HAYLEYS FABRIC
Biodiversity Means Business:
A Decade of Impact,
A Future of Action
“At Hayleys Fabric, biodiversity projects are viewed as an integral part of the company’s value chain”
Managing Director
CEO
For Hayleys Fabric, sustainability has been more than a guiding principle – it is embedded in the company’s 2030 sustainability road map, The GreenCatalyst, which aligns environmental strategies with both national and global biodiversity priorities. A key part of that journey has been its membership with Biodiversity Sri Lanka (BSL).
“The principles, knowledge sharing, awareness initiatives and collaborative opportunities provided by BSL have played a marked role in guiding and strengthening our sustainability efforts. These contributions have directly supported our 2020 sustainability road map by aligning our environmental strategies with national and global biodiversity priorities,” says Managing Director and CEO Rohan Goonetilleke.
STRENGTHENING RESILIENCE Among the company’s flagship biodiversity initiatives is Life to Our Mangroves (LOM), launched in collaboration with BSL and the Wildlife Conservation Society – Galle. This five year ecological restoration programme aims to restore five acres of degraded mangrove ecosystems; enhancing biodiversity, strengthening biodiversity resilience and contributing to climate change mitigation.
He explains: “The project is designed to deliver multiple benefits – not only for the environment but also to local communities and wider stakeholders – by promoting ecosystem services, community engagement and sustainable development.”
INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY One of the unique features of this initiative is the integration of university collaboration and research. The project creates opportunities for students to engage in field based learning, applying emerging technologies such as geographic information system (GIS) and remote sensing, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical implementation to real world environmental challenges.
“Through this partnership, we aim to foster academic industry linkages that support capacity building, innovation and data driven ecological restoration,” says Goonetilleke. By combining conservation with education and technology, the project stands out as a forward-looking model for biodiversity restoration.
BUSINESS VALUE At Hayleys Fabric, biodiversity projects are viewed as an integral part of the company’s value chain, generating benefits across operations and for all stakeholders.
He notes: “From enhancing our environmental stewardship to strengthening community relationships, the project supports our sustainability vision while creating shared value. It not only contributes to biodiversity conservation and climate resilience but also fosters innovation and academic collaboration while reinforcing the company’s reputation for responsible sourcing and leadership in sustainable manufacturing.”
NAVIGATING CHALLENGES Although the mangrove restoration project is still in its early stages, Hayleys Fabric is approaching potential challenges with a solutions oriented mindset. “We are committed to transforming challenges into opportunities. Our approach focusses on proactive solutions that drive positive impact across our operations and beyond,” affirms Goonetilleke.
Looking ahead, Hayleys Fabric’s environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) strategy is fully aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Each ESG pillar and sub-pillar is interlinked with a clearly defined, SDG driven action plan that guides the company’s long-term sustainability vision.
He adds: “A key component of our environmental strategy is the integration of nature based solutions, which extend beyond ecosystem restoration to include climate action, circularity, recyclability, water stewardship and low impact manufacturing.”
Through this holistic approach, Hayleys Fabric aims to deliver measurable environmental, social and economic value while contributing to both national and global sustainability agendas.
By surrounding biodiversity restoration with its broader ESG agenda, Hayleys Fabric is demonstrating how the private sector can integrate environmental stewardship into core business strategy.
The company’s commitment to science based action, collaborative partnerships and community engagement positions it as a leader in driving measurable impact – proving that responsible manufacturing and ecosystem restoration can go hand in hand to create long-term value for both people and the planet.
Telephone 034 2297100 | Email info@hayleysfabric.com | Website www.hayleysfabric.com
