UK-based disruptive waste management and recycling business MyGroup has launched a sustainable textiles project in Sri Lanka to reintroduce cotton cultivation and establish a materials recycling hub to help tackle the country’s ocean waste issue. 

The sustainable textile production and manufacturing proof-of-concept will be spearheaded by the business’s ReFactory arm and focus on community building, MyGroup announced in a press release. Extending across the four Sri Lankan provinces of North West, North Central, Uva, and Eastern, the project is designed to reintroduce cotton cultivation in Sri Lanka for the first time since the 1970s.

“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,” said MyGroup’s director Steve Carrie in a press release. “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.”

For the textiles focused portion of the project, MyGroup’s ReFactory has joined forces with global non-profit consultancy firm Fibershed’s Sri Lankan arm. The initiative has also committed to employing and fairly compensating local artisans and workers

“We at Fibershed Sri Lanka warmly welcome international brands to collaborate with us in revitalising the nation’s textile and fashion heritage,” said Fibershed Sri Lanka’s founder Thilina Premjayanth. “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.”