The Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Mr Alfred Sit, visited the Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) today (August 13) and met with the Chairman of the HKRITA, Ms Teresa Yang, and the management team to gain a better understanding of their latest work progress and development plan.
      
     The Chief Executive Officer of the HKRITA, Mr Edwin Keh, gave an introduction on textile recycling and high-performance textile technologies that further innovations and sustainable development of the textile industry. These technologies include various winning entries from the Special Edition 2021 Inventions Geneva Evaluation Days, such as the Cellulose-based PFC-free Functional Surface Finish awarded the Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury; the Soft Electrochromic Yarns with low Operating Voltage awarded the Gold Medal, and the Sleeping Comfort System for Identification of Comfort Zone and the Carbon Dioxide Capturing Cellulosic Materials awarded the Silver Medal, as well as the Garment-to-Garment Recycle System and high-performance sportswear and devices for Hong Kong athletes.

     Mr Sit said the Hong Kong textiles and apparel industry is a key player in the global market. He is glad to see that the HKRITA has been bringing in research and development strengths in the industrial chain by developing new materials and advanced production technologies for the textiles and apparel industry to enhance the competitiveness of the industry. Through research and development and technology transfers, the HKRITA helps the textiles and apparel industry move towards high value-added production and services. Mr Sit encouraged the HKRITA to continue to forge closer ties with the industry to promote research and development efforts for commercialisation. With more applications of innovative technologies, the industry can explore room for development and drive "re-industrialisation" in Hong Kong, he said.

Ends/Friday, August 13, 2021
Issued at HKT 19:25

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