Hong Kong can become sustainable fashion, next-generation materials hub, former Walmart and Donna Karan executive says

Hong Kong should leverage its ‘long industry history and ample experience’, HKRITA CEO and former Walmart and Donna Karan executive Edwin Keh says

Global cellulose fibres market might be worth US$49 billion by 2028, growing from US$30 billion last year: International Market Analysis Research and Consulting Group

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People in Hong Kong can quickly capture a market opportunity, says Edwin Keh, CEO of the Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel. Photo: Xiaomei Chen

Published: 2:00pm, 11 Jun 2023Updated: 3:06pm, 11 Jun 2023

Hong Kong should leverage its seven decades of experience in textiles and apparel production, and supply-chain management to become an innovation hub for the next generation of sustainable raw materials, according to an industry veteran.

Companies should seize opportunities arising from demand for clothing made from recycled textiles and plastic materials besides food and agricultural waste, on the back of consumers’ desire for a more sustainable lifestyle, said Edwin Keh, CEO of The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA).

“Hong Kong companies need to provide technical innovation and solve problems for our customers,” he told the Post. “Clearly, the biggest global challenge is that of sustainability.

“What’s good about Hong Kong, is its long industry history and ample experience, with visibility up and down the supply chain. People here … can quickly capture a market opportunity.”

The global cellulose fibres market might be worth US$49 billion by 2028, growing at an average annual rate of 8.3 per cent from US$30 billion last year, according to market-research firm International Market Analysis Research and Consulting Group.

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