HKRITA's Open Lab Wins "Innovation and Creativity Award" at the Hong Kong Awards for Industries

The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) is excited to announce that the Open Lab, in collaboration with H&M Foundation, has won the Innovation and Creativity Award at the Hong Kong Awards for Industries (HKIA) 2023-24. This marks the second accolade for the Open Lab since its launch in September, following its recognition in the International Collaboration Award category at the International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) Awards 2024. 

The Innovation and Creativity Award of HKIA aims to promote a culture of innovation and creativity within business sectors, demonstrating the unique features of their creative concepts, their emphasis on innovation and their commercial viability and impact. The Judging Panel remarked, "The increasing awareness of the environmental impacts of textile and apparel production has given rise to the need for sustainable practices in the industry. HKRITA is willing to collaborate with stakeholders and evolve strategies to tackle environmental challenges. The setup of the Open Lab is a significant milestone in leading the industry towards a greener and more resilient future."

Mr Jake Koh, Chief Executive Officer of HKRITA, shared his vision for the future, "Nothing happens if great innovations only stay in the lab. The Open Lab is a place where everything could be openly shared with the industry to truly create sustainability impact. We continuously seek and provide solutions, harnessing the diverse expertise and resources of society to tackle the climate change challenges."

By fostering a culture of open innovation and collaboration, the Open Lab is setting new standards for sustainability in the textile and apparel industry. This knowledge-sharing and collaboration drive further advancements across the industry, encouraging the adoption of sustainable practices on a larger scale. 

For more details about the Open Lab, please go to: theopenlab.one

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About the Open Lab

Open Lab, a pioneering initiative by HKRITA and the H&M Foundation, is a transformative force within the textile and fashion industry. The Open Lab spans 20,000 square feet in the Advanced Manufacturing Centre in Hong Kong and hosts a technological database with over 80 sustainable projects, creating a dynamic hub for the entire industry value chain. It focuses on showcasing solutions, providing a platform for collaboration, and engaging in problem-solving and resource optimisation in order to set the stage for industry-wide transformation to address climate change. Supported by key stakeholders like the Innovation and Technology Fund of the Hong Kong government and leading industry players, the Open Lab is driving the industry towards a sustainable future.