The Batticaloa factory of leading Sri Lankan apparel solutions provider, Brandix, is the world’s first manufacturing facility to achieve ‘Net Zero Carbon’ status. This signifies that the Brandix factory in Batticaloa has completely neutralized its environmental impact through carbon dioxide emissions by being highly energy efficient and using on-site renewable energy resources.

Recognised by the World Green Building Council (WGBC), the ‘Net Zero Carbon’ certification is issued by the Leonardo Academy and comes in the background of countries around the world examining ways in which to minimise their contribution towards drastic climate change.  

“In 2007, when we began our journey in Sustainability, we envisioned Brandix becoming the most sustainable apparel manufacturer in Asia. Soon after, we went on to achieve a global milestone in 2008 by securing the world’s first LEED Platinum certification for our factory in Seeduwa, setting the trend for other manufacturers to follow in our wake. It is truly a monumental milestone for us, therefore, to secure another world first, by achieving Net Zero Carbon status for our factory in Batticaloa, as the first Sri Lankan company and apparel manufacturer to join in on the World Green Building Council Commitment. Striving for excellence at every stage of our business, we will continue to work towards our goals in Environmental Sustainability on an inspired journey to lead the way and become a global benchmark,” said Ashroff Omar, Group Chief Executive Officer of Brandix.

The achievement of this milestone is in alignment with Brandix’s commitment to the WGBC, where Brandix has pledged that all factories located in Sri Lanka, under the company’s direct control, will be Net Zero Carbon in operation by 2023. To achieve this ambitious goal, its decarbonisation strategy involves on-site renewable energy generation – with Brandix currently adding nearly 20MW of solar and biomass to its current energy mix, and resource optimisation strategies with installation of technologically advanced and energy efficient air compressors, HVAC systems, sewing machines, lighting and building fabric. 

“We welcome the sustainability leadership action demonstrated by Brandix in joining the Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment,” said Cristina Gamboa, Chief Executive Officer of the World Green Building Council. “As both the first Sri Lankan company and the first apparel manufacturer to commit to net zero carbon buildings across its operations, Brandix is setting an example in leading the transition towards net-zero buildings in Sri Lanka and within its industry.”

This is the second major sustainability milestone for the Brandix Batticaloa factory, which achieved the highest Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum rating in Sri Lanka, which is also the second highest rating in the world.

The Brandix Group has provided sponsorship support for the 2018 National Occupational Safety & Health (OSH) Conference of Sri Lanka as a key corporate partner for the ninth year.

Organised by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) of the Ministry of Labour, this year’s conference, part of the National Occupational Safety & Health Week, was themed ‘OSH Management System Implementation and Occupational Disaster Preparedness.’

In keeping with the theme, the objective of this year’s conference was to create awareness and improve health and safety in the workplace as a productivity and economic development strategy by establishing an OSH management system. The event also served as a platform to reward and promote OSH professionals.

“At Brandix, occupational health and safety has always been a top priority, and we strive to inspire our people to focus on achieving excellence in this sphere, which is why we continue to be a consistent supporter of this event,” said Air Chief Marshal (Retd) Harsha Abeywickrema, Director of Brandix Apparel Limited. “Achieving the highest standards for occupational safety and health also helps drive productivity and is an important element in our company’s culture of compliance.”

In 2009, the second week of October was designated as the ‘National Occupational Safety & Health Week’ by the Sri Lanka Cabinet of Ministers. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health commemorates this week annually with the participation of its tripartite constituents to develop a safe culture across all work places island-wide. The Institute also uses this opportunity to emphasise on the importance of establishing an OSH management system in industries to minimise occupational hazards and accidents.

Brandix, the single largest employer in Sri Lanka’s export sector and adjudged ‘Globally Operated Highest Foreign Exchange Earner’ at the 2018 Presidential Export Awards, will continue its commitment to support events connected with the National Safety Week initiative.

Brandix celebrated inspiring workplace contributions at the Group’s annual awards extravaganza recently, singling out for honour 45 Associates out of a 50,000 Associate base employed in Sri Lanka, India and Bangladesh.

The annual Brandix ‘Rasadiya Mangalya’ (Mercury Festival) held at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium, witnessed Sri Lanka’s top exporter recognising Employees of the Year (EOYs) and Supervisors of the Year (SOYs) who played significant roles in the Group’s growth in 2017. Of these, 27 employees from Sri Lanka and 10 from overseas were presented the EOY accolade, while 5 from Sri Lanka and 3 from overseas received the SOY awards.

Each Employee of the Year and Supervisor of the Year received a trophy of appreciation as well as a company-sponsored study tour to China, India or Bangladesh, and in Sri Lanka for those attached to the Group’s overseas plants.

