News

UNIQLO and SFT release third-year results of survey on consumer perceptions of sustainable fashion in Hong Kong

Global Japanese apparel retailer UNIQLO and SFT have jointly conducted their third consecutive “Survey on Consumer Perceptions of Sustainable Fashion in Hong Kong”. This survey aims to explore consumers' views and opinions on sustainable fashion and enhance public awareness in these regions. Conducted in July 2024 through online questionnaires, the survey involved 1,409 Hong Kong consumers from various age groups and professions to assess their willingness and motivations regarding clothing recycling. The findings aim to encourage collaboration among the fashion industry and various stakeholders to promote sustainable consumption practices. Hong Kong Consumers Show a Good Understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and holds a Positive Attitude Towards Waste Recycling The third-year results of the survey indicate a positive trend in consumer awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Hong Kong, reaching 70%, indicating a significant level of awareness for environmental issues in society. Additionally, survey results show that many consumers perceive the recycling process as simple (54%), find collection points convenient (45%), and consider the environment of collection points clean and orderly (44%), which lays a solid foundation for further promoting recycling activities. Over 40% of Consumers Keep Clothes for Less Than 3 Years, but Recycling Intentions Hinge on Community Support The survey also analyzed the shopping and disposal habits of Hong Kong consumers. Results indicate that 10% of consumers purchase over 21 pieces of clothing per year, and approximately 20% wear each piece of clothing less than 10 times on average, with over 40% keeping clothes for less than three years. The main reasons for clothing being idle or discarded include damage (26%), outdated styles (17%), quality below expectations (15%), size mismatch (14%), and inconvenience in the recycling process (10%). The most common methods of disposing of clothing are: Placing them in recycling bins (25%) Giving them to family or friends (20%) Upcycling for other uses (17%) Donating to charity organizations (14%), selling second-hand clothes (14%) Directly disposing of them as trash (10%) According to the Environmental Protection Department’s waste statistics for 2022[1], an average of 388 tons of textile waste were disposed of in landfills daily, with a recycling rate of only 11%. 90% of consumers in this survey express an intention to recycle clothing, the statistics indicate that most consumers have not developed the habit of recycling, highlighting a gap between intentions and actual behaviour. The survey also asked respondents why they had not participated in clothing recycling, with over 22% citing inconvenient recycling locations, another 22% finding the process troublesome, and 20% not understanding recycling channels and measures. Further analysis indicates that Hong Kong consumers’ recycling behaviour is primarily driven by intrinsic motivations (such as enjoyment and self-satisfaction) rather than external factors (such as financial incentives). To encourage clothing recycling, communities and stakeholders should provide sufficient support, resources, and promotion to align with consumers’ recycling intentions. 50% of Consumers Are Willing to Pay Repair Costs Equal to 10% of the Clothing Price to Extend the Life of Clothing In addition to clothing recycling, the importance of cherishing items and reusing instead of merely consuming is emphasized. Survey results show that over 60% of consumers have the habit of repairing clothes. Among those without this habit, the main concerns include inconvenience in the repair process (22%), lack of knowledge on how to repair (20%), and high repair costs (18%). Notably, 50% of respondents are willing to pay no more than 10% of the clothing price as repair costs, indicating a readiness to support sustainable consumption practices and reduce waste. This finding aligns with last year’s survey results, which suggested that cost is not the primary factor considered by consumers in implementing sustainable consumption practices. Consumers Look Forward to Fashion Brands Collectively Promoting Recycling According to the survey, the public believes that fashion brands should enhance their efforts to promote recycling. Consumers expect incentives such as shopping discounts or cash rewards for recycling (25%), collaboration with environmental organizations (22%), provision of clothing repair services (22%), and enhanced educational and promotional activities (17%). Based on these results, SFT emphasizes that businesses should actively engage in recycling education and promotion through cooperation with the government and communities, particularly in the realm of clothing recycling. Utilizing social media and peer effects, businesses can promote broader recycling behaviour, benefiting the economy, environment, and society. Dr Fan Di, Assistant Dean and Associate Professor of SFT, who coordinated this survey, stated: “The survey results indicate that the impact of recycling information from government and public organizations on consumer behaviour is significant. Policymaking should focus on enhancing consumer awareness and understanding of recycling activities, increasing public awareness of the environmental harm caused by unrecycled waste, and clearly explaining recycling methods and benefits. Government and public institutions can leverage various media channels, educational programs, and advertisements, along with social media and community organizations, to strengthen information sharing and promote environmental protection, inspiring greater public participation in recycling.”   [1] Source: “Monitoring of Solid Waste in Hong Kong – Waste Statistics for 2022” by Environmental Protection Department

