HKRITA, Jeanologia and Looptworks Partner to Scale Circular Textile Recycling
The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with textile technology company Jeanologia and recycling specialist Looptworks to establish the Green Machine Circular Textile Ecosystem, a collaborative initiative aimed at accelerating large-scale recycling of blended textile waste.
The partnership combines HKRITA’s recycling technology, Jeanologia’s industrial machinery expertise, and Looptworks’ recycling operations to create a commercially scalable ecosystem for textile-to-textile recycling. The initiative marks a transition from research-focused innovation to practical industrial deployment, enabling circular textile solutions to be implemented across the value chain.
At the centre of the collaboration is Green Machine 4.0, HKRITA’s latest hydrothermal recycling technology. The system can recover polyester from cotton-polyester blended textiles with 98% or higher purity without using harmful chemical processes, addressing one of the industry’s long-standing recycling challenges.
As part of the ecosystem, Jeanologia becomes the first official machinery partner, providing industrial equipment designed to European standards and compliant with CE high-pressure requirements. The machinery is intended to simplify commercial deployment and logistics for textile recyclers.
Looptworks, a Certified B Corporation specialising in textile recycling, will serve as a prospective adopter of the technology. The company converts pre- and post-consumer textile waste into Global Recycled Standard (GRS)-certified fibres, helping integrate recovered materials back into textile supply chains.
The collaboration is designed to support textile recyclers by enabling the processing of previously difficult-to-recycle blended fabrics while creating new commercial opportunities. It also provides fashion brands and manufacturers with access to recycled fibres suitable for large-scale production, reducing dependence on virgin raw materials.
Jake Koh, Chief Executive Officer of HKRITA, said the Green Machine 4.0 has reached a stage where it is ready for commercial adoption and industrial scaling, marking a significant step from research to practical implementation.
Enrique Silla, CEO and Founder of Jeanologia, said the company aims to apply its expertise in industrial engineering and textile processing to help make textile-to-textile recycling a collaborative, industry-wide effort.
Scott Hamlin, Founder and CEO of Looptworks, noted that blended textiles have traditionally presented major recycling challenges, adding that the Green Machine technology provides an opportunity to recover valuable fibres and return them to commercial supply chains.
HKRITA stated that the Green Machine Circular Textile Ecosystem is open to textile recyclers, fashion brands and manufacturing partners interested in adopting circular production practices and expanding textile recycling capabilities at industrial scale.
