The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) has received a series of international awards at two recent innovation competitions: five accolades at the 49th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva and the Edison Award 2024.
Award-winning projects in the 49th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva
Gold Medal
Dye removal from denim textile wastewater by a combinative adsorption and regeneration system
Denim textile wastewater contains dyes and chemicals that pose health and environmental risks. This project has developed an in-situ physiochemical system for dye adsorption and adsorbent regeneration. Metal-doped alumina is used as an adsorbent, trapping dye molecules on its surface through electrostatic force and van der Waals force, leading to a clean and colourless solution of the dye wastewater. Once the adsorbents become saturated, they are regenerated by ozonated water, converting the dye molecules on the adsorbent into harmless substances like water and carbon dioxide. When the adsorbent returns to resembling its original brown colour, it is ready for another adsorption cycle. This approach minimises the disposal of used adsorbent. The treated water meets the reuse standard in denim production. The estimated cost of removing one ton of dye wastewater and regenerate the relevant adsorbent is about US$ 1.6. This is lower compared to the conventional activated carbon adsorption process, which costs US$ 2.4.
Gold Medal
Fluorine-free and Bio-based Material for Durable Water and Oil Repellent fabrics
This project has developed a surface modification method that achieves long-lasting water and oil repellency on textiles without the use of fluorinated compounds. By utilising sea by-products and biopolymers from renewable source, a multi-layered composite barrier has been created, effectively providing durable water and oil repellent properties to the fabric. These functions can withstand washing, ensuring the longevity of the treatment. This approach is environmentally friendly and fluorine-free, making it a sustainable choice for outdoor apparel and working uniforms.
Silver Medal
A lightweight fabric-based breathable metamaterial for low frequency noise insulation
This project has made use of acoustic metamaterial technology combined with energy adsorption coating to develop a sound insulation material at frequencies below 500Hz. A fabric-based metamaterial prototype is further developed for low frequency noise insulation in industrial environments. The innovative use of breathable fabric metamaterial for low frequency noise
control results in a simple and lightweight setup. Besides, the material provides excellent air permeability for thermal control and heat dissipation of machines, achieving a rate of 1.5m3/cm2 per second. These features make it suitable for a wide range of applications.
Bronze Medal
Denim fabric cotton recovery by mechanical warp weft separation
This project has developed an AI driven mechanical recycling system to extract the reusable indigo-dyed warp yarns from denim fabrics. Since warp yarn is typically made with dyed cotton of higher fibre quality, the separated warp yarn can be recycled into denim yarn without the need for dyeing. The mechanism relies on direct mechanical extraction, without the use of chemicals. Additionally, an AI system identifies fabric structures and measures warp yarn density and denim orientation, resulting in a separation efficiency of over 90% for warp yarns.
Bronze Medal
Design-thinking creation of a swelling-controllable composite tubular fabric for regenerative agriculture
This project has developed an eco-friendly soil management system, using biodegradable composite fabrics and real-time monitoring technologies. The system incorporates a unique process for creating swelling-controllable composite tubular fabric, a mixture of hemp and PLA, through fibre degumming, specialised yarn, and fabric fabrication techniques. The composite fabric serves multiple functions, including irrigation, weed control, insulation, moisture retention, and nutrient preservation. The composite materials used in the system are fully biodegradable, contributing to sustainable development. Additionally, multicyclic diffusion principles were applied in this composite fabric to ensure efficient transport of water and nutrients while minimising deep soil moisture leakage and preserving nutrient levels for plant growth.
The 49th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva (17-21 April 2024), is one of the world’s largest annual events devoted exclusively to invention. HKRITA has participated in this event since 2010 and has received a total of 75 awards, including 33 gold medals.
Award-winning project in Edison Award 2024
This project has developed a novel mastectomy bra which addresses the needs of patients recovering from mastectomy and accommodates requirements related to age, BMI and body shape. The invention employs ergonomic design, and 3D printing structure design and engineering. The materials used offer a better thermal comfort experience and the design improves body balance for recovering patients at a lower cost, relieving potential health problems and psychological pressures during recovery.
Established in 1987, the Edison Awards are dedicated to recognising, honouring and fostering innovations and innovators. The annual competition honours excellence in new product and service development, marketing, design and innovation.
