HKRITA

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Latest episode

Apr 2026

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EN-US

About the show

The latest textile research insights and news from HKRITA. Join host and professions dive deep in textile matters. The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel is a Hong Kong based research institute for the textiles and clothing industry. We focus on R&D and collaborates with industry partner to facilitate technologies transfers and commercialisation. Find out more: www.hkrita.com

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60 recent

April 20, 202624 min

VIATT Vietnam 2026 seminar | Towards a Cleaner Future: Circular Recycling and Microplastic Removal in Textiles

Topic: Towards a Cleaner Future: Circular Recycling and Microplastic Removal in TextilesRyan Wong, Business Development Manager from HKRITA addresses the urgent global crisis of textile waste, noting that 3 tons are discarded every second. He positions this crisis as an opportunity for innovation and economic growth. Ryan outlines the institute's mission to advance R&D and technology transfer, focusing on five key research pillars. He delves into three specific technologies: hydrothermal separation (The Green Machine) to recycle polyester-cotton blends; a solvent-based system to recover nylon from nylon-spandex blends; and an acoustic wave filtration system to remove microplastics from wastewater. He concludes by discussing the institute’s capabilities, its strong research team, and its commitment to scaling these technologies for commercial and industrial use.

April 14, 20261 hr 9 min

VIATT Vietnam 2026 panel discussion : Fashioning a Circular Textile Economy Through Industry Collaboration

Topic: Fashioning a Circular Textile Economy Through Industry CollaborationThis panel discussion explored the rapidly changing landscape of sustainability in the global fashion and textile industry. Key themes included the increasing influence of regulatory frameworks, the critical role of material innovation, and the urgent need for enhanced collaboration across the entire supply chain. Panelists shared insights on how legislation is driving action, the importance of transparency and traceability, and the necessity of scalable, economically viable solutions. They also highlighted the existing gaps between academic research and industrial application, advocating for stronger partnerships between research institutions, governments, and industry stakeholders to achieve a truly sustainable future.Moderator: Dan Connolly from UKFTGuest Speakers:Katherine Chan from HKRITAProf. Rajkishore Nayak from RMIT University VietnamThu Le from XAVANKiki Chen from Covation Biomaterials LLC

March 2, 202627 min

Weaving the Future: Advancing Functional Textiles with Innovative Technologies [Mandarin audio]

In this engaging panel discussion, we bring together leading experts in the textile industry: Ms. Zoe Zhang from HKRITA, Prof. Yu Xiaokun from Donghua University, Mr. Andrew Chan from Lenzing, and Mr. Barty Wei from Highsun Holding Group Co., Ltd. Listen to our panelists' sharing on how innovative technology is shaping the development of functional textile materials, the commercialisation of these innovations, and insights into the progress of functional textiles. Tune in to gain a concise yet comprehensive overview of the future of functional textiles and the technology driving this evolution!

February 15, 20269 min

Electrospinning Technology in the Textile Industry: Prospects and Challenges [Mandarin audio]

In this insightful episode, Zoe Zhang, Engineer of HKRITA, takes us on a deep dive into the world of electrospinning technology and its impact on the textile industry: the fundamentals of nanomaterials, their transformative applications within the textile sector, as well as HKRITA's breakthrough in developing nanofibres using electrospinning technology. A must-listen for anyone eager to understand the future prospects and the ongoing challenges in integrating electrospinning technology into the textile industry.

February 2, 202612 min

AI-Powered Textile Recycling: The Path to a Sustainable Future [Mandarin audio]

Delve into the cutting-edge world of AI-powered textile recycling with Derek Lai, Senior Engineer at HKRITA. Discover how HKRITA is leading the charge in sustainable fashion through innovative research and development in garment recycling. Derek introduces the principles and goals of HKRITA, emphasizing their commitment to reducing textile waste. He elaborates on their groundbreaking Smart Garment Sorting Recycling System, which leverages AI to enhance sorting precision and efficiency, ensuring maximum resource recovery. Tune in to learn how this pioneering approach plays a crucial role in shaping a sustainable future for the textile industry.

January 19, 202628 min

Implementation and Practice of AI in Textile Fabric R&D Innovation [Mandarin audio]

In this episode, we bring together industry experts Derek Lai from HKRITA, Bo Yu from the Shenzhen Smart Manufacturing Industry Promotion Association, Bin Chen from Tanwu AI Technology (Guangdong) Co., Ltd., and Jieyu Zhong from Foshan Haotuo Information Technology Co., Ltd. The panel discusses the transformative power of AI in textile fabric research and development. Explore the opportunities and changes AI has sparked within their fields and the challenges of commercializing these technologies. The speakers also share valuable insights and customer feedback, highlighting the evolving demands of the industry. Discover how traditional textile sectors can transition into the realm of AI and IoT applications, driving innovation and efficiency. This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in the future of textile manufacturing and the integration of advanced technologies.

January 6, 202627 min

Circularity in Denim: New Business Models

As the inaugural programme in the Kingpins Show in Hangzhou, "Circularity in Denim: New Business Models features a panel discussion by industry experts including KK Chan from HKRITA, Philippe Li from The Mills Fabrica, Vincent Hu from TENCEL™ by Lenzing. Also, don't miss the sharing from Xenia Sidorenko of “useDEM,” who discusses the challenges and opportunities of scaling upcycled denim production in China. Tune in for an enlightening discussion!

July 25, 2025Episode 257 min

Shaping the Future of Sustainability Through Innovation | 02 Innovation

In our second episode, we delve into the collaboration between R&D and supply chain management. We tackle the challenges of achieving transparency and quality data while spotlighting innovative design models, reuse, and recycling efforts. Hear from industry leaders including Katherine Chan (HKRITA), Lei Ma (Eastman), Denier Qi (High Fashion) and Simon Chen (Textile Genesis, a Lectra company) about their current projects and the potential impact of sharing their work with a broader audience with moderation by Karl Borgschulze (CSI). Join us for another insightful discussion on sustainability and innovation!

July 15, 202541 min

Harnessing Technology for a Circular Economy: Opportunities and Challenges

Join us for a deep dive into the transition from linear consumption to circular systems, highlighting the crucial role of technology. This panel features experts from tech, property, and textiles discussing how AI, data analytics, smart materials, and ESG reporting are transforming circular economy models. Discover real-world applications, operational challenges, and the ecosystem required to scale sustainable solutions. Tune in to explore the future of sustainable innovation!

April 22, 2025Episode 129 min

Shaping the Future of Sustainability Through Innovation | 01 Key Challenges

Join an expert panel at Intertextile Apparel for a dynamic discussion on advancing sustainability through innovation. Explore strategies to overcome barriers, foster collaboration, and scale impactful solutions for both environmental and business growth. Featuring Katherine Chan (HKRITA), Lei Ma (Eastman), Denier Qi (High Fashion), and Simon Chen (Textile Genesis, a Lectra company), with moderation by Karl Borgschulze (CSI), this episode reveals the challenges in driving sustainability in the textile industry.