HKRITA and Epson unveil silk-like regenerated fiber from waste cotton
The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) and Seiko Epson Corporation have jointly developed a regenerated cellulose fiber from waste cotton fabric with a silk-like appearance and cotton’s natural strength. The breakthrough comes as global attention intensifies on clothing waste and circular fashion solutions.
The new fiber results from a collaborative R&D effort initiated in January 2024, combining Epson’s proprietary Dry Fiber Technology with HKRITA’s advanced fiber-dissolving process. This innovative production method involves defibrating used cotton textiles into a powder, dissolving it with a solvent, and then extruding it through a nozzle into a coagulation bath, transforming it into high-quality regenerated fiber.
The resulting fiber offers a smooth, lustrous finish akin to silk, making it an ideal material for premium fashion applications such as scarves, neckties, and suit linings. Importantly, even short fibers generated during the process are recoverable, enhancing recycling efficiency and reducing waste. HKRITA and Epson have pledged to continue advancing their technologies to support global efforts in closing the loop on textile waste and enabling broader adoption of regenerated fibers in the industry.