Each Employee of the Year and Supervisor of the Year received a trophy of appreciation as well as a company-sponsored study tour to China, India or Bangladesh, and in Sri Lanka for those attached to the Group’s overseas plants.

The Group also used the Brandix Rasadiya Mangalya platform to reward mechanical excellence of Associates with Rs 2.5 million in cash prizes to three individual mechanics and their respective teams that secured the first three places in the annual Brandix ‘Mech Challenge’ – a group-wide competition in mechanical proficiency.

A new feature at the eighth edition of the awards ceremony was the felicitation of 29 University students – children of Brandix Associates – who are current recipients of Randaru Scholarships by Brandix to pursue their University education.

Another element of the Brandix Rasadiya Mangalya was the ‘Rasadiya Hiru’ (Mercury Sun) awards for best delivery of HR-related key performance indicators.

The day-long Brandix Rasadiya Mangalya commenced with the finals of the annual Brandix ‘Rasadiya Kusalanaya’ Volleyball tournament for Non-Executive staff, and concluded on a high note with the colourful finals of two talent competitions that promote and recognise the non-work-related talents of Brandix Associates in Sri Lanka – the ‘Rasadiya Gee Tharuwa’ (Singing Star) and the ‘Rasadiya Narthana Tharu’ (Dancing Stars) competitions conducted across factories in Sri Lanka. The awards for the finalists of the ‘Rasadiya Nivedana Tharu’ (Announcing Star) competition were also presented during the proceedings.

The Brandix Group and the Vocational Training Authority of Sri Lanka (VTA) recently signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) denoting a collaboration to break new ground in skills development for Sri Lanka’s Apparel Sector.

The first of these agreements facilitates the creation of an NVQ Level 5 equivalent qualification for Garment Technicians – the first of that level in the Apparel industry – with Brandix assisting the VTA to develop the curriculum and providing training at the Brandix Academy. The Brandix Academy is a new initiative to unleash the technical and leadership potential of individuals through an unconventional and rigorous learning and development process to improve business outcomes with individual growth. This will be further cemented with technical support and guidance from the VTA. Additionally, holders of the nationally-accepted NVQ Level 5 qualifications may apply for a degree at the UNIVOTEC (University of Vocational Technology).

The second Memorandum of Understanding enables Brandix to identify and employ school leavers who have received a three-month training as Industrial Sewing Machine Operators at the VTA’s island-wide network of vocational training centres. Selected trainees will undergo a further three months of training at Brandix business units, after which they will be offered a certificate equivalent to NVQ Level 3 upon completion.

“Elevating the standards of training and technical competency development is essential for our Apparel industry to progress and advance up the value chain,” said Mr Ishan Dantanarayana, Chief People Officer of the Brandix Group and one of the signatories to the two agreements. “As the country’s top-ranked exporter and largest employer, we are delighted to partner with the Vocational Training Authority of Sri Lanka to steer this process that would provide much value to the Sri Lankan youth and our country as a whole.”

Eng. Dr Lionel Pinto, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Vocational Training Authority of Sri Lanka, who signed the agreements on behalf of the authority said: “This is a unique endeavour that fosters the public private partnership thrust between VTA and Brandix which is one of the most renowned and leading companies in the Apparel sector in the country, while this joint venture promotes new openings to the youth to embark on their careers in the Apparel industry by way of skills training and guaranteed employment together. I am also glad to highlight that this initiative has been facilitated by the Policy Development Office of the Hon Prime Minister.”

According to the VTA, NVQ Level 5 status, which is equivalent to a Diploma, has not been defined and made available for any of the job roles in the Apparel industry in Sri Lanka. As a result, the VTA will initially develop the curriculum for Garment Technician positions to be on par with NVQ Level 5 as a national level initiative in line with the signed agreement. For its part, Brandix will support the Authority with technical expertise and provide any other assistance required by the process.

Once the curriculum development is completed at the national level, the VTA will provide necessary technical support and guidance to deliver the training programmes via the Brandix Academy. The Authority will also ensure conformity with the academic standards and quality assurance requirements set out in the skills standard of the NVQ framework, conduct the examination process and issue certificates on par with the standards stipulated under the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission (TVEC).

Head of CSR and Corporate Communications of Brandix Lanka Limited, Anusha Alles, was recognized as one of the world’s ‘100 Most Impactful CSR Leaders’ by World CSR Day during a two-day conference held in Mumbai, India recently.

A forum that brings together 1,200 professionals from 133 countries, the event serves as platform to bring together likeminded leaders with the aim of enhancing knowledge, networking and engaging in meaningful discussions in line with the theme and sub themes of the conference. Significantly, Anusha was also featured on a panel to address the topic, ‘Building and implementing CSR strategies’, in line with her expertise.

