Determination of environmental sustainability practices in the apparel sector of Sri Lanka

Abstract

Apparel is the second most polluted industry in the world after oil. Therefore, implementation of environmental sustainability practices in the apparel sector is a buzzing topic discussed throughout the globe. There are many operations throughout the value chain of the apparel sector from yarn manufacturing to final product finishing such as but not limited to dyeing, printing, washing, cutting, sewing, bonding, and packaging, which impact on the environment and there are many practices implemented to mitigate the environmental impacts throughout this value chain. Apparel industry is the prominent export revenue generator of Sri Lanka, which contributes to more than 40% of their export income. There are about 300 export-oriented apparel manufacturers in Sri Lanka, and all are managed by the private sector. This research was done to determine the environmental sustainability practices currently being implemented in the apparel sector of Sri Lanka. Qualitative data gathered via semi structured interviews was utilized in this study. It was found that there are six main pillars that the apparel sector of Sri Lanka has been implemented environmental sustainability practices namely, energy and emissions, water and wastewater, solid waste, chemicals, biodiversity, and product.