Sustainability has become an important part of how businesses operate, make decisions and plan for the future. However, driving meaningful change requires more than individual commitments. It calls for stronger collaboration across industries, supply chains and communities.
For the apparel industry, sustainability extends well beyond manufacturing operations. From sourcing raw materials and managing natural resources to supporting employees and communities, progress requires multiple stakeholders working towards shared goals.
This understanding at Hirdaramani, has been central to our sustainability journey. With a history spanning over a century, we have continued to evolve our approach to responsible manufacturing, investing in new technologies, strengthening environmental practices and creating opportunities for people. Throughout this journey, partnerships have played an important role in turning our commitments into action.
Our leadership in sustainable manufacturing is reflected in several pioneering milestones, including the development of Hirdaramani Mihila, Asia’s first carbon-neutral apparel manufacturing facility. Seventeen of our twenty-eight facilities have also achieved LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. We also became the first organisation in Sri Lanka to secure Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) approval for Net-Zero targets in 2024. These achievements reflect our commitment to raising industry standards.
Building on the progress made under our initial phase of the Future First Sustainability Roadmap, our renewed Future First 2.0 (2026-2030) brings together our environmental and social sustainability priorities, setting a clear direction for the next phase of our journey.
At the heart of this approach is the recognition that meaningful sustainability progress cannot be achieved in isolation. This is closely aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 17 (SDG 17), Partnerships for the Goals, which highlights the importance of collaboration, shared expertise and collective action in achieving sustainable development.
Climate action is one area where collaboration is essential. As the apparel industry works to reduce its environmental footprint, addressing emissions across global supply chains remains a shared responsibility.
Our SBTi-approved targets include reducing Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 54.6% and Scope 3 emissions by 32.5% by 2033, against a 2022 baseline. Achieving these targets requires action beyond our facilities. Working with upstream partners and collaborating with Cascale and Control Union to strengthen technical expertise, we are building awareness and supporting emission reduction across our value chain.
Our partnerships also extend to biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration. Through initiatives such as Eco Breath, we work with organisations including Biodiversity Sri Lanka (BSL), the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS), the Ministry of Environment and the Forest Conservation Department, alongside local communities, to support environmental protection and restoration.
Equally important is our commitment to social sustainability. Through W.E.A.V.E., our social sustainability roadmap, we continue to focus on employee well-being, equity, integrity, development and learning, while extending our efforts to support the communities connected to our operations.
Working with partners such as the Department of Social Services and the International Labour Organization (ILO), we continue to support initiatives that promote inclusion, skills development and opportunities for people.
Our collaboration with UNDP Sri Lanka and Lacoste to support sustainable livelihoods in Vavuniya is one example of how partnerships can create opportunities beyond our business. By supporting skills development, market access and economic empowerment, the initiative helps strengthen local communities and build more sustainable livelihoods.
We also connect industry experience with academic knowledge through collaborations with universities and educational institutions, supporting research, learning and innovation. These partnerships reflect our belief that sustainability leadership is not only about progress within our operations, but also about the positive change we can help drive across our industry and communities.
Our role as a UN Global Compact Patron of the Climate Emergency Task Force and the Diversity and Inclusion Working Group further reinforces our commitment to responsible business practices and collective action.
As we advance Future First 2.0, partnerships will remain central to achieving our sustainability goals. By bringing together expertise, resources and a shared commitment to progress, we aim to create lasting value for our industry, communities and the environment.
Because real impact begins with connection.