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.
PIGMENTURA
PIGMENTURA is an eco-friendly pigment dyeing technology developed by the Chia Tai Textile Group, a prominent chemical manufacturer based in Taiwan. It is specifically engineered to mitigate the environmental footprint of textile dyeing by providing a waterless, low-energy, and low-chemical alternative to conventional dyeing methods. Classified as an innovative manufacturing technique, PIGMENTURA directly tackles the sustainability hurdles inherent in the dyeing process, offering a more responsible approach to the design and production phases of the global fashion and textile industry.
Piñatex
Piñatex is a pioneering plant-based leather alternative developed by Ananas Anam. It is crafted from pineapple leaf fibers, which are a natural by-product of the pineapple harvest. This innovative solution is specifically designed to replace traditional animal leather and petroleum-based synthetic materials across fashion and textile sectors, with proven performance in shoe uppers, accessories, and apparel. As a sustainable material, Piñatex drives the circular economy by repurposing agricultural waste and significantly reducing the industry’s reliance on resource-intensive and chemically heavy leather production.
Polyester Dope Dyed Yarn
MonoFilo is a Japanese company specializing in the production of polyester dope-dyed yarn, a technology where color is integrated at the fiber-spinning stage rather than through traditional post-production dyeing methods. This sustainable material alternative is a strategic choice for the textile industry, focusing on greener raw materials and energy-efficient manufacturing. Dope-dyed polyester significantly reduces water and energy consumption, completely eliminates the need for traditional chemical dye baths, and minimizes both waste and pollution throughout the dyeing lifecycle.
RE.UNIQLO STUDIO
RE.UNIQLO STUDIO is an innovative in-store and online service launched by Uniqlo as part of its sustainability strategy. The platform allows customers to return gently used Uniqlo garments, which are then refurbished, rebranded, and resold at a lower price point, promoting second-life usage of clothing. This initiative supports circular fashion principles and is a holistic solution for surplus product handling, aligning with Uniqlo’s commitment to a more sustainable fashion ecosystem.
Second Life Products
Hanin Enterprises, a Hong Kong-based manufacturer, has pioneered an end-to-end circular clothing solution in partnership with ESG Uniform to address textile waste and promote sustainable resource use. The system collects used uniforms, cleans, repairs, and redistributes them, and recycles end-of-life garments using Garment to Garment (G2G) technology, which breaks down post-consumer textiles into reusable fibers for new fabric production. The case highlights how corporate uniform sectors can benefit from on-demand, reuse, and recycling strategies, reducing fabric waste and environmental footprint. Hanin’s solution also showcases the importance of cross-industry collaboration and customer engagement in driving circular fashion adoption. By combining smart logistics, digital tracking, and eco-friendly production, Hanin provides actionable insights for SMEs aiming to transform their operations into more sustainable and resource-efficient models.
