Hirdaramani Apparel-Moratuwa Uni to transform textile waste into sustainable innovation
Daily Mirror: In a significant step towards advancing circularity, Hirdaramani Apparel collaborates with the University of Moratuwa on a three-year research initiative to explore how textile waste can be transformed into environmentally friendly ceiling panels.
The partnership aims to address two pressing global challenges such as the growing volume of textile waste and the need for sustainable, biodegradable alternatives to traditional construction materials.
Under the project titled ‘From Waste to Wonder’, the Pro Green Lab research team from the Faculty of Engineering at the university, will explore how discarded textile waste can be converted into durable, lightweight and environmentally responsible ceiling panel solutions.
This collaboration marks an important step forward in Sri Lanka’s innovation journey, bringing together industry leadership and academic expertise to develop practical and scalable material innovations that support global circular economy goals.
Aligned with Hirdaramani Apparel’s Future First Sustainability Roadmap, this partnership will combine research expertise, knowledge exchange and industry insights to identify commercially relevant opportunities for transforming waste into meaningful resources.
Hirdaramani Apparel Managing Director Madhawa Atapattu said, “This initiative represents bringing science, sustainability and industry needs into one effort. By turning textile waste into viable building material, we are rethinking what is possible and moving towards solutions that deliver real environmental impact. We believe this project can set a new benchmark for circular innovation across multiple industries.” The research will assess the potential of textile waste as a sustainable input for ceiling panels, a product category where demand for eco-friendly materials continues to grow globally. It will also examine the material’s suitability for long-term use and its potential for commercial use, with a strong focus on environmental responsibility and industrial scalability.
Senior Professor Rangika Halwathura of the Faculty of Engineering, University of Moratuwa said, “This partnership shows how the academia and private sector can work together to create meaningful change. By redesigning textile waste into building solutions, we are contributing to sustainable material development that meets real global challenges. We are proud to work alongside Hirdaramani Apparel on a project that brings together scientific research and environmental responsibility.”
OSL take:
Sri Lanka’s expanding apparel industry is creating new business/investment opportunities for foreign businesses/investors, particularly in research, development, and sustainable innovation. Collaborations such as the partnership between Hirdaramani Apparel and the University of Moratuwa demonstrate the country’s growing focus on circular manufacturing, advanced materials, and environmentally responsible production. Beyond traditional garment manufacturing, emerging business/investment opportunities exist in textile recycling, sustainable materials, product innovation, research and development partnerships, testing and certification services, green manufacturing technologies, and industrial-academic collaboration. As global brands increasingly prioritise environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards, Sri Lanka is strengthening its position as a destination for high-value, innovation-driven apparel production. The country’s skilled workforce, established apparel manufacturing ecosystem, and growing emphasis on research and sustainability provide a strong foundation for foreign businesses/investors seeking to participate in next-generation manufacturing and circular economy initiatives. These developments are expected to support long-term investment across both the apparel value chain and Sri Lanka’s broader innovation ecosystem.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20260715Z_3 |