Innovation is in the lifeblood of the fashion and textile industry. Recent innovations in fashion and textiles are driven by functionality (e.g. biomimetic textiles, nanofibers/fabrics, moisture management fabrics, smart adaptive textiles, healthcare apparel), sustainability (e.g. sustainable design, biodegradable & recyclable materials, green processes, sustainable practices) and digitalization (e.g. digital fashion creation, digital influencers, metaverse, 3D printing, big data, personalization technology, blockchain technology, artificial intelligence). It is imperative to undertake applied research in these emerging areas and translate them into commercializable products and services for the revitalization of Hong Kong fashion and textile industry.
RCTFF is aspired to be a leading interdisciplinary R&D centre to address real world challenges of textiles and fashion for health, wellbeing, protection, performance and sustainability. RCTFF will capitalize and synergize the interdisciplinary R&D strength of PolyU in innovative design approaches, smart functional materials, advanced enabling technologies and new business concepts for the sustainable development of the fashion and textile value chain.
Prof. Jintu Fan
Director of RCTFF