The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) claimed two gold and three bronze medals at the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions held in Geneva, Switzerland, from April 9-13.

The first gold was awarded for the development of a method for the selective separation and recovery of nylon from textile waste using a green solvent under ambient conditions. The molecular chains of the recovered nylon fibre remain intact, preserving its quality and value and making it suitable for reuse in garment production while enabling 99.8% solvent reuse. This recycling process significantly minimises environmental and human impact. Furthermore, it can be adapted into a scalable system with high potential for industrial textile applications at a low cost.

The second gold medal was achieved for the mass customisation of breathable lightweight hip protectors for the elderly.

These devices have been designed via 3D-scan-based inverse design and AI automated lattice generation. This approach enables 3D printing of the protectors with an optimised lightweight structure, minimising both weight and cost while maximising user comfort. The protectors can be easily attached to pants, reducing the risk of hip fractures caused by falls. Their breathable and lightweight design is suitable for the elderly living in hot and humid regions. This project was developed in partnership with the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

HKRITA’s bronze medals were awarded for the development of a scalable process technology for a PET passive cooling fibre, a smart vest for improving the behavioural performance of school-aged children with attention-deficit disorder (ADHD) and the automatic thermal adaptation of soft robotic clothing

Passive radiative cooling has been achieved using selected metal oxide particles with a particle-void structure integrated into PET fibres. These fibres reflect solar ultraviolet and visible light. This enhances the cooling effect, achieving a 3.7°C temperature reduction under sunlight compared to conventional PET fabrics. The technology can significantly reduce heat stress for individuals working outdoors or participating in intense sports. Additionally, the process is simple to scale up and offers a low-cost solution for mass production.

The HKRITA smart vest designed to help children with ADHD features two small sensors that monitor movement. When hyperactive movements are detected, it uses gentle vibrations to prompt children to self-regulate and refocus. The electronic components are housed in the back of the vest and can be easily removed for charging or washing. Two versions of the vest are available – a cotton vest suitable for school uniforms and a breathable fabric vest designed for sportswear. This project was developed in a partnership with the Education University of Hong Kong.

HKRITA’s soft robotic clothing, developed in partnership with Hong Kong Polytechnic University, automatically adapts to varying temperatures and activity levels by increasing insulation in cold conditions and reducing thermal resistance in warm environments, while maintaining exceptional breathability.

“These awards are a testament to the expertise and vision of our researchers, who continually push the boundaries of innovation to serve both industry and society,” said HKRITA CEO Jake Koh. “We take pride in addressing real-world challenges, ensuring that our research yields meaningful and practical applications that benefit society at large – from value addition in the textiles industry to environmentally friendly practices.”                          

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