The research project, named ‘From Waste to Wonder,’ seeks to explore whether discarded textiles can be repurposed as a sustainable and practical alternative to traditional materials used in construction.
The collaboration will see the Pro Green Lab from the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Moratuwa conduct research focused on converting textile waste into ceiling panels that are lightweight, durable, and biodegradable.
The project aims to address the rising accumulation of textile waste and the growing demand for sustainable materials in the construction industry.
Hirdaramani Apparel managing director Madhawa Atapattu said: “This initiative represents bringing science, sustainability and industry need 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.”
As part of the project, researchers will evaluate the practicality of using textile waste as a key input for the production of ceiling panels. They will investigate not only the technical feasibility but also the long-term durability and commercial potential of these materials.
The project’s aims are closely linked to environmental responsibility and the need for scalable, circular solutions in industry.
The joint initiative is part of Hirdaramani Apparel’s Future First Sustainability Roadmap. It will leverage the company’s industry knowledge alongside the university’s academic expertise to identify opportunities for turning textile waste into commercially valuable resources, with a view to supporting broader global sustainability objectives.
Senior Professor Rangika Halwathura, leading the Faculty of Engineering research team, said: “This partnership shows how the academia and the 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 bring together scientific research and environmental responsibility.”
The partnership brings together expertise from both the apparel industry and academia in Sri Lanka to develop materials with potential for practical use and wider application, in line with circular economy objectives.
They are expected to enhance Sri Lanka’s participation in research and design focused on circular and sustainable solutions at a global level.
