Home - Highlights - Kushal Perera: Reinventing Apparel through Technology & Sustainability
The apparel industry is a significant contributor to global carbon emissions, and Perera recognizes the importance of implementing sustainable practices. His approach focuses on three key areas, namely reducing travel, adopting renewable energy, and minimizing waste through responsible recycling. With technological advancements now enabling virtual interactions that were previously only possible in person, Global Intimates Group has successfully leveraged digital tools to reduce travel-related emissions while maintaining operational efficiency.
In addition, the group has implemented a largescale solar energy initiative across production units, utilizing the vast rooftop space available in manufacturing facilities. By equipping factory roofs with solar panels and utilizing net metering systems, it has significantly reduced reliance on grid electricity, aiming to achieve near-zero energy consumption from conventional sources. Furthermore, the company has integrated Six Sigma methodologies to optimize production processes, minimize errors, and reduce excess material usage.
Employees are encouraged to obtain Six Sigma certifications, reinforcing a culture of efficiency and sustainability. Also, textile waste is recycled wherever possible, with cotton being repurposed for various applications, while innovative solutions have been developed for recycling nylon and polyester into reusable yarn. Beyond these core initiatives, Perera actively supports environmental conservation efforts, including afforestation programs and the protection of endangered species.
Perera emphasizes building long-term partnerships between manufacturers and brands for sustainable success. “As a manufacturer, possessing only part of the market intelligence is not sufficient. The other half comes from the buyer, who is directly connected to market trends and consumer demand”, says Perera. A transparent and collaborative relationship enables brands to share insights on emerging trends, consumer preferences, and demand patterns, while manufacturers contribute expertise in production efficiencies, design optimization, and waste reduction strategies. This synergy creates a balance between technological advancements and market dynamics, ensuring a seamless production process.
Perera emphasizes building long-term partnerships between manufacturers and brands for sustainable success
For those looking to enter the industry, he suggests gaining firsthand experience by working within an established organization. While investment opportunities exist, a strong understanding of industry intricacies is essential for long-term success. Despite its evolving nature, the garment industry remains resilient. While production hubs may shift across regions, the fundamental demand for clothing will persist, ensuring the industry’s relevance well into the future.
Kushal Perera is an entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience scaling businesses into multi-million-dollar enterprises within the apparel export industry. As Executive Chairman of multiple ventures, including Digital365, Hands International Holdings, Triple Holdings, and Global Fashion Bay, he has led innovation in apparel manufacturing, digital transformation, and renewable energy. His expertise extends across diverse sectors such as real estate, commercial warehousing, insurance, wellness, tourism, and agro-based industries. Perera has spearheaded advancements in industrial seamless gloves manufacturing, ERP implementation, Six Sigma, and ISO 9001:2000 certification. Actively engaged in philanthropy, he serves as Vice President of PJFM Ministries Sri Lanka and sits on multiple charity boards.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nulla eget purus lobortis, faucibus libero in, vehicula massa. Maecenas vel nisl velit. Nunc velit diam, pellentesque a ante et, laoreet ullamcorper lacus. Etiam eget tempor risus, quis vehicula velit. Sed interdum et sem non rhoncus. Sed pellentesque arcu ac erat congue, non mollis mi ultricies. Maecenas dignissim tortor ac aliquet iaculis. Donec egestas tristique risus, non fringilla nulla mollis non. Praesent vitae hendrerit lacus. Curabitur sollicitudin, magna id egestas rutrum, odio leo cursus nunc, non suscipit tellus dui a eros. Donec enim velit, sodales ut pretium eget, posuere at est.
Nullam nec gravida dolor, scelerisque finibus lectus. Maecenas in aliquam tortor. Aenean fringilla, sapien quis feugiat condimentum, dui augue ornare ipsum, eu luctus diam arcu non lorem. Quisque non eros at turpis volutpat porttitor. Quisque nisl augue, aliquet in dapibus non, fringilla vel libero. Nulla euismod est in purus rutrum, id ultrices orci laoreet. Mauris pulvinar eros a scelerisque efficitur. Nunc at augue non urna cursus placerat eu a sem.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nulla eget purus lobortis, faucibus libero in, vehicula massa. Maecenas vel nisl velit. Nunc velit diam, pellentesque a ante et, laoreet ullamcorper lacus. Etiam eget tempor risus, quis vehicula velit. Sed interdum et sem non rhoncus. Sed pellentesque arcu ac erat congue, non mollis mi ultricies. Maecenas dignissim tortor ac aliquet iaculis. Donec egestas tristique risus, non fringilla nulla mollis non. Praesent vitae hendrerit lacus. Curabitur sollicitudin, magna id egestas rutrum, odio leo cursus nunc, non suscipit tellus dui a eros. Donec enim velit, sodales ut pretium eget, posuere at est.
Nullam nec gravida dolor, scelerisque finibus lectus. Maecenas in aliquam tortor. Aenean fringilla, sapien quis feugiat condimentum, dui augue ornare ipsum, eu luctus diam arcu non lorem. Quisque non eros at turpis volutpat porttitor. Quisque nisl augue, aliquet in dapibus non, fringilla vel libero. Nulla euismod est in purus rutrum, id ultrices orci laoreet. Mauris pulvinar eros a scelerisque efficitur. Nunc at augue non urna cursus placerat eu a sem.
Share