The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel
The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) is a public research institute in Hong Kong. It was established in April 2006 and hosted by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU). With funding support from the Innovation and Technology Commission, HKSAR Government, it acts as a focal point to enhance technological innovation in textiles and apparel industry for the development of highly competitive industrial clusters in Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta region.
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| Established | 2006 |
|---|---|
| Research type | R&D for textiles and clothing industries in Hong Kong |
| Location | Hong Kong |
Operating agency | The Hong Kong Polytechnic University |
| Website | www |
Research
HKRITA carried out in-house research projects since 2014. Most of the research projects fall under three major domains: Industry, Sustainability, and Social Benefits; specially devoting the research efforts to waterless solutions, green technologies, and active performance wearable systems.
HKRITA has adopted four technology focus areas for R&D projects, namely:
- New Materials and Textiles and Apparel Products;
- Advanced Textiles and Clothing Production Technologies;
- Innovative Design and Evaluation Technologies; and
- Enhanced Industrial Systems and Infrastructure
Product
In 2020, HKRITA and the Government of Hong Kong introduced CuMask+, a reusable mask which can filter bacteria, fungi and viruses. The technology was developed by HKRITA in 2017 with a funding of HK$1.28 million (US$165,100) by the Innovation and Technology Fund from the government. It has been awarded gold medal at the 46th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva in 2018. In May 2020, the government announced that they will distribute CuMask+ to all residents in Hong Kong.[1]
Partnerships and collaborations
HKRITA embraces multilateral research and technology cooperation with international research institutes. To promote technology application to our society, HKRITA also collaborates with local enterprises such as PMQ, CHAT, The Mills on smart textiles and materials recycling exploration as well as knowledge sharing and technology support.
In 2016, HKRITA and the non-profit H&M Foundation entered into a four-year partnership to develop the required technologies to recycle blend textiles into new fabrics and yarns. Used apparel will be collect and recycled into new textile materials through chemical treatment or bioprocessing. The technology will be opened for application to encourage broad market access and reduced impact on the environment.
Since 2007, HKRITA started to host the Innovation and Technology Symposium to enhance knowledge sharing. It was a biannual event brought together industry leaders, researchers, thought leaders, and scholars to explore solutions, introduce new technologies, and enhance the competitiveness of the industry. With its positive impact over the years, HKRITA made it an annual event in 2016.
References
- "Hong Kong's reusable mask giveaway set to begin". South China Morning Post. 2020-05-05. Retrieved 2020-05-08.