SFT alumnus Mr Kay Kwok is one of the "10 Asian Designers To Watch"

Fashion Asia Hong Kong has declared SFT alumnus Mr Kay Kwok (BA, 2009) as one of the "10 Asian Designers To Watch". This accolade is awarded annually by a panel of esteemed fashion industry leaders to celebrate the innovativeness, creativity, and craftsmanship of emerging talents across Asia. The cutting-edge capsule collections of the selected designers will be showcased at the upcoming Clockenflap Music & Arts Festival at Central Harbourfront, which is scheduled to take place from 29 November to 1 December. Kay is a visionary designer from Hong Kong, and founded his brand, KWK by KAY KWOK, in 2013. Based in London, the brand has gained international acclaim for its genderless, digital, and experimental collections. KWK by KAY KWOK is renowned for challenging conventional fashion norms and stereotypes by embracing unapologetically avant-garde and futuristic aesthetics. The brand creates a dynamic space where subcultures flourish and new-age identities are celebrated. Kay's groundbreaking work has not gone unnoticed. He made history as the first Hong Kong menswear designer to present at London Fashion Week. Influential fashion editor, Suzy Menkes of the International Herald Tribune owned by the New York Times, lauded Kay for his debut collection. His unique design perspective and innovative approach have led to collaborations with a host of international brands and artists, including Sony, Nike, and Dormeuil. His creative vision has also attracted high-profile clients such as Beyoncé, Björk, Aaron Kwok, Karen Mok, Joey Yung and the late Coco Lee. In a notable achievement, Kay has been invited to design customised looks for Beyoncé's highly anticipated 2025 Renaissance World Tour, marking him as the first Hong Kong designer to work with this mega-star. The collaboration underscores Kay’s rising influence in the global fashion scene and his ability to blend artistic expression with commercial appeal.

Dr Fan Di wins prestigious Best Paper Award at Academy of Management Conference

Dr Fan Di, Associate Professor and Assistant Dean of SFT, together with his co-authors Dr Christian Felix Durach (ESCP Business School, France), Dr Frank Wiengarten (ESADE Business School, Spain), and Dr Veronica Villena (Arizona State University, USA), have been awarded the 2024 Chan Hahn Best Paper Award at the 2024 Academy of Management (AOM) conference. Their groundbreaking paper, "Diffusion of Irresponsible Workplace Practices in Supply Chains: The Chinese Industrial Sector Case", was recognised for its outstanding theoretical contribution to the field of operations and supply chain management (OSCM), methodological rigour, and relevance to managers and practitioners. This award-winning paper addresses the crucial issue of social sustainability in supply chains, specifically the diffusion of unsafe workplace practices among suppliers in the Chinese industrial sector. The study reveals that when buying firms, especially state-owned enterprises, experience workplace safety lapses, these practices are likely to be mirrored by their suppliers, thus leading to further worker harm. The findings have significant implications for policymakers, industry leaders, and managers who are focused on improving workplace safety standards in global supply chains. The AOM is one of the world's largest and most prestigious professional association for management and organisation scholars. Its annual conference is a premier event that brings together leading academics and industry experts to discuss the latest developments in management research. The Chan Hahn Best Paper Award, presented by the OSCM Division, is a highly coveted honour, given to the paper that demonstrates the most significant theoretical and practical contributions to the field, evaluated through criteria including methodological rigour, clarity, and managerial relevance. Winning this award is a testament to the high impact of the work of the authors in shaping contemporary OSCM research. This achievement highlights the global influence and academic leadership of SFT in addressing critical challenges in OSCM.

Knitwear study tour to Mainland China

A group of 16 knitwear design students, led by Drs Zhou Jinyun and Lo Kawai, embarked on a seven-day study tour to Mainland China to explore yarn spinning, knitwear manufacturing, and the latest design trends. During the trip, the students and staff members visited prominent yarn mills and knitting factories in Zhejiang Province, including the Consinee Group in Ningbo; Xinao Textiles and Diwei Fashion in Tongxiang City; and DongJing Group in Cixi City, and the design centre of Diwei Fashion in Shanghai. The students had the opportunity to observe various spinning and dyeing techniques, as well as the manufacturing process of sweaters, while exploring the latest knitting technologies and facilities. The group also went to the Shanghai Spin ExpoTM which took place from 4 to 5 September. They were inspired by the trend forum and noted the latest trends in yarn at the different in-booth presentations.

