Introduction

With growing global concern over climate change and environmental degradation, the Hong Kong fashion and textile industry is facing increasing pressure to adopt more sustainable practices. At the same time, this transition presents new opportunities for the industry to enhance its competitiveness and strengthen long-term resilience. As an important player in global fashion trade and supply chains, Hong Kong is well positioned to support and benefit from this shift. In response, the Institute of International Sustainable Development (ISD) launched the project, “The Guide for Sustainability Journey – A Practical Toolkit for Hong Kong Fashion and Textile Industry,” with funding support from the Trade and Industry Organisation Support Fund of the Trade and Industry Department of the HKSAR Government.

Building on the findings of the previous project, this toolkit has been developed as a practical and user-friendly online resource for local enterprises, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Its purpose is to help businesses better understand sustainable technologies and solutions and apply them to their own operations. The toolkit focuses on three key improvement areas identified by the industry: handling of surplus products, design and manufacturing, and the selection of greener raw materials. It also provides accessible information on market-available technologies, practical implementation guidance, case sharing, updated policy and funding information, and customised booklet functions. Through this study and toolkit, the project aims to equip enterprises with practical knowledge and tools to support informed decision-making, encourage the adoption of green technologies, meet evolving international requirements, and advance their sustainability journey.

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Handling surplus products DERucci 2004

Manufacturing Automation

DERucci, a Hong Kong-based fashion brand and manufacturer, is leveraging smart and sustainable manufacturing technologies to reduce waste and enhance efficiency in the fashion industry. The company has implemented 3D design software, AI-driven production planning, and on-demand manufacturing to streamline operations and support circular production. These solutions are part of the HKPC sustainability technology project, which aims to identify 10 scalable green technology cases for SMEs. DERucci’s approach minimises the need for physical samples and excess inventory, significantly lowering material waste and carbon emissions. The brand collaborates with its Dongguan-based factory to integrate digital tools into production workflows, enabling real-time design modifications and remote coordination. Through on-site assessments and interviews, HKPC is evaluating the practicality and sustainability impact of these technologies. DERucci’s case highlights how digital innovation can align with environmental responsibility, offering actionable insights for fashion SMEs seeking to adopt eco-friendly and resource-efficient production methods. The company’s success underscores the importance of technology adoption, staff training, and supplier collaboration in achieving sustainable fashion manufacturing.

Design and manufacturing Dakota Group 2020 or before

Modern Manufacturing

Dakota, a renowned Hong Kong-based textile and garment manufacturer, has integrated sustainable manufacturing technologies to reduce the environmental impact of its production processes. The company employs energy-efficient sewing and cutting machines, closed-loop water and chemical systems, and automated processes to enhance production accuracy and reduce waste. It also collaborates with certified suppliers to source organic and recycled materials, aligning with circular economy principles. Dakota’s approach includes lean production techniques, smart inventory systems, and design-level optimization to ensure minimal resource use and surplus stock. This case study demonstrates how SMEs can implement scalable, eco-friendly solutions to improve sustainability performance without compromising product quality or production efficiency. Dakota serves as a representative example of how innovation and collaboration can drive environmental responsibility in the textile and fashion supply chain, offering actionable insights for businesses aiming to transition toward greener manufacturing.

Selection of raw materials OKOSix 2021

Next Generation Biopolymer

OKOSix, a Hong Kong fashion brand, has adopted OKOmer, a fully biodegradable and compostable fiber, as part of its commitment to sustainable materials. OKOmer is derived from organic sources and engineered to break down into water, CO₂, and biomass under natural conditions. It offers the same durability and flexibility as polyester and nylon but with a significantly lower environmental footprint. OKOSix uses OKOmer in different product production, blending it with organic cotton to enhance performance and reduce costs. The fiber is compatible with existing textile machinery, requiring minimal production adjustments. Challenges include limited availability, higher cost, and the need for industrial composting to ensure full degradation. Despite these, the case demonstrates that OKOmer can be successfully integrated into fashion manufacturing, supporting circularity and reducing plastic waste. Key success factors include strategic supplier partnerships, material testing, and consumer education to justify the premium pricing. This example provides valuable insights for SMEs aiming to adopt innovative, low-carbon fiber solutions in their product lines.

Selection of raw materials NuCycl Lyocell 2022

NuCycl Lyocell

Evrnu’s NuCycl is a pioneering circular technology that transforms post-consumer textile waste—specifically discarded cotton-rich garments—into high-quality regenerated fibres. Unlike traditional mechanical recycling methods that physically shorten and degrade fibre quality, NuCycl utilizes a closed-loop chemical process. This method breaks down used clothing into a purified cellulose solution, which is then reconstituted into entirely new fibres. The resulting materials possess performance properties identical to virgin viscose or high-end cellulosic blends, effectively erasing the "quality penalty" usually associated with recycled goods.

Design and manufacturing Optitex 2017

Optitex

Optitex is a premier digital design and sampling software platform widely utilized by fashion and textile companies to minimize fabric waste, shorten lead times, and enhance sustainability throughout the design lifecycle. Classified as an effective design tool, it is particularly vital to the design and manufacturing segments of sustainable fashion. The platform facilitates virtual prototyping and 3D garment visualization, empowering designers to create and refine samples digitally prior to physical production. This digital-first approach significantly slashes material consumption and energy waste associated with traditional physical prototyping.

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