The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) and the H&M Foundation have officially introduced the Open Lab, a new initiative designed to promote sustainable practices in the fashion and textile industries.
The mission of H&M and HKRITA’s Open Lab is to connect lab-based innovations with industrial applications, offering scalable solutions to tackle climate change challenges. Located at the Advanced Manufacturing Centre in Tseung Kwan O InnoPark, the Open Lab will act as a central hub for research, development, and international collaboration.
Covering 6,000 square meters, the facility is designed to support extensive R&D efforts and promote engagement among industry stakeholders. It features two main components: the Pilot Plant and the Fashion Future Lab.
The Pilot Plant includes a comprehensive upcycling line equipped with technologies such as an AI-driven smart garment sorting system and the Green Machine 2.0, which processes up to one ton of PET-cotton blended textiles per day. Meanwhile, the Fashion Future Lab is dedicated to early-stage innovations, such as the “Farm-to-Garment” project, which combines hydroponic cotton cultivation with yarn processing and garment knitting.
Additionally, the Open Lab retains a technological database of over 80 sustainable projects developed by HKRITA. By translating lab-scale research into industrial applications, the Open Lab aims to enhance circularity in the industry, offering solutions for licensing at cost to ensure widespread adoption.
