The R&B project has developed an innovative process for collecting excess textile material in collaboration with the MAS Intimates Cluster. This process promotes transparency and an effective collection method that complies with Sri Lanka’s customs and Board of Investment legal requirements. The R&B Project has obtained endorsement from the Sri Lankan environmental authority for its sustainability initiatives.

R&B teams move excess material to a central logistic facility designed as a “Hub and Spoke” system. The materials are manually sorted and graded at the facility, and metadata is uploaded to a digital platform for easy access by the MAS supply chain team and entrepreneurs. This allows material to be sourced based on their specific requirements. Additionally, physical visits to the R&B facility are promoted to experience the wide range of materials available in person.

This process is particularly important because the textile industry values the “hand feel” and seeing the actual colours of materials when it comes to their final products. By providing access to high-quality excess materials, R&B supports the industry’s need for sustainability while meeting its expectations for quality and performance.