Epson says the collaboration is seeking to meet the growing global need for recycled fibres by using its proprietary Dry Fibre Technology to establish technology for defibrating hard-to-recycle fabrics and expand real-world fibre recycling.

Epson says it has entered into a joint development agreement with the HKRITA, an R&D centre specialising in the development of innovative solutions to the textile, clothing and fashion industry.

“Spurred by a growing recognition of global environmental issues, a trend toward using recycled fibres from unwanted clothing has been gaining steam, particularly in countries moving to increase the ratio of recycled fibres used and limit the use of petroleum-derived synthetic fibres,” notes Epson.

“Currently, a machine called a garnett is commonly used in the textile recycling process to separate the fibres in waste material. However, garnetts are unable to effectively separate the fibres of some of the most common textiles in the apparel market, such as tightly weave fabrics used for dress shirts and bed sheets and elastic blended fabrics used for functional clothing.”

Epson says it seeks to solve this problem by using its unique Dry Fibre Technology to establish a process for defibrating elastic blended fabrics and tightly woven fabrics - and the aim is to provide a new solution for recycling clothing fibres by entering into the jjoint development agreement with HKRITA.

According to Epson, this solution will be able to help greatly accelerate the use of recycled fibres by making it possible to separate fibres from challenging textiles such as functional clothing, sheets and dress shirts, as well as from factory mill ends, unsold items of clothing and unwanted apparel.

“Dry Fibre Technology, independently developed by Epson, enables the creation of new value from post-consumer paper, wood, clothing and other fibrous waste and used products. It is one of the core technologies around which Epson is building an environmental business.

“In addition to developing recycled fibre production solutions, Epson is producing new paper and packaging materials from used paper and other raw materials. It is also developing stronger and more durable recycled plastic and bio-based plastic. Epson is building an environmental business by applying this technology and will contribute to environmental impact mitigation and resource circulation.

“Established in Hong Kong in 2006, HKRITA engages in applied research to support the textile and apparel industry in order to boost its overall competitiveness, drive sustainable improvements and bring benefits to society. By providing one-stop services for applied research, technology transfer and commercialisation, HKRITA makes sustained efforts to promote successful projects for industry application.”

For more information on Epson Dry Fibre Technology go to: https://corporate.epson/en/technology/search-by-products/other/dry-fiber-technology.html

For more information on HKRITA go to: https://www.hkrita.co