Professor Fei Bin visits Kazakhstan universities

In order to extend collaboration networks with the Belt and Road Initiative countries, Professor Fei Bin visited several universities and organisations in Kazakhstan in August 2024, together with a delegation from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) led by Professor Hu Yuan. Kazakhstan is the largest landlocked country in the world and generates 60% of the gross domestic product (GDP) of Central Asia. As a significant member nation along the Silk Road, Kazakhstan has an abundance of oil, gas and mineral resources but a somewhat modest population of around 20 million people. On 2 July, President Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, attended the 24th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan. The delegation composed of Professors Fei Bin, Hu Yuan, Wang Zhengzhou, Zhu Jixin, and Wang Xin arrived at the Zhubanov Aktobe Regional State University (ARSU, 阿克托别州朱巴诺夫国立大学). This University is ranked the 4th most comprehensive university and the largest university in the western region of Kazakhstan. Its Vice President, Professor Rakhym Beknazarov, provided an introduction on their academic programmes, research achievements, and international collaborations. He also expressed a keen interest to develop joint education programmes with universities in Hong Kong and Mainland China. ARSU has over 15,000 students and holds a joint undergraduate programme with the Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland. Prof. Hu provided an introduction on the history and achievements of the USTC and State Key Laboratory of Fire Science, while Professor Fei outlined the recent achievements of PolyU and SFT in teaching, research and industrial partnerships. After a discussion, they agreed to further explore collaborations in research, academic exchange, and partnership workshops. In the days that followed, the team members gave lectures to the local academics and students. 

SFT alumni shine at YDC 2024

The Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers' Contest (YDC) organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is one of the most anticipated fashion extravaganza in Asia. The contest was successfully held on 7 September at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Ten local fashion designers with immense talent and creative design flair were shortlisted, including SFT alumni Yoyo Chan (BA, 2022), Catherine Hui (BA, 2024), Einar Lai (BA, 2024) and Jenice Tam (BA, 2024). Yoyo took home “Best Art Direction Award” and “My Favourite Collection Award” for her “Trouble X” collection. Yoyo’s collection breaks the stereotypes of school uniforms by deconstructing the style, adding playful elements, and defying normative expectations in the design details. Highly saturated reds are interspersed with warm yellows, reminiscent of a spirited attitude and independent personality. As she frees the garments from the rigidity of its intentions as a uniform, her design becomes an advocate for ageless rebellion.

Best Use of Australian Merino Wool Award goes to knitwear student Shirley Cheung

The Woolmark Company and Flinders Merino Group presented the Best Use of Australian Merino Wool Award to knitwear design graduating student, Cheung Wai-yee, Shirley, for her graduation collection that is representative of innovative applications of Australian Merino wool at the PolyU Fashion Show 2024. The award presentation was successfully held at The Woolmark Company’s Wool Resource Centre on 29 August. Shirley’s collection is called “Magic Mushroom Dreamland”, and inspired by mushrooms found in enchanting fairy tales. Through the creation of distinct patterns, magic mushrooms come to life and explore in a whimsical fairytale realm. Her designs not only encapsulate a sense of joy and playfulness, but also emphasise practicality for everyday wear, thus harmoniously balancing imagination and functionality. Shirley’s collection highlights the meticulous use of fancy yarns in stitching, hand embroidering and crocheting. The Woolmark Company is the global authority on Merino wool and owns the Woolmark logo, a quality assurance symbol found on more than 5 billion products. As a not-for-profit organisation, The Woolmark Company works alongside 60,000 woolgrowers in Australia to research, develop and certify Australian wool. They support and collaborate with like-minded fashion designers and brands. SFT would like to thank The Woolmark Company and Flinders Merino Group for their continuous support in nurturing the next generation of fashion design talents.

