The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA), supported by the Innovation and Technology Commission, launched two facilities equipped with locally developed technologies on September 3.

The 19,000 square feet Tai Po factory, is Hong Kong’s first recycling mill to apply HKRITA’s textile upcycling system at the production level. The production lines utilise technology developed by HKRITA. Used textile are first sanitised, then automatically separated and upcycled into yarn which can be used for fabric and garment production. The recycling mill features HKRITA’s pre-industrial scale hydrothermal system, which can separate cotton polyester blends. Both separated polyester fibres and cellulose powders decomposed from the cotton can be used for further production.

Mrs Carrie Lam, the Chief Executive, and Mr Nicholas Yang, Secretary for Innovation and Technology, officiated at the opening ceremony of the recycling mill. Mrs Lam highlighted the fruitful results of the opening of the mill in her keynote speech: “The recycling mill uses innovative technologies to provide a solution for textile waste recycling, and will add value to the local textile industry.”

On the same day, Mr Yang also joined the opening ceremony of Hong Kong’s first retail shop selling Garment-to-Garment (G2G) recycled garments in The Mills. The retail shop is a mini-scale demonstration of HKRITA’s upcycling system, recycling post-consumer clothing into clean new products. The shop presents HKRITA’s upcycling technology to members of the public, allowing consumers to experience this new way of garment recycling.

On September 7, the HKRITA also held the “Innovation and Technology Symposium 2018” to foster dialogue on the future direction of the textile, apparel and fashion industries. Mr Yang kicked off the symposium, encouraging industry experts to turn challenges into opportunities for business. Influential leaders and senior managers exchanged insights on the future prospects and direction for industries.