The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel Limited (HKRITA) has signed MoUs with two significant research and industry partners, one being Shinshu University. These agreements aim to facilitate collaborative research efforts in developing innovative technologies that can benefit both industry and society.
HKRITA has had a partnership with Shinshu University since 2013 when the first MoU was signed with the University’s Fiber Innovation Incubator (Fii). In 2018, a second MoU was signed to extend their fruitful collaboration and undertake additional research projects in the fields of evaluation systems, material science and recycling technologies.
The MoU with the second partner, a Japanese multinational electronics company and one of the world’s largest manufacturers of computer printers and information- and imaging-related equipment, aims to facilitate collaborative R&D efforts in material recycling. Skilled professionals from both parties, who possess industry and research expertise in textiles, mechanics, electronics, and digital technologies, will undertake the research projects.
The CEO of HKRITA expressed enthusiasm about the remarkable and unparalleled collaboration between the institute, Shinshu University, and the company. While Shinshu University is a longstanding research partner, the company is a valuable international partner that operates outside the textile and clothing industries. The MoUs signify a joint effort to foster international exchange and collaboration, with a focus on achieving technological advancements across multiple industries and leveraging research outcomes to benefit society.
The Dean of the Faculty of Textile Science and Technology at Shinshu University stated that in the Anthropocene Epoch, it is critical to contemplate the future of the textile and apparel industry. To tackle the challenges in the domains of science and technology, business, and markets, individuals with similar goals across borders should work collaboratively. The partnership between HKRITA and Fii will be a close association in this regard, and it is hoped that it will guide the industry towards a sustainable future.
The Deputy General Administrative Manager of the company’s Epson’s Technology Development Division expressed the firm’s goal of achieving carbon negativity and ending the use of non-renewable underground resources by 2050. The company aims to create a sustainable and enriched society and its partnership with HKRITA and its outstanding textile recycling technology is expected to assist in establishing an industrial framework with minimal environmental impact in terms of CO2 emissions and the use of underground resources.
About The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA)
HKRITA was established in 2006 and is financially supported by the Innovation and Technology Commission of the HKSAR Government. It is hosted by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and undertakes applied research to enhance the competitiveness of the textile and apparel industry while also promoting sustainable improvements that benefit society. HKRITA provides comprehensive services encompassing applied research, technology transfer, and commercialization, with the aim of driving successful projects that can be applied in the industry.
About Fiber Innovation Incubator (Fii)
The Faculty of Textile Science and Technology at Shinshu University operates the Fiber Innovation Incubator (Fii), which provides advanced fibre engineering equipment with a wide range of functions from prototype production to performance evaluation. Fii also has experienced coordinators with extensive industry networks who provide detailed support to meet the diverse needs of corporations and act as intermediaries between university researchers and those outside the industry. The Incubator aims to enhance human resources through its network of fibre-related universities and research institutions, both domestically and overseas. It generates up-to-date and comprehensive information and develops cutting-edge fibre technology.