“Stitchable Chinese Arts” Fashion Design Competition and Catwalk Show 2023/24

Co-organised by the Art Education Section of the Curriculum Development Institute - Education Bureau and SFT, the “Stitchable Chinese Arts” Fashion Design Competition and Catwalk Show 2023/24 successfully took place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on 29 August 2024. Dr Christine Choi Yuk-lin, JP, Secretary for Education, and Professor Wong Wing-tak, Deputy President and Provost, PolyU, honoured the event as the officiating guests to deliver the welcome speeches. The event showcased over 1,500 entries from more than 120 primary and secondary schools, with 48 talented students shortlisted for the final catwalk show. The finalists demonstrated their exceptional skills in blending fashion design with Chinese cultural elements, and presented a variety of distinct garments that captivated the audience. This initiative aims to inspire students to incorporate Chinese art and design into their fashion creations, thus fostering more appreciation for aesthetics, creativity, and cultural heritage. Under the expert guidance of the SFT’s staff and students, the finalists crafted exquisite garments that highlighted their innovative approaches. The catwalk show was met with an enthusiastic response, and testifies to the future of fashion in Hong Kong while promoting the rich tapestry of Chinese art and culture. Click here for the digital version of the show brochure.

Dr Fu Jimin secures HK$1.2M from MTR Research Funding Scheme 2024

Dr Fu Jimin, Research Assistant Professor proudly secured funding of HK$1,207,800 from the MTR Academy’s 2024 MTR Research Funding Scheme (MRF 2024), with his project “Enhancing Rail Resilience with Cellulosic Zinc-Ion Batteries: A Sustainable Energy Storage Solution for Future Railway Systems”. The research initiative targets the development of cellulosic zinc-ion batteries as a sustainable energy storage solution for railway systems. By leveraging the inherent properties of cellulosic materials, specifically carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), this project aims to create lightweight, flexible three-dimensional nanofiber electrodes that are dendrite-free and compatible with aqueous zinc-ion full batteries. The research approach involves a molecular-level functionalization or modification of cellulosic materials to enhance their electrochemical performance and target to enable the introduction of features such as thermal responsiveness and ion selectivity, crucial for railway applications. MRF aims to support exploratory and upstream research to create and build future operations and services in mass public transportation. The proposals are expected to put forward innovative solutions to address the challenges and define the future rail transport system performance, commuting experience, business models, community integration, social impacts, etc.

Prof. Xu Bingang’s team publishes in Advanced Energy Materials

Rapid technological advancements have reduced the size and increased the portability of electronics. In 2021, the number of portable devices reached 12.2 billion globally, and is predicted to exceed 25 billion in 2025. Such an immense number of small electronics has resulted in an ever-increasing demand for energy. However, existing energy sources are primarily derived from unsustainable resources such as coal, oil and natural gas, which are non-renewable and cause pollution. Therefore, developing renewable and sustainable types of energy is an important, urgent, albeit challenging task. Prof. Xu Bingang’s research focuses on an important direction: determining how to provide a green, renewable and sustainable power supply for wearable electronic devices. To tackle this issue, his team has carried out avant-garde research on utilising human motions like walking and running, and environmental sources like sunlight, heat and humidity, to convert mechanical, solar, thermal and humidity energy into usable electric energy for sustainable applications. The works are based on the individual energy-conversion effects of piezoelectric, triboelectric, photoelectric, thermoelectric, and moist-electric effects. To further enlarge the input energy capacity for higher performance, his team has also made effort to combine or integrate these energy-conversion effects by developing a kind of hybrid energy harvester that is able to harvest renewable energies from multiple sources simultaneously (like mechanical, solar, moisture and thermal energy) and then convert them into electricity. The main challenges for developing this kind of hybrid energy harvesting method lies in the fundamental study and novel designs of functional materials that can effectively resolve the problem of synergistic coupling and fusion of different input energies into a single device unit. More recently, Prof. Xu’s team has made an innovative breakthrough in the field by fundamentally disclosing and designing a new type of hybrid multi-energy harvesting strategy. This development is based on their new understanding and synergistical regulation of charge generation and transfer dynamics by integrating ferroelectric and photovoltaic effects with the tribovoltaic effect. With this new strategy, the developed multi-energy devices are flexible for wearing and can also deliver an impressive direct current (DC) electric output of 7.3 V and 69.8 µA, thus outperforming those in other reported works. In addition to driving portable devices, the flexible multi-energy harvesting device is also capable of self-powered multifunctional sensing, including sensing temperature, humidity, bending, and photodetection. This study proposes new scientific insights into modulating the electric performance of hybrid energy harvesting while extending its functionality to applications in smart wearables and e-textiles. This work is published in Advanced Energy Materials (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/aenm.202402145), a top-tier journal in Materials Science with an impact factor of 24.4. The first two authors are respectively Drs Xin Yin and Yujue Yang, a postdoctoral fellow and a new PhD graduate (2024) under the supervision of Prof. Xu.