A global leader in apparel manufacturing, Crystal International Group is spearheading advancements in textile technology through a groundbreaking collaboration with the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC). Funded by the Innovation and Technology Commission, the project focuses on applying innovative graphene electrothermal technology - specifically, reduced graphene oxide (r-GO) - to create a new generation of thermal clothing.
The project leverages HKPC's comprehensive solutions to optimize the r-GO composite coating, fine-tuning its electrical conductivity for maximum heat output. A precision smart-screen-printing system seamlessly integrates the coating into garments, significantly boosting electrothermal efficiency while cutting production costs. This innovation enhances the competitiveness of Hong Kong's textile industry by delivering higher productivity, lower resource consumption, and a sharper market differentiation.
Having commenced in 2021, the project has progressed through two key phases. In the first phase, Crystal International’s knits division served as the Industry Co-Applicant, providing essential funding and technical contributions for the research and development of multi-functional fabrics with graphene coating. On being integrated with power devices and a voltage supply, the r-GO technology enables the thermal properties of the clothing. Following the completion of this phase, Crystal International obtained a utility model patent in China with technology authorization from HKPC.
In 2023, the project entered its second phase under the Public Sector Trial Scheme, led by HKPC. This phase focused on applying the technology to finished garment production. Prototypes and electrothermal clothing samples were fabricated, and wearer trials were conducted at public elderly care homes, including the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals' Wong Cho Tong Day Care Centre for the Elderly. These trials successfully demonstrated the practical application of the clothing in providing enhanced comfort and warmth for elderly residents. The thermal clothing passed rigorous lab tests for durability (rubbing and washing), electrical safety, and skin irritation, and the r-GO fabric showed superior heating efficiency compared to traditional electrothermal fabrics.
The project not only showcases the company’s excellence in innovation but also addresses the needs for flexible electrothermal fabric in the industry, says Danny Cheng, General Manager – Technical Service and Support, Crystal International.
Founded in Hong Kong in 1970, Crystal International Group Limited is a global leader in the apparel manufacturing industry. The company operates a multi-country manufacturing platform with over 20 production facilities across five countries including Vietnam, China, Cambodia, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
