Textile giants HKRITA and Seiko Epson are joining forces to develop a revolutionary recycling program that aims to breathe new life into discarded fabrics.

This partnership builds upon a 2023 agreement between the two organisations. Taking a step forward, the companies are applying HKRITA's expertise in textile recycling systems to Epson's innovative dry fiber technology. This technology, previously used to transform waste materials into water-free paper, will now tackle the challenge of defibrating complex fabrics like those blended with elastic or tightly woven.

HKRITA will play a crucial role by providing technical support throughout the recycling process and evaluating the quality of the recycled materials. Edwin Keh, CEO, HKRITA, says, this collaboration allows us to develop a truly comprehensive approach to sustainability, one that transcends industry limitations and opens doors to new opportunities."

Satoru Hosono, Technology Development, Epson, adds, the company’s collaboration with HKRITA aims to use a unique dry fiber technology to give new life to clothes and fabrics that would otherwise end up in landfills.

This partnership promises to extend the lifecycle of materials by recycling discarded fabrics and address the growing demand for recycled textiles.