February, 5, 2025
The company plans to revive cotton cultivation, support traditional textile artisans and experiment with eco-friendly fabric production and treatment, while also establishing a coastal recycling hub targeting ocean plastic waste.
MYGroup, a leading UK waste management and recycling company, is embarking on a pioneering sustainable textile production and manufacturing proof-of-concept in Sri Lanka, set to empower local communities while contributing to a socially and environmentally responsible supply chain for the company's future product lines.
The multi-faceted initiative, spearheaded by the company's ReFactory arm, will extend across four Sri Lankan provinces – North West, North Central, Uva and Eastern.
It aims to reintroduce cotton cultivation in the country for the first time since the 1970s, support and grow traditional artisan skills and techniques in communities, as well as drive planet-friendly innovations in fabric production and treatment. In parallel, MYGroup plans to establish a materials recycling hub focused on tackling the scourge of ocean plastic around Sri Lanka's coastlines.
For the textiles elements of the initiative, the ReFactory team has partnered with the Sri Lanka arm of Fibershed, a global non-profit consultancy focused on sustainable, localised systems for producing textiles and clothing.
All elements of the Sri Lanka initiative are aimed at employing and fairly compensating local artisans and workers, revitalising traditional industries and strengthening local economies, but with a keen focus on environmental responsibility to foster the long-term growth and transition of the country's textiles and fashion industries toward a sustainable future.
MYGroup's Sri Lanka initiative is building on the company's established expertise in sustainable textiles and plastics recycling, securing a viable, responsible and scalable supply chain for future product lines.
The company also hopes the initiative will demonstrate the 'art of the possible' in reducing the environmental impact of global textiles production and manufacturing, while furthering circularity in the industry. Meeting these goals will support MYGroup's commitment to the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP)'s Textiles 2030 voluntary agreement.
Steve Carrie, Group Director, MYGroup, said: 'As the seeds are planted – both literally and figuratively – on our Sri Lanka project, MYGroup is forging a new path for planet-friendly textiles production that supports skilled artisans, particularly women, working in traditional local labour settings, while preserving the rich cultural heritage of this wonderful country.
'Together with our drive to rid the country's beaches of waste plastic, we hope to create long-term, positive change in communities and natural ecosystems, while creating products with a story – unlocking new commercial opportunities in markets where authenticity, sustainability and social impact drive consumer choice.'
Thilina Premjayanth, founder of Fibershed Sri Lanka, said: 'We at Fibershed Sri Lanka warmly welcome international brands to collaborate with us in revitalising the nation's textile and fashion heritage. Our partnership with MYGroup exemplifies our commitment to a broad spectrum of innovative projects that prioritise climate-beneficial regenerative agriculture, sustainable practices and community empowerment. Together, we aim to create a global benchmark for ethical, eco-friendly production, while supporting local artisans and preserving Sri Lanka's rich cultural legacy.'
Ms Neranjala Karunaratne, Regional Director, Department of Industrial Development, Local Government Authority, North Western Province, Sri Lanka, said: 'This collaboration between MYGroup and Fibershed Sri Lanka is a shining example of how global partnerships can drive prosperity for our nation. By combining innovative projects like climate-beneficial regenerative agriculture and handloom with the empowerment of local artisans, notably women, not only does this initiative preserve Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage but also revitalises our industries. These efforts will contribute to sustainable economic growth, enhance the livelihoods of our communities and position Sri Lanka as a leader in ethical and eco-friendly production on the global stage.'
Sophie Scanlon, Specialist at WRAP, said: 'As a signatory of WRAP's Textiles 2030 voluntary agreement, we welcome this development in Sri Lanka from MYGroup which will hope to benefit the local environment, community and economy. Implementation of regenerative cotton practices and Just Transitions principles are complex, with many technical and economic factors to be considered, but engaging with local communities is key to the success of such projects. We look forward to learning more about these exciting projects as MYGroup continue their work in these areas.'
Further project details and notes for editors:
Cotton cultivation
MYGroup has secured land in the Monaragala District of Uva province, where the company plans to grow and cultivate regenerative cotton, re-establishing an industry that collapsed in the late 1970s. The initiative will incorporate a series of regenerative agriculture techniques to enrich soil health, support biodiversity and recycle nutrients, all without the use of chemicals.
The company will also install solar-powered machinery for ginning and spinning the cultivated cotton into yarn on site, seeking to prove these processes can be de-centralised from urban centres to the benefit of local communities and rural economies. The first cotton seeds will be planted this month, with harvest expected in late Summer.
Supporting heritage techniques and innovating textile treatment and production
Collaborating with Fibershed Sri Lanka and local government administration in the areas, MYGroup's ReFactory team has engaged with artisan communities in the North West and North Central provinces. The company aims to support and improve the working conditions of these craftspeople, particularly women, while bringing their sustainable and centuries-old skills to a broader customer base through a new line of products wholly manufactured in Sri Lanka.
Further supporting its efforts to establish a new blueprint for textile production and manufacturing through the initiative, MYGroup is seeking collaboration with Sri Lankan academic institutions for discovery projects to explore novel techniques in sustainable fabric treatment and production.
Materials recycling hub
Complementing the textile focus of the initiative, MYGroup will establish a materials recycling hub in Hikkaduwa, a coastal resort in Sri Lanka's Southern province. Based near the resort's beach areas, the facility will be focused on tackling the widespread issue of ocean plastic, with Sri Lanka ranking as a top-five contributor to this problem worldwide.
The ReFactory team aims to process collected plastic into new, artisanal products using injection moulding technology, selling items locally for domestic and tourist markets.
In time, MYGroup is keen to strengthen its engagement and foster closer ties with the Sri Lankan authorities, possibly making way for further investment, additional employment and contracting opportunities for local communities. This could include a hub for the production and distribution of its MYBoard™ circular plastic recycling solution.
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