GAP has partnered with the Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) to develop sustainable solutions for the fashion industry. The purpose of the collaboration is to change the apparel industry from a linear model to a circular model across the lifecycle of textiles through eco-friendly production processes and technology.
“HKRITA always maintains close ties with the industry and keeps abreast of developments so that we are able to provide timely and workable solutions. This is a good opportunity for us to join hands with Gap to develop textiles that are recyclable and can be used for a long time,” said Edwin Keh, CEO of HKRITA.
Two initial research projects to create sustainable solutions for the fashion industry will focus on separating spandex from used garments and denim decolourisation for recycling.
The first project will be conducted by HKRITA in partnership with textile manufacture Artistic Milliners to develop a sustainable separation technology that removes spandex using bio-solvents. Collaborating with denim manufacturer Arvind, the second research project will enhance the denim decolouring techniche so that the cotton can be more easily reused or re-dyed.
