HKRITA Strengthens Communication with the Mainland and International Partners

Research exchanges facilitate the industry to explore cutting-edge technologies and establish collaborative relationships. This year, The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) has organised and participated in several thematic discussions and exhibitions, where we have engaged in fruitful exchanges with industry experts and presented our latest projects.

Presenting the Latest Technologies in Shenzhen

HKRITA’s first panel discussion this year in the Mainland was organised at PolyU Base Building in Shenzhen on 24 January. Under the theme of “Threads of Innovation: Explore Emerging Technology in the Industry”, the panel discussion invited six experts to introduce the applications of blockchain and artificial intelligence, zero-carbon emission textile production, textile recycling technologies and nanotechnology.

Ms Katherine Chan, Director (Business Development) of HKRITA, kicked off the event by introducing HKRITA’s works and encouraging collaboration to drive industry 4.0 and sustainable development.

As various countries introduce regulations to reduce the fashion industry’s environmental impact, HKRITA has also developed different eco-friendly technologies. Dr Gloria Yao, Director (Project Development) of HKRITA gave an account of the development of regenerated cellulose fibres from textile waste, eco-friendly functional fabrics, and waterless dyeing technologies. Mr KK Chan, Senior Engineer of HKRITA, also mentioned our industrial-scale recycling project, Green Machine, which utilises hydrothermal treatment to separate and recover PET-cotton blended textile waste.

Ms Katherine Chan, Director (Business Development) of HKRITA, introduces our sustainability R&D projects

Dr Gloria Yao, Director (Project Development) of HKRITA, explains the zero-carbon targets of various countries

Mr KK Chan, Senior Engineer of HKRITA, shares how the Green Machine fosters circular manufacturing

 

Information technology plays a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency of textile production and recycling, driving industry upgrades. Dr Tracy Mok, Associate Professor in the School of Fashion and Textile, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, shared a blockchain-based platform that enables customers, fashion designers, tailors, and suppliers to implement garment customisation more effectively. Mr Raymond Chiu, Senior Research Manager of HKRITA, introduced the use of big data and image analysis to identify the types, colours, fabric structures and materials of garments, optimising the best solutions for garment recyclers.

Nano-technology has been widely-applied in various disciplines. Mr Ivan Lau, Research Manager of HKRITA, shed light on the utilisation of nano-materials in textiles, including the development of lightweight and breathable nano-fibres, as well as enhancing fabric functionalities such as waterproofing, wrinkle resistance, and antimicrobial properties.

Dr Tracy Mok, Associate Professor in the School of Fashion and Textile, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, introduces the iMTM, an automated garment pattern generation and modification platform

Mr Raymond Chiu, Senior Research Manager of HKRITA, explains the functions of the Smart Garment Sorting System for Recycling

Mr Ivan Lau, Research Manager of HKRITA, describes how nano-technology can improve fabrics functionalities

 

Engaging in R&D Collaboration with Mainland Industry Experts

The second panel discussion took place in the Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics on 7 March. With the theme “Threads of Innovation: Unveiling the Future of Textile Recycling”, the discussion featured experts from a mainland institution, start-up, multinational corporation, and research institute to exchange views on the sustainable development of the textile industry.

Ms Wang Lin, Project Director (Comprehensive Utilization of Resources) of China National Textile and Apparel Council, introduced global sustainable development and highlighted the directions and focuses of the circular economy in the textile industry in the Mainland. These include industry upgrades, promoting textile recycling, adopting regenerative materials and fostering research and talent cultivation.

Group photo of the hostess and the speakers (from left to right): Ms Shaway Yeh, Founder of yehyehyeh; Ms Wang Lin, Project Director (Comprehensive Utilization of Resources) of China National Textile and Apparel Council; Mr Kenneth Chan, Senior Technical Manager of Winnitex Group; Dr Jack Yang, Asia R&D Director of The LYCRA Company; and Ms Clara Tse, Senior Manager, Research Project Design of HKRITA

Ms Wang Lin, Project Director (Comprehensive Utilization of Resources) of China National Textile and Apparel Council details the directions and focus for the development of circular economy and innovation

 

Mr Kenneth Chan, Senior Technical Manager of Winnitex Group, elaborated on the challenges of textile recycling and suggested that R&D focus should be made in the classification of post-consumer garments and the recycling of production waste in order to speed up recycling efficiency. Dr Jack Yang, Asia R&D Director of The LYCRA Company, explained the design and development of eco-friendly fibres based on the “Planet Agenda” of his company that upholds corporate responsibility, manufacturing excellence and product sustainability.

Mr Kenneth Chan, Senior Technical Manager of Winnitex Group, explains how to reduce the operation cost in sorting recycled textiles

Dr Jack Yang, Asia R&D Director of The LYCRA Company, introduces fibres made of recycled materials and renewable resources

 

Ms Clara Tse, Senior Manager, Research Project Design of HKRITA, unveiled Open Lab to our mainland audience. This initiative aims to motivate stakeholders along the supply chain to drive circular manufacturing. This goal will be achieved through a three-pillar approach: showcasing innovative solution, providing a collaborative platform for industry-wide partnerships, and contributing to problem-solving and resource optimisation.

The panel discussion, led by Ms Shaway Yeh, Founder of yehyehyeh, addressed concerns about the industry’s slow adaption of recycling technologies despite their maturity. Dr Yang pointed out that timing for product launch is crucial as market acceptability is needed even if technologies and products are ready. Ms Tse supplemented that the Open Lab is an ideal place to showcase new technologies. Mr Chan stated that the higher cost of recycled materials may impact consumers’ willingness to choose green products. Ms Wang suggested reducing the production cost by scaling up production, controlling the sources of raw materials and simplifying designs.

The two panel discussions attracted over 170 attendees. Through these exchanges, HKRITA not only provided mainland partners with a better understanding of our work but also facilitated the exchange of innovation and technology among stakeholders in the industry.

Ms Clara Tse, Senior Manager, Research Project Design of HKRITA, explains how Open Lab helps the fashion industry to meet their sustainable development targets

Speakers and the hostess delved into insightful discussions during the session, sharing their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities faced by the textile industry

 

Updating the Latest Research Work at InnoEx

HKRITA participated in the InnoEx from 13 to 16 April and introduced Open Lab and its facilities, which are set to launch this autumn. Visitors showed great interest in the innovative concepts and engaged in enthusiastic discussions with our representatives. Besides, Dr Gloria Yao of HKRITA, gave an account of multiple technologies with the prospect of moving towards carbon neutrality in the InnoEx event "Meet the Giants: The Nexus of Innovation through R&D", sharing latest sustainability developments of the industry with the audience.

Visitors exhibit great interest in the Open Lab

Dr Gloria Yao introduces the advanced technology to Mr Ivan Lee, Commissioner for Innovation & Technology of HKSAR

Dr Gloria Yao presents technologies aimed at advancing sustainability