Sustainability in Hong Kong fashion sector HKRITA's focus

11 Sep '17

2 min read

The state-run Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) has adopted sustainability as one of its research focus areas, chief secretary for the country’s administration Matthew Cheung Kin-chung recently told the Fashion Summit (HK) 2017. Zero discharge techniques and waterless and energy efficient technologies are being explored, he said.

The Hong Kong Government also attaches great importance to the sustainable development of the country’s fashion industry and has set up an advisory group on implementation of fashion initiatives comprising industry practitioners, he said. One of its key goals is nurturing fashion start-ups that can contribute to sustainable development, according to a government press release.

With the theme ‘Zero Impact’, the September 7-8 summit brought together government officials, academics, industry players of various disciplines and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to explore feasible solutions to minimise negative impacts of the fashion industry on the environment while fostering its sustainable development.

Acting secretary for innovation and technology at HKRITA David Chung said the institute has been actively collaborating with leading fashion brands to develop new technologies to recycle blend textiles into new fabrics and yarns through mechanical, biological and chemical methods.

Since its establishment in 2006, HKRITA has initiated over 170 projects involving a total project cost of over $500 million, he added. (DS)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India