In a landmark collaboration, the Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) and global technology leader Seiko Epson Corporation have teamed up to develop a new fiber recycling solution. This partnership aims to tackle the growing challenge of textile waste in the fashion industry by leveraging HKRITA's expertise in textile recycling and Epson's innovative dry fiber technology.

Building upon an MoU signed in March 2023, this collaboration will see Epson utilise its dry fiber technology to develop a defibrating process for elastic blended and tightly woven fabrics. HKRITA will provide technical support and evaluate the performance of the new solution in terms of material properties.

This joint venture will help create a commercially viable recycling solution that can be readily adopted by the textile industry. Edwin Keh, CEO, HKRITA, says, the collaboration will enable the company to develop an integrated solution that transcends industry boundaries and unlocks new opportunities for sustainable fashion.

Satoru Hosono, Deputy General Administrative Manager, Technology Development Division, Epson, adds, the partnership will allow Epson to address the needs of a more sustainable future by developing new recycling solutions.

This collaboration marks a significant step forward in the quest for a more circular fashion industry. By combining their expertise and resources, HKRITA and Epson are poised to deliver a game-changing solution that addresses the environmental impact of textile waste while promoting the use of recycled materials in fashion.