A research lab offering sustainable solutions for the textile and garment industry was established in Hong Kong on Wednesday, which aims to help the industry address climate change and revolutionize its manufacturing process.
Named “Open Lab”, the 20,000-square-foot institute is based in the advanced manufacturing center of Tseung Kwan O InnoPark. This project is mainly supported by the Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRIKA) and the H&M Foundation.
Its research focuses include renewable and recycled materials, environmental-friendly treatment, energy and water saving manufacturing, as well as green materials and processes.
With a database of over 80 sustainable projects, the institute strives to transform scientific outcomes in the textile and fashion sectors into industrial applications.
ALSO READ: HK’s reindustrialization drive boosted with new intelligent production center
Open Lab features an upcycling line designed for industrial demonstrations and technology trials, and a research space focusing on early-stage solutions.
With an artificial intelligence-powered smart garment sorting system, the institute can recycle up to one metric ton of garment each day.
In its first project “Farm-to-Garment”, the institute’s production line enables the garment manufacturing process — from cotton cultivation to yarn processing and garment knitting — to break the limitations of locations.
The lab is dedicated to naturing young talent. It plans to engage global undergraduates and postgraduates in collaborative work with scientists and engineers on the development of sustainable textile technologies. It will also encourage representatives of various sectors to propose creative solutions on related topics.
ALSO READ: HK, textile hub join hands to boost trade, cultural bond
According to Ivan Lee Kwok-bun, commissioner for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s Innovation and Technology Commission, during the last three years, the HKRITA has won over 40 awards, and 35 patents were granted during the same period.
He said that the HKRITA had established its reputation as an R&D center, garnering recognition from the local industry, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and beyond.
Lee expressed his hope that Open Lab can showcase Hong Kong’s R&D achievements and function as a platform for the industry and business partners to collaborate on innovative and practical R&D solutions.
Aiming to drive the technological transformation of the textile and garment industry, the HKRITA was established in 2006 and funded by the Innovation and Technology Commission, and hosted by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Since its establishment, this organization has initiated over 300 projects.