Brandix has been making a positive impact in the lives of many through its CSR efforts to provide communities access to clean water, through its ‘Care for our Own’ initiative. The concept was designed in response to the pressing need for clean water supply systems among the company’s Associates and their communities, and in line with a vision to contribute to the national goal of providing safe drinking water and sanitation for the entire populace by 2025. The focus on water was also prompted by the vital role it plays towards the manufacturing process in the Apparel industry.

As a result, the Brandix CSR Centre has endeavoured to alleviate the stress of water poverty for women across Sri Lanka under the direction of Anusha, who has played a pivotal role in driving the ‘Care for our Own’ projects with the help of an able team under the four main pillars of ‘Provide’, ‘Educate’, ‘Research’, and ‘Disaster Management’ since 2006. Additionally, the Brandix CSR Centre also conducts programmes that cover livelihood development, construction of housing, and health screenings.

Commenting on the win, Anusha Alles, Head of CSR & Corporate Communications of Brandix Lanka Limited remarked, “I accept this award with a deep sense of humility and dedicate it to my entire team at Brandix. I believe they deserve this much more than I. To me, this award is symbolic of the positive and impactful work done by Brandix over the years in line with our aim to improve the quality of life for all our Associates, who are the backbone of our organisation. We will continue undeterred with our projects to inspire the lives of those impacted by water poverty as part of our journey in Sri Lanka.”

 

About Brandix:

Ranked Sri Lanka’s Most Valuable Export Brand in 2015, 2016 and 2017 by Brand Finance, Brandix is the country’s single largest Apparel exporter, and was named ‘Sri Lanka’s Exporter of the Year’ for the fifth consecutive time in respect of 2016 by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB). The pioneer of the concept of ‘total solutions’ in Sri Lanka’s Apparel sector and a preferred supplier to some of the top retail brands in the US and Europe, Brandix is also a benchmark and international award winner for eco-friendly manufacture and commitment to environmental best practice.

The Brandix Group has been recognised as the largest corporate blood donor in Sri Lanka for the eighth consecutive year, following the selfless contribution of over 4,000 pints of blood from inspired employees to the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) in 2017-18.

Minister of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine, Hon. Dr. Rajitha Senaratne presented Brandix with a special plaque of appreciation at a national ceremony on 14th June – World Blood Donor Day – in recognition of the Group’s contribution. Significantly, the accolade was accepted on behalf of Brandix by the highest individual donor from the Group and a representative of the highest contributing factory from among the 26 Brandix locations that participated in the Group-wide blood donation drive.

Brandix has organised annual blood drives in collaboration with the NBTS for the past 11 years, during which, the Group’s Associates have donated 28,534 pints of blood in total.

“A commitment that has spanned over a period of 11 years is truly an inspiration to the corporate sector as well as our nation, and is representative of the kind of ‘Inspired People’ that help make Brandix what it is today. As an organisation that is driven by its credo of ‘Inspired Solutions’, continuing our commitment to provide a solution to the nation to address the need of blood amongst our fellow citizens year on year has now become a calendar event at Brandix. We not only look forward to continuing this endeavour with the invaluable support of the NBTS in the years to come but will also continue to increase the number of pints of blood donated year on year,” said Ishan Dantanarayana, Chief People Officer of the Brandix Group.

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

Ranked Sri Lanka’s Most Valuable Corporate Export Brand in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 by Brand Finance, Brandix is the country’s single largest Apparel exporter, and has been named ‘Sri Lanka’s Exporter of the Year’ by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) over the past three consecutive years. The Group is also the highest employment provider in the country’s Export industry according to the EDB. The pioneer of the concept of ‘total solutions’ in Sri Lanka’s Apparel sector and a preferred supplier to some of the top retail brands in the US and Europe, Brandix is also a benchmark and international award winner for eco-friendly manufacture and commitment to environmental best practices.

A week-long environment awareness campaign that culminated with an island-wide sapling planting initiative and a ‘Green Walk’ in Colombo, was successfully carried out by the Green Building Council of Sri Lanka (GBCSL) with support from Brandix, an inspirational practitioner and advocate of eco-friendly manufacturing.

Themed ‘Go Green – Change tomorrow, today,’ the campaign was conceptualised to celebrate World Environment Day 2018.

The ‘Green Walk’ that encouraged raising voices for a better environment attracted over 3,000 participants, prominent among them the Mayor of Colombo, Mrs. Rosy Senanayake. The walk began at Independence Square and concluded at the Vihara Maha Devi Park’s open-air stadium. The sapling planting campaign to plant fifteen different species across all 25 districts of the island is also currently underway.

The Council’s campaign was targeted at the general public, green business-related organisations and sustainability adopted products and service suppliers. It was organised to create enhanced awareness on the importance of environment protection and to enlighten participants on practical solutions such as savings through green building practices, conservation of the environment, and driving sustainable development to control the harmful effects of climate change and other environmental degradations.

The Green Building Council of Sri Lanka is a consensus-based not-for-profit organisation committed to developing a sustainable property industry for Sri Lanka by encouraging the adoption of green building practices. It is diverse and possesses an integrated representation from all sectors of the property industry and academia.

A spokesperson for Brandix said the Group’s support for this programme was in line with its own sustainability agenda and an expression of appreciation for the efforts of the Green Building Council of Sri Lanka. Brandix built the world’s first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum-rated apparel factory under the Green Building Rating System of the US Green Building Council (USGBC) and has since obtained LEED certification for its facilities in Seeduwa, Koggala and Ratmalana.

One of the latest examples of the Group’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint is a 1.65 MW solar power plant at the Brandix Essentials factory in Batticaloa, which notably is the largest rooftop solar plant in Sri Lanka.

The Brandix Group’s sustainability road map has required the development of its own ‘Eco Index’ — an assessment tool which is used to measure the environmental performance of Brandix factories and offices across the group. The Index computes percentage reductions in key environmental indicators for Air, Water and Earth as measures are rolled out across group factories to minimise CO2 emissions, energy and water consumption and solid waste disposal. The Group has set itself the target of becoming 100% carbon neutral by 2020.

Inspired Solutions provider Brandix, with an employee base of 60,000 globally, has embarked on a milestone collaboration with the Colombo International Nautical and Engineering College (CINEC) to launch the Brandix – CINEC Centre of Excellence (BCCE), a facility to train and inspire the Group’s workforce.

Located within the Malabe CINEC Campus, the Brandix – CINEC Centre of Excellence will facilitate joint training programmes and research for the Apparel sector, following the recent signing of an agreement between the Brandix Group and CINEC, one of the largest non-state sector higher education institutions in Sri Lanka. The BCCE will initially cater to the Associates and Supervisory grade employees of Brandix, offering programmes covering technical topics and behavioural aspects as part of the curriculum at a later stage.

The signing of the agreement between Mr. Ishan Dantanarayana, Chief People Officer of the Brandix Group and Prof. Nalaka Jayakody, Vice President of the CINEC Campus in the presence of Capt. Ajith Peiris, Chairman/ Managing Director of CINEC was followed by the induction of the first batch of trainees for the inaugural programme designed for the Garment Technician position. The event was attended by participants and family members as well as Brandix management teams and CINEC officials.

“The focus of this initiative is to shape well-rounded individuals, following through on our commitment to create and foster inspired people,” Mr. Dantanarayana said, commenting at the launch of BCCE. “We want to unleash the technical and leadership potential of our people through a carefully curated, comprehensive learning and development process in collaboration with CINEC to create the next layer of talent to take the industry on an inspired journey.”

The learning received at BCCE will be further enhanced with the support and guidance of the Vocational Technical Authority of Sri Lanka (VTA) to align the programme content with that of the nationally-accepted NVQ qualification equivalent to a Diploma, he additionally disclosed.

Senior Consultant of CINEC Campus, Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe addressing the trainees emphasized the importance of being competent in the chosen vocation through knowledge and skills acquired through practical hands-on-training and personality development. He added that the Brandix – CINEC partnership will endeavour to achieve this objective through a collective effort.

Notably, the Brandix Group has also signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with the VTA; one to create an NVQ Level 5 equivalent qualification for Garment Technicians – the first of that level in the apparel industry, and the other to enable Brandix to identify and employ school leavers who have received a three-month training as Industrial Sewing Machine Operators at the VTA’s island-wide network of vocational training centres.

 

About CINEC:

The CINEC campus was established in 1990 with the vision of building a close working partnership with the industry, professional organisations and other stakeholders to serve in the best interest of its clients and customers. It caters to over 20,000 students, annually, who follow more than 185 study and training programmes, all leading to highly sought-after opportunities of employment in the fields of Maritime, Engineering, Information Technology, Logistics and Transportation, Aviation, Law, English, Hospitality & Vocational Training. CINEC also manages National Maritime Training Institutions of The Republic of Fiji and Seychelles earning international recognition.

 

About Brandix:

Ranked Sri Lanka’s Most Valuable Corporate Export Brand in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 by Brand Finance, Brandix is the country’s single largest Apparel exporter, and has been named ‘Sri Lanka’s Exporter of the Year’ by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) for the past three years. The Group is the highest employment provider in the country’s Export industry according to the EDB, and operates 42 manufacturing units in Sri Lanka, India (a 1000-acre self-sufficient industrial park) and Bangladesh, with operations in Haiti, Cambodia and UK. Further, the company has secured a Gold Medal and the award for ‘Best Training & Talent Development’ for Sri Lanka, in addition to being presented the South Asia HR Excellence award by SHRM, the world’s largest HR organization.