The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) has achieved international recognition by winning two Gold Medals and three Bronze Medals at the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva. The awards celebrate HKRITA’s commitment to developing an innovative technologies that benefit not only the textile and apparel industry but also the broader community across environmental protection, healthcare, and education.
HKRITA’s Chief Executive Officer, Jake Koh, expressed pride in the achievements, saying, “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. We focus on addressing real-world challenges, ensuring our research delivers practical, meaningful solutions that support a better future.”
Among the highlights is a Gold Medal-winning solution for selectively separating and recovering nylon from textile waste. This eco-friendly process uses a green solvent under ambient conditions to extract nylon while preserving its molecular structure, enabling high-quality reuse in garment production. The method also allows for 99.8 per cent reuse of the solvent, significantly lowering environmental and health impacts. With scalability and low-cost application, this innovation contributes to building a circular economy in textiles.
Another Gold Medal was awarded for a project that uses 3D scanning and artificial intelligence to create mass-customised breathable and lightweight hip protectors for the elderly. Developed in partnership with The Chinese University of Hong Kong, the innovation leverages inverse design and 3D printing to produce hip protectors that optimise weight, cost, and comfort. Easily attachable to clothing, these protectors are particularly suited for hot and humid climates and help prevent hip fractures caused by falls.
HKRITA also earned a Bronze Medal for a passive cooling textile technology. By integrating metal oxide particles into PET fibres, the fabric reflects UV and visible light and reduces body temperature by up to 3.7°C under sunlight. This passive cooling function is ideal for outdoor workers or athletes and offers a scalable, cost-effective solution for the textile industry.
A second Bronze Medal was awarded for a smart vest aimed at improving classroom behaviour in children with Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Developed with The Education University of Hong Kong, the vest uses two discreet sensors to monitor movement and delivers subtle vibrations when hyperactivity is detected. This helps children refocus and enables teachers to concentrate on instruction. The vest is available in cotton for school use and a breathable fabric version for sports activities, with removable electronics for charging and washing.
The final Bronze Medal recognised Soft Robotic Clothing designed to adjust thermal insulation based on environmental conditions and physical activity. This intelligent clothing system, created in partnership with The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, adapts to temperature changes while maintaining breathability and is controlled via a mobile app. It is intended for use by outdoor workers, firefighters, athletes, and anyone needing enhanced personal thermal management.
These award-winning projects reflect HKRITA’s leadership in sustainable innovation, demonstrating how applied textile research can generate real-world impact across industries and improve quality of life.
