Green Machine wins at ITMF Awards
Textile-to-textile recycling technology by Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) has placed first in the Sustainability and Innovation category at this year’s International Textile Manufacturers Federation awards ceremony (ITMF Awards) in Davos, Switzerland.
Known as the Green Machine, the method involves a hydrothermal process which can separate cotton-polyester blends at scale, requiring only a biodegradable dissolution treatment in addition to heat and water.
The system produces cellulose powder from cotton, which facilitates the separation and re-spinning of polyester fibres contained in the blend and allows for the powders to be regenerated into cellulosic fibres, among other uses. Denim manufacturer Isko signed a deal to licence the technology in 2021, becoming the first firm to do so.
On receipt of the award, chief executive at HKRITA, Edwin Keh (pictured left), revealed that plans are already underway to build the first industrial-ready Green Machine in Hong Kong sometime "soon".
The technology was also recognised by judges of annual science and technology competition R&D 100 Awards last month, when it took the top spot in the Process/Prototyping category.
Edwin Keh is presented with the ITMF award. Credit: HKRITA.
