Epson and the Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) have successfully developed regenerated cellulose fibre with silk-like properties from waste cotton fabric through a new production process that combines both organisations' proprietary technologies.
- The regenerated fibre displays both smooth, silky sheen and cotton-equivalent strength for high-end applications.
- The process involves defibrating cotton waste into powder, dissolving it in solvent, then extruding through nozzles.
- Previously discarded short fibres from production can now be recycled, boosting total clothing recycling rates.
KEY TAKEAWAY: This collaboration addresses the growing European demand for regenerated fibres by creating luxury-grade materials from textile waste, potentially transforming how the fashion industry approaches cotton recycling and high-end fabric production whilst reducing environmental impact.
THE CONTEXT: The partnership announced successful development results following research that began with a joint development agreement signed in January 2024, marking a significant breakthrough in textile-to-textile recycling technology for transforming discarded cotton fabric into regenerated fibre with silk-like properties.
THE BACKDROP: Epson developed its proprietary Dry Fibre Technology to solve recycling challenges that traditional garnett machines cannot handle, particularly with tightly woven fabrics and elastic blended materials commonly found in dress shirts and functional clothing. HKRITA was established in 2006 as a government-funded research institute specialising in applied textile solutions.
- Traditional garnett machines cannot effectively separate fibres from tightly woven fabrics used for dress shirts and bed sheets.
- HKRITA recently announced the Green Innotextile Base collaboration in China's Yangtze River Delta region focusing on sustainable development.
- The partnership with NeoRita Sustainable Technologies involves bacterial cellulose transformation technology for vegan leather products.
- Europe is experiencing growing recognition of waste clothing as a global environmental issue driving recycled fibre adoption.
- Countries are moving to increase recycled fibre ratios and limit petroleum-derived synthetic fibre usage in textile production.
STRATEGIC SUBTEXT: The development targets the growing movement toward using recycled fibres from discarded clothing, particularly in Europe where countries are moving to increase recycled fibre ratios and reduce textile waste, positioning both organisations to establish market presence in regenerated materials for high-end applications.
THE PROCESS: The integrated process transforms discarded cotton through three stages: defibration into powder-like state, dissolution in solvent, and extrusion through nozzles into coagulation baths where fibres solidify and undergo spinning into yarn suitable for scarves, neckties, and suit linings.
COMING UP: Both organisations will continue to combine their advanced technologies to accelerate the adoption of regenerated fibres, contributing to global efforts to solve clothing recycling challenges through the selective application of wet and dry processes for all waste cotton fabric types.
