HKRITA Demonstrates R&D Efforts in Innovation Galleries

Technology innovation helps solve problems in our daily life and improve our quality of life. That is why The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) has sought every opportunity to introduce our latest works to the public. In May, we joined two events to introduce our works on sustainability and applications which have an impact on the community.

Reimagined Biomaterials in London

HKRITA has showcased four green innovations in the exhibition “Biomaterials Reimagined” organised by The Mills Fabrica in London between 27 April to 31 August 2023. The exhibition, part of London Craft Week 2023, features the blending of biomaterials innovation and craftmanship.

HKRITA has introduced the biomaterials developed through our recycle technology endeavour in this event. Green Machine uses heat, water and biodegradable chemicals to separate polyester and cotton in blended textiles, leaving recovered polyester ready for re-spinning while decomposing cotton into cellulose powders for textiles raw materials. Absorboost, another side product converted from the cellulose-based materials decomposed by the Green machine, is an ideal agricultural water-retention agent in cotton farming. Two more projects which turn wastes into regenerative materials have also been introduced. reProLeather is a regenerated leather sheet made from recycled post-consumer leather products in a bio-based approach, while the regenerative cellulose fibres from Kombucha beverage waste is a sustainable source for the manufacture of textile materials.

Exhibition area of HKRITA’s projects in The Mills Fabrica, London
Photo by The Mills Fabrica

Regenerated leather sheets recycled from post-consumer leather goods
Photo by The Mills Fabrica

Introducing Textiles Projects for Social Benefits

HKRITA also participated in Space X Lab Open Day 2023 by The Mills Fabrica at The Mills, Hong Kong from 19 to 20 May. This two-day event featured sharing sessions, workshops, tours, and showcases by innovators who aim to drive the sustainable development of the fashion and textiles industry. As one of the Innovation Partners, HKRITA introduced three projects that address the needs of different sectors of the community.

The novel bra for patients recovering from mastectomy is specially designed for Asian breast cancers patients. Taking into consideration age, breast weight and shape, the new design offers better thermal comfort, and relieves psychological stress of breast cancer survivors. The innovative far infrared functional textiles promote blood circulation and metabolism, improve sleep quality and relieve fatigue. Suitable for making pajamas and underwear, these textiles were under trial in a care centre for the elderly. Absorboost was also introduced in this Open Day event with its farming application and potential stable harvest return for cotton farmers spotlighted. Visitors exchanged views with HKRITA, and in particular, enquired about the application of the Absorboost and performance of both the novel bra and far infrared functional pajamas.

Tours to our Garment-to-Garment (G2G) Recycle System at The Mills were also arranged. Industry players were interested to learn the scale up potential of the G2G.

HKRITA’s representative (right) introduces the application of Absorboost
Photo by The Mills Fabrica

A visitor examines the far infrared fabric details
Photo by The Mills Fabrica

HKRITA’s representative introduces the latest development of G2G