Navigating Change: A Year in Review and the Road Ahead

The year 2024 has been challenging to the textile and garment industry, There has been growing social expectations over climate change, rising production costs and an increasing demand for value-added solutions. To align with the industry’s development, The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) has diligently worked to address these challenges.

Launch of Open Lab

Following months of preparation, the Open Lab officially opened on 4 September. Since its commencement of operations, the HKRITA team has hosted over 700 visitors. By showcasing our works, we hope to establish the Open Lab as a hub for industry exchange. Looking ahead, we shall further expand our collaboration network, jointly scaling technological applications to provide agile solutions for the textile and fashion industry in tackling climate change, thereby advancing sustainable development.

The Grand Opening of the Open Lab is well-attended

Open Lab has received various visitors since its opening

 

Engagement with the Industry

Keeping up with industry needs and sharing our latest technologies are among our priorities. In the past year, HKRITA organised multiple forums and seminars, and participated in numerous industry events and exhibitions. These included the Innovation and Technology Symposium 2024, the Threads of Tomorrow: Textile Innovations and Industrial Opportunities seminar, InnoCarnival 2024 and the Hong Kong Innovation & Invention exhibition. Through these activities, we introduced our latest technologies to the industry, fostered communication and accelerated the commercialisation of our R&D outcomes.

The InnoCarnival facilitates the public’s understanding on textiles technologies and its application in daily life

Speakers at the Threads of Tomorrow: Textile Innovations and Industrial Opportunities seminar

The “Customised Comfort Bra to Aid Recovery from Mastectomy” is showcased at the Hong Kong Innovation & Invention exhibition

Innovation and Technology Symposium 2024 is well attended

 

Fostering a Closer Tie with the Mainland China

HKRITA further strengthened its collaboration with mainland partners in 2024. In March, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Wuhan Textile University and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology to promote tri-party collaboration in textile research and development. Additionally, we have shared the latest technologies and research outcomes with our mainland counterparts through seminars and exhibitions, covering topics such as AI applications, green materials, environmentally-friendly technologies and social benefits. We expect these activities to enhance mutual understanding and ensure research outcomes are aligned with industry needs.

We are also working with the China Textile Academy on several projects to scale up laboratory technologies into pilot tests and intermediate trials, eventually leading to commercialisation. The collaborative areas include the development of novel radiative cooling textiles which are applicable to high-value crop cultivation and functional uniforms of outdoor workers that can mitigate risks from extreme heat. Another highly sought-after technology is the method to separate and recycle nylon.

Signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Wuhan Textile University and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology to foster collaboration

Exchanging ideas with guests at China Hi-Tech Fair 2024

The panel discussion Threads of Innovation: Textile x AI Exploration and Prospect was held in Shenzhen in June 2024

The thematic discussion titled Threads of Innovation: Pathway to Next-Gen Materials took place in Shanghai in August 2024

 

Awards and Industrial Recognition

In 2024, we have garnered 15 local and international awards across innovation, sustainability and collaboration. The Open Lab has already received the International Textile Manufacturers Federation Award (ITMF) 2024 and the Hong Kong Awards for Industries 2024 since its official operation in September. These awards acknowledge its contributions to drive sustainable development through research and industry-wide cooperation. Specific research projects, such as “Developing a Customised Comfort Bra to Aid Recovery from Mastectomy”, also received the Gold Award at the 2024 Edison Awards and the Just Style Excellence Awards. Furthermore, we were invited as an official nominator of the Global Change Award by the H&M Foundation, supporting the foundation in identifying change-makers to accelerate the textile industry towards net-zero emissions. These achievements highlight our dedication to sustainable practices and innovation in the industry.

HKRITA has also driven the transfer of R&D outcomes to business opportunities with several companies, including Sun Sea Mattresses Manufacturing Company Ltd, which owns the well-known “Sweetdream” brand, Angie International Limited and KTC Limited. They obtained the technology licenses of “Thermal, Touch and Biomechanical Comfort of Bedding System,” “Chitosan Blended Fabrics with Antibacterial and Biodegradable Performance,” and “Decentralised Intelligent Platform for Made-to-Measure Mass Customisation” respectively. Additionally, the US textile recycling manufacturer Looptworks has officially obtained licensing for Green Machine and the PET decolourisation system.

Looking Forward to 2025

In 2024, HKRITA expressed gratitude to Mr Edwin Keh, the former CEO of HKRITA, for his years of service and extended a warm welcome to Mr Jake Koh as he assumes the role of CEO, guiding the team forward. As we move into the new year, we remain confident in meeting challenges and are committed to collaborating with industry partners to drive research innovation and commercialisation.

Mr Jake Koh, CEO of HKRITA, introduced HKRITA’s works to Legislative Council members

Introducing Acousweep to Mr John Lee, Chief Executive of HKSAR at the Reception for I&T Awards 2024