Wednesday, November 20, 2024 SriLankan Airlines, the official airline partner of the Sri Lanka Design Festival (SLDF), showcased its latest collection of products from its award-winning upcycle brand, ‘Mathaka,’ at the event held from November 6 to 11, 2024, at Cinnamon Life. Launched in 2021, the ‘Mathaka’ brand transforms retired materials from the airline’s operations into stylish lifestyle products and collectibles, reinforcing SriLankan Airlines’ position as one of South Asia’s most sustainable airlines. Like many organizations worldwide, SriLankan Airlines has faced the challenge of ethically disposing of retired materials such as old aircraft seat covers, blankets, curtains, uniforms, wooden cargo pallets, and other items.
The solution was found in Mathaka, a brand dedicated to turning these materials into new consumer products, preserving both the environment and the memories associated with air travel. The latest Mathaka collection includes an exciting array of items, such as travel bags, tote bags, peg dolls, table runners, mats, and more. This new range also marks a fresh phase for Mathaka, with SriLankan Airlines partnering with three women-led sustainable businesses in Sri Lanka to co-create these products.
The brands include House of Lonali, founded by Lonali Rodrigo; SO4 by Ruth Weerasinghe; and Pom’s Island by Shamin Abideen. Beyond its environmental impact, the Mathaka project also empowers women from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, of.