Weaving New Life: The Inspiring Story of the 'Mathaka' Initiative
At House of Lonali, our passion lies in transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary, with a deep-rooted commitment to sustainability and celebrating Sri Lankan ingenuity. This ethos is beautifully embodied in our groundbreaking collaboration with SriLankan Airlines: the 'Mathaka' Initiative.
'Mathaka,' meaning 'memories' in Sinhala, perfectly encapsulates the heart of this project. Conceptualized by SriLankan Airlines' Environmental Sustainability and Compliance Team, 'Mathaka' is a testament to the power of innovative upcycling, turning what was once considered waste into valuable resources and meaningful products.
Imagine the vast amount of material that goes into the interiors of aircraft – seat covers, curtains, cushions, blankets. Instead of these textiles ending up in landfills, the 'Mathaka' initiative, in partnership with our design and manufacturing expertise, found a way to give them a vibrant second life.
Our collaboration was proudly showcased at the prestigious Mercedes Benz Fashion Week 2021 in Colombo, marking the launch of a unique collection. Among the stars of this collection were beautifully crafted notebooks. These aren't just any notebooks; they are a tangible representation of sustainable innovation, made from a thoughtful blend of banana fibre recycled paper and the very fabrics that once graced the cabins of SriLankan Airlines' fleet. Each notebook carries a subtle echo of journeys taken and memories made.
The impact of 'Mathaka' goes beyond aesthetics. In just ten months, this initiative has successfully recycled an impressive 163 kg of waste paper and upcycled 41.7 kg of unwanted textiles. This significant reduction in waste demonstrates the real-world impact of embracing circular design principles and minimizing our environmental footprint.
Furthermore, 'Mathaka' carries a strong social heart. The creation of these unique notebooks is entrusted to the skilled hands of the Women In Need Organization. This partnership provides sustainable employment opportunities, empowering women and adding a vital social dimension to the project's impact.
The innovative spirit and tangible results of the 'Mathaka' Initiative have also garnered international acclaim. In a moment of immense pride, SriLankan Airlines was honoured at the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Global Aviation Awards in Montreal, Canada, in October 2022. They received the global winner award in the Socio-economic category, a testament to the significant impact of 'Mathaka' and its role as a sustainability pioneer within the aviation industry.
The 'Mathaka' Initiative stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when creativity, collaboration, and a deep respect for our planet come together. It embodies the core values of House of Lonali – to design with intention, manufacture with care, and create products that not only delight but also contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future. We are incredibly proud to have been a part of this inspiring journey, weaving new life into discarded materials and creating a legacy of mindful innovation.
645 kgs:
Up-cycled unwanted textile from SriLankan
As our main resource is pre-consumer waste (mainly in textiles aspect), we carefully measure all the textile waste, and we recover which would have been ended up either in landfills or incinerated.
850 kg:
Wastepaper recycled for SriLankan books
Transforming discarded materials into sources of knowledge. This initiative not only reduces environmental impact but also supports education through sustainable practices rooted in local value.
6490 products:
Given New Life to
Reducing waste, conserving resources, and making a meaningful impact on our planet. Each item restored or repurposed is a step toward a more circular economy, where value is extended and nothing goes to waste.
