HKRITA and Seiko Epson partner on recycling post-consumer fabrics
Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel Limited (HKRITA) has announced a collaboration with Seiko Epson Corporation to develop a new fibre recycling solution. The pair will apply HKRITA’s recycling R&D know-how to Epson’s proprietary dry fibre technology.
This work follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two entities in March 2023. Seiko Epson Corporation will use its dry fibre technology to establish a defibrating process on elastic blended and/or tightly woven fabrics. HKRITA will provide technical support for recycling and evaluate recycling performance in terms of material properties. The innovation aims to provide a recycling solution for industry applications.
HKRITA is best known for the development of its ‘Green Machine’ which separates blended textiles. The Green Machine uses a hydrothermal treatment method that decomposes cotton into cellulose powders and enables the separation of polyester fibres from blended fabrics. This method was jointly developed by researchers from HKRITA and Shinshu University.
The process is a closed loop and uses only water, heat and less than 5 per cent biodegradable green chemicals. Crucially, this method does not damage the polyester fibres and therefore maintains their quality; cellulose powders can be used in a variety of ways.
