HKRita, Jeanologia, and Looptworks join forces to recycle polyester

The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (known as HKRita) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Spain’s Jeanologia and the U.S.-based Looptworks to launch the commercial operation of the “Green Machine 4.0” hydrothermal recycling technology developed by the Institute.

This innovation from HKRITA, a spin-off of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, makes it possible to separate cotton from polyester and, most importantly, to produce recycled polyester with a purity of at least 98%, all without using processes that are harmful to the environment.

“The circular economy is no longer a distant goal—it’s here,” said Jake Koh, executive director of HKRITA. “With the Green Machine 4.0 now ready for adoption and scalable, this partnership marks a decisive shift from research to commercialization, as true innovation is defined by its real-world impact.”

HKRITA’s collaboration with Jeanologia makes sense, as the Spanish specialist claims that 40% of global denim production uses technologies it has developed over the past 30 years. The company had entered into an initial partnership with HKRITA in 2024.

For its part, the American specialist Looptworks is positioning itself as the first adopter of this Green Machine version 4.0. As part of this partnership, the Oregon-based B Corp-certified company will transform pre- and post-consumer materials into GRS-certified fibers. It is reportedly the only recycler in the United States equipped to process multiple types of materials into spun or nonwoven fibers.

“Today, we’re applying that same expertise to one of the industry’s greatest challenges by creating a model that can help make circularity a reality on an industrial scale,” said Enrique Silla, CEO and founder of Jeanologia.

“Mixed materials have long been a major obstacle to circularity,” explained Scott Hamlin, founder