Cross-Industrial Collaboration between HKRITA & Epson on Development of New Fiber Recycling Solution Utilizing Dry Fiber Technology

The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel Limited (HKRITA) signed a joint development agreement with Seiko Epson Corporation to develop innovative fiber recycling solution by applying HKRITA’s expertise to Epson’s proprietary Dry Fiber Technology on 18 Jan 2024.

This joint effort marks a significant milestone following the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two entities in March 2023. By combining their distinct strengths, HKRITA and Seiko Epson Corporation are poised to unlock transformative solutions that will address the interconnected issues of climate change. Seiko Epson Corporation will use its Dry Fiber Technology to establish a defibrating process on elastic blended and/or tightly weave fabrics while HKRITA will provide technical supports in recycling and evaluate the recycling performance in terms of materials properties. This innovation aims to provide speedy recycling solution for industry application. 

Mr Edwin Keh, CEO of HKRITA, expressed his enthusiasm for the power of cross-industrial collaboration, stating, “we always strive to maximize the impact of our technologies. This collaboration facilitates a more comprehensive approach to sustainability, allowing the two organisations to develop integrated solution that goes beyond the limitation of a single industry and uncovers synergistic opportunities.” 

Mr Satoru Hosono, Deputy General Administrative Manager of Epson’s Technology Development Division said, “There’s a growing global movement to use recycled textiles. We’re collaborating with the renowned textile and apparel research institute HKRITA to apply our unique Dry Fiber Technology to develop technologies that will allow the recycling of clothing/textile that would previously have been discarded. Our aim is to provide new textile recycling solutions that will respond to growing demands from people around the world.” 

This partnership is committed to extending the life cycle of materials, promoting a circular economy that minimizes waste and maximizes resource efficiency in the textile industry. The outcomes of this collaboration are intended to benefit not only the industry but society as a whole. By leveraging their collective expertise, the two organizations aspire to make a tangible impact on addressing climate change and contribute to a more sustainable future.

About Epson (Seiko Epson Corporation)

Epson is a global technology leader whose philosophy of efficient, compact and precise innovation enriches lives and helps create a better world. The company is focused on solving societal issues through innovations in home and office printing, commercial and industrial printing, manufacturing, visual and lifestyle. Epson's goal is to become carbon negative and eliminate use of exhaustible underground resources such as oil and metal by 2050.

Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the worldwide Epson Group generates annual sales of more than JPY 1 trillion.  (https://corporate.epson/en/)