In an era where the fashion industry faces increasing scrutiny for its environmental impact, Sri Lanka is emerging as a beacon of sustainable innovation. One name leading the charge is Upeka Thilini Mali, the visionary founder of Ample.lk, a brand redefining ethical fashion by blending traditional craftsmanship with circular economy principles.
From leveraging traditional craftsmanship to adopting cutting-edge biodegradable fabrics, her work at Ample is a testament to the power of innovation in tackling environmental challenges.
From repurposing over 5,000 kilograms of surplus factory fabric into premium-grade yarns to pioneering Sri Lanka’s first biodegradable fabric initiative, Upeka has set new benchmarks for sustainable fashion. Her journey is one of resilience, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility. Under her leadership, Ample has built a business model that not only prioritizes eco-conscious practices but also ensures profitability through supply chain efficiency and digital expansion.
In this exclusive interview, Upeka discusses the challenges and triumphs of running a sustainable fashion brand, the misconceptions surrounding eco-friendly clothing, and the role Sri Lanka can play in the global sustainability movement. She also shares her insights from international platforms like COP29 and the UN Women Trade Master Class in New Delhi, where she was recently appointed as the Community Leader for the South Asia region. With her role as a South Asia community leader, Upeka is not just transforming her business but also empowering a new generation of eco-conscious entrepreneurs.
Read on to explore the intersection of fashion, sustainabilityand cultural heritage with one of Sri Lanka’s most dynamic sustainability entrepreneurs.
Q&A
Q. As the global demand for fashion continues to grow, how can companies like Ample lead the charge in transforming industry standards to address the climate crisis while maintaining a profitable business model?
A. Ample integrates sustainability into every stage of the supply chain, ensuring that ethical fashion remains accessible and commercially viable. We tackle waste through upcycling, repurpose surplus fabrics into new textiles, and invest in biodegradable materials, significantly reducing our environmental footprint. By collaborating with Sri Lankan artisans skilled in batik and handloom weaving, we preserve cultural heritage while minimizing reliance on resource-intensive manufacturing.
Our business model balances sustainability and profitability by optimizing supply chain efficiency, reducing dependency on virgin raw materials, and educating consumers about conscious fashion choices. Additionally, we leverage digital platforms and e-commerce to reach a global market, making sustainability mainstream.
Q. As the founder of Ample, you have helped repurpose over 5,000 kilograms of surplus factory fabric into premium-grade yarns, setting a new benchmark for sustainable fashion in Sri Lanka. What did you do differently to achieve these massive targets?
A. The key to this success was building strong, trust-based partnerships with garment factories to source surplus materials that would otherwise end up in landfills. Instead of treating this fabric as waste, we saw an opportunity to transform it into high-quality yarns and textiles infused with biodegradable additives.
Unlike conventional recycling, our approach maintains fabric integrity while adding value, creating a circular production model. We also work closely with Sri Lankan artisans to integrate traditional craftsmanship into modern sustainable fashion, which has helped Ample create a unique identity in the market.
Q. Can you tell us more about the journey of developing biodegradable fabrics, and what were some of the biggest challenges you faced in introducing this concept to the Sri Lankan market?
A. Biodegradable fabrics required extensive R&D to find the right balance between durability and eco-friendliness. Educating both manufacturers and consumers was a challenge, as many were unfamiliar with these materials. Additionally, cost competitiveness was an issue, but we worked on optimizing production methods to ensure affordability.
Challenges included:
- Consumer Awareness – Many consumers were unaware of biodegradable textiles and their benefits. Educating them on how these fabrics break down naturally without polluting the environment was crucial.
- Market Readiness – Manufacturers were hesitant to adopt biodegradable alternatives, as they were accustomed to conventional textiles. Convincing them to shift required showing long-term sustainability and economic benefits.
- Cost & Scalability – Biodegradable textiles encounter a higher production cost, making affordability a challenge. However, by refining our processes and scaling production, we made them more cost-effective.
Q. How do you manage to keep the costs competitive while also maintaining a focus on sustainability?
A. By upcycling waste fabric and using local craftsmanship, we reduce raw material costs. We also invest in sustainable production techniques that lower energy consumption and minimize waste. Partnering with responsible suppliers and optimizing logistics helps us keep our prices competitive.
Q. Could you explain how Ample.lk incorporates traditional Sri Lankan craftsmanship into your products? How does this align with your sustainability goals?
A. We work with Sri Lankan artisans skilled in batik and handloom, blending their craftsmanship with modern fashion. This approach not only preserves cultural heritage but also reduces dependency on resource-intensive industrial processes.
Q. Consumer awareness is a major challenge. The concept of sustainability often feels intangible for many consumers. What do you believe is the biggest misconception people have when it comes to sustainable fashion, and how can we debunk these myths?
A. The biggest misconception is that sustainable fashion is expensive, boring, or lacks variety. Many assume that eco-friendly materials compromise durability and style.
To counter this, we actively engage in consumer education through social media campaigns, workshops, and collaborations with influencers. Currently, we are in the process of launching a new sustainability-focused podcast in Sri Lanka using Ample’s expertise and networks. We showcase how sustainable fashion can be trendy, high-quality, and long-lasting. Transparency about our materials, ethical sourcing, and environmental impact also helps build trust with consumers.
Q. Given the global nature of climate change, what role do you think government policies should play in encouraging businesses and consumers to make sustainable choices, both in Sri Lanka and globally?
A. Governments have a critical role in fostering sustainability by:
- Providing Incentives – Tax breaks, subsidies, and grants for sustainable businesses can encourage more companies to adopt eco-friendly practices.
- Strengthening Regulations – Enforcing stricter environmental laws on textile waste, water usage, and carbon emissions can drive industry-wide change.
- Promoting Consumer Awareness – Public campaigns highlighting the impact of fast fashion and benefits of sustainable alternatives can shift consumer behavior.
Q. As part of your efforts to build awareness, you’ve used social media and global platforms like COP29. What role do you think international collaboration and cross-border dialogue play in tackling the global challenge of fashion-related environmental impacts?
A. International collaboration is key to scaling sustainable fashion solutions. COP29 was a big eye-opener for me personally, showing the urgent need for action in Sri Lanka’s industries. Platforms like COP29 allow us to engage with policymakers, businesses, and activists to drive collective action.
Cross-border dialogue helps us learn from successful sustainability models in other countries, while partnerships with global brands create opportunities for ethical supply chain integration.
Q. Looking ahead, what is your vision for Ample.lk and the broader textile industry? How do you see sustainability evolving in Sri Lanka over the next decade?
A. Ample aims to expand internationally while staying true to its sustainability mission. Over the next decade, I envision Sri Lanka becoming a hub for eco-friendly textiles, with more brands adopting circular economy principles.
Q. Sustainability requires both courage and patience. What keeps you motivated as you work towards building a more sustainable future, and what would you consider your biggest accomplishment so far in this journey?
A. My biggest motivation is seeing the tangible impact of my work—whether it’s solutions or consumers choosing sustainable fashion over fast fashion. One of my proudest accomplishments is pioneering Sri Lanka’s first biodegradable fabric initiative and scaling sustainable fashion beyond local markets.
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