With top textile, apparel, and manufacturing companies supporting the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), Sri Lankan corporations, especially in the apparel sector, are making notable progress in sustainability. Companies are establishing quantifiable goals to lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions throughout operations and supply chains, from market titans like Brandix, Hirdaramani, Hayley’s Fabrics, and MAS to trailblazers like InQube, Hela Clothing, and SolTrim.

By addressing supply chain impacts (Scope 3), lowering indirect emissions from purchased energy (Scope 2), or lowering direct emissions from operations (Scope 1), these companies are spearheading a movement towards more ethical and environmentally friendly business practices.

The Hirdaramani Group, which wants to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 54.6 per cent by 2033, is the first company in Sri Lanka to receive SBTi approval for its Net-Zero ambitions.

One of the leading clothing firms in Sri Lanka, Brandix Lanka, has pledged to the SBTi and set lofty objectives to line with the 1.5°C route, including short-term goals for 2025 and long-term plans for 2050. Another important participant, MAS Capital, is leading the way in the use of renewable energy and enlisting suppliers to achieve challenging sustainability targets. The corporation wants to ensure that 85 per cent of its suppliers follow science-based targets and reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 25.2 per cent by 2025.

With a planned path to net zero, Hayleys Fabric hopes to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 42 per cent and Scope 3 emissions by 25 per cent by 2030. By 2050, it aims to achieve net-zero emissions by reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 95 per cent and Scope 3 emissions by 90 per cent. By 2030, InQube Global has committed to reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 99.34 per cent.