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.
Shop Secondhand
Founded in 2007, ReDress is a Hong Kong-based environmental charity driving the transition to a circular fashion industry. It addresses textile waste through consumer education, clothing collection, designer training, and advocacy. Key initiatives include the annual Get Redressed Month campaign, the global Redress Design Award for emerging sustainable designers, a year-round clothing takeback programme, and a second-hand shop, The Redress Closet. The organisation collaborates with charity, retail, and recycling partners to collect, sort, and redistribute donated clothing, supporting over 18 local charities and underserved communities. While generating social impact—such as educational outreach to thousands—and some revenue from resale, Redress relies on grants, sponsorships, and partnerships to offset high operational costs. Challenges include low profitability in textile recycling and scaling collection efficiency, but opportunities lie in growing corporate interest and innovation in recycling technology. Redress exemplifies a holistic approach to reducing fashion waste through engagement, education, and practical reuse solutions.
Symmde
Symmde is a sophisticated digital design and manufacturing platform developed by Symmpix, specifically engineered to optimize the fashion supply chain through AI and automation. As a highly effective design tool, it reduces waste and improves efficiency by enabling virtual design, automated grading, and precision cutting processes. Symmde is particularly pivotal in the realm of sustainable fashion, directly addressing industry priorities such as reducing physical sampling and optimizing material utilization. By shifting from physical trial-and-error to a digital-first workflow, it supports a more responsible and resource-efficient production model.
Textile & Garment Upcycling System
Wing Kai Textiles is a Hong Kong-based company that has developed a textile and garment upcycling system to transform post-consumer and post-industrial fabric waste into high-quality yarns and new textile products. This holistic solution supports circular economy principles by reducing textile waste and promoting the reuse of materials in the fashion and textile supply chain. Wing Kai’s system is one of the few in the world that enables the upcycling of blended fabrics, which are traditionally difficult to recycle due to their composition.
Vega 3D
Vega 3D Weaving Technology, developed by unspun, is a groundbreaking computerized weaving system that creates custom-fit, 3D woven garments directly from digital designs. By bypassing the traditional 2D fabric cutting process, this technology eliminates the primary source of textile waste. It forms a critical part of a holistic solution for sustainable design and manufacturing, specifically targeting the industry's most persistent challenges: material waste, systemic overproduction, and the inefficiencies often associated with large-scale customization in the fashion supply chain.
Water Soluble Non-Woven Fabric
EzyGreenPak, a Hong Kong-based company, has introduced a water-soluble non-woven fabric made from PVA, a biodegradable polymer that dissolves completely in water. This innovative material offers a sustainable alternative to plastic in textile applications such as garment covers, hygiene products, and protective packaging. The fabric is produced using a spunbond method, compatible with existing non-woven production lines, and requires minimal energy and chemicals. In a practical case, a local apparel brand used it for packaging on-demand knitted sweaters, produced in Dongguan, reducing plastic waste significantly. Factory operators noted its ease of use and integration into current systems. However, challenges include higher material costs, sensitivity to moisture and temperature, and the need for consumer education. The solution supports a circular economy by eliminating post-consumer waste and reducing reliance on single-use plastics. While it is currently best suited for controlled environments, its application scope can be expanded to areas like dissolvable labels. EzyGreenPak’s case highlights the potential for SMEs to adopt functional, eco-friendly materials. Success factors include strong partnerships, clear communication of benefits, and strategic market positioning.
