Open Lab Unveiled for Sustainable Innovation in Textile & Fashion Industry – An Initiative by HKRITA and H&M Foundation
12 September 2024: The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) and the H&M Foundation have announced official unveiling of the Open Lab, a pioneering initiative designed to revolutionise textile and fashion industry through sustainable innovation. Located at the Advanced Manufacturing Centre in Tseung Kwan O InnoPark, the Open Lab is set to become a dynamic hub for industry-wide collaboration, providing a 20,000 sq. fts. physical space for research and development, as well as a platform for fostering dialogue and knowledge sharing. Building on Hong Kong’s strategic location, advanced infrastructure and innovation-friendly environment, the Open Lab aims to not only support HKRITA’s research, but also become a hub for applied solutions to scale up to industrial-scale applications for the benefit of all global stakeholders addressing the challenges of climate change.
Lee Kwok Bun, Ivan, JP, Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, joined the opening ceremony at the Open Lab, celebrating this important milestone together with other officiating guests including Mrs. Christiane DOLVA, Strategy Lead, H&M Foundation, Ms. Teresa YANG, Chairman, The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel, and Edwin KEH, Chief Executive Officer, The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel.
Ms. Teresa YANG, Chairman, The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel, said, “This moment marks a significant milestone in leading the textile and fashion industry toward a more resilient future. At the core of the Open Lab is the mission to bridge the gap between lab innovations and industrial applications. By applying cutting-edge research and technology, funded by Hong Kong’s ITF funding schemes, we at HKRITA are developing sustainable and scalable solutions that will benefit the Hong Kong community, local corporations, regional suppliers, and global brands in addressing our climate change challenges.”
Mrs. Christiane DOLVA, Strategy Lead, H&M Foundation, added, “We are thrilled to see the vision of Open Lab come to life. A strong network of supporting organisations, the sharing of knowledge and of course the courage to explore the unknown, is what has made the Open Lab possible. In providing a safe collaborate space, a key infrastructure and a vibrant encouraging community, the amazing team at HKRITA and it’s visionary partners, have created something truly special.”
With the support of the Innovation and Technology Commission of the HKSARG, the Open Lab also received support from many stakeholders from multiple industries. These include manufacturers, brands, service providers and organisations that use textile and soft materials. The common goal is to address our shared environmental challenges by developing agile and scalable solutions.
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