would be likely to change their consumption patterns to reduce their impact on the environment.
  • 41% of consumers across the globe, express a strong willingness to pay more for products that contain natural or organic ingredients.

 

Through years of dedicated research and development, both in-house and in collaboration with external experts, Brandix has identified the potential benefits of castor oil as a viable and renewable resource. By optimizing its properties for various textile applications, we are able to provide a valuable solution to one of fashion’s biggest quandaries. With the help of a small but mighty castor seed, Brandix is spearheading the shift towards a more sustainable future in apparel manufacturing.

 

Emerging trends in bio-based materials

The sports world thrives on innovation, constantly pushing the boundaries of performance and comfort. From moisture-wicking jerseys to high-performance running tights, polyester and polyamide have revolutionized athletic wear. However, this reliance on synthetic fibers comes at a significant cost to the planet: plastic pollution. As awareness of the environmental impact of the fashion industry grows, a crucial question emerges: Is there a way to retain all the features we love about sportswear, without adding more plastic to the natural environment? The answer may lie in a humble semi-woody small tree.

The castor bean plant, Ricinus Communis, thrives in arid regions, withstanding long periods of drought. This fast-growing crop does not compete for arable land destined for agriculture. It also requires minimal water for cultivation, which adds to its sustainability as a renewable resource. This unique set of characteristics makes castor oil a particularly promising resource for the fashion industry, which is under immense pressure to minimize its environmental footprint.

Brandix, with a long history of proactive environmental action focusing on air, water, and earth, has taken a monumental step forward. With careful consideration to balance manufacturing, environmental, and social factors, we have identified the importance of new synthetic fiber which is a marriage of high performance and environmental consciousness.

The building block of this innovative high-performance fiber is a biopolymer formed within the castor seed. The high-tech textile fibers are processed into high-quality fabrics lending maximum comfort to the wearer. This versatile material is suitable for a range of textile uses, with particular advantages in the sportswear sector.

 

“Traditional synthetic fabrics like, polyester and nylon only offer the ability to be recycled once. A second and third attempt at recycling degrades the strength of the fibers and compromises their viability. This leads to plastic waste, which is not a desirable outcome. We are working on new raw materials that can potentially offer a significant advantage: infinite recyclability. This means the material can be recycled repeatedly without losing its performance qualities. This breakthrough will not only reduce reliance on virgin resources but also minimize textile waste in the long run,” says Dinush Wimalachandra, a key member of the Brandix innovation team.

How do we overcome the hurdles of integrating bio-based raw materials?

At Brandix, we understand the urgency of moving towards a more sustainable future, however, transitioning to bio-based alternatives presents its own set of challenges.

Investing in the future: Unlike easily accessible synthetic materials, working with bio-based fibers requires significant investment in in-house research and development. Resources have been dedicated to understanding the properties of this new material, optimizing processing techniques, and ensuring compatibility with existing machinery. It is a time-intensive process that also demands considerable financial investment. But we firmly believe in the potential of these materials in transforming the industry.

Adapting for innovation: The textile machinery we use today is not readily compatible with bio-based fibers, yet we are committed to overcoming this hurdle. Our engineering team is exploring the options of adapting existing infrastructure and even developing or sourcing entirely new equipment to ensure the efficient and high-quality production of bio-based textiles.

Beyond the machinery: Challenges extend beyond the physical setup. Traditional formulations of dye sometimes interact poorly with the new fibers and do not always deliver the desired results. Formulating dyes and other finishing agents specifically for these bio-based materials presents an additional obstacle. We are in the process of researching and developing new formulations to achieve optimal results.

Uncertain return on investment: The long lead time and high upfront costs associated with in-house development is always a gamble when it comes to a new product. The uncertainty regarding return on investment is factor that must be taken into account.

Outside expertise: The market for sustainable textiles is still evolving, and consumer adoption might not be immediate. Brandix embraces open innovation by partnering with external parties to accelerate the progress of the entire sector through shared expertise.

Staying ahead in the game: While industry collaboration fuels progress, protecting our intellectual property remains essential in this fast-paced landscape. Innovation overlaps occur often, making IP a vital tool to maintain a competitive advantage.

“Our commitment to overcoming the challenges of developing bio-based raw materials is not just about innovation, it is also a true reflection of our other core values: sustainability and agility. We are pioneering cutting-edge solutions that address the environmental impact of traditional textiles, while maintaining the high standards for which our company is known,” says Wimalachandra, who also serves as General Manager for Product Solutions, Research and Development at Brandix.

 

A better world is circular

The future of fashion is no longer a runway filled with fleeting trends, but a circular path towards a healthier planet. By making informed choices and supporting these innovative solutions, we become active participants in shaping a more sustainable future. Every purchase of a bio-based garment will be more than just a new addition to our wardrobe; it can be a vote for cleaner air, healthier oceans, and less plastic in landfills.

But the benefits extend far beyond environmental responsibility, bio-based materials hold the promise of pushing the boundaries of technology and the potential to experience a fashion revolution. Let us embrace the chance to explore new textures, discover unexpected functionalities, and redefine what it means to look and feel good.

Together, we can rewrite the narrative of the fashion industry. We can move beyond the “take-make-dispose” model and embrace a circular future where high performance and environmental awareness go hand in hand. In this future, waste becomes a relic of the past, replaced by a system of continuous renewal and responsible consumption. The choice is ours, and the future beckons. Are you ready to join the movement?

 

Authored by Kamaya de Soysa