The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel has collaborated with Gap Inc to develop eco-friendly production processes and technology solutions that enable the industry to move from a linear model to a circular model across the life-cycle of textiles. The institute has identified two initial research areas that include separation of spandex from used garments and denim decolourisation for recycling.
The textile industry is currently unable to separate spandex in an eco-friendly and circular way from blended fabrics, such as cotton-spandex blend. The research project, which sees HKRITA partnering with creative textile manufacturer Artistic Milliners, is being designed to develop an eco-friendly separation method that removesspandex using bio-solvents. In this way, the separated materials can be re-used by the textile industry.
The research area will also tackle denim decolourisation, a long-standing problem in the textile industry. Currently, common industry practice involves chemical treatment, but this method can harm fabric properties and create negative environmental impacts. This project will also join hands with leading denim manufacturer Arvind Limited to develop a physical method to decolor the denim so that the cotton can be more easily reused or re-dyed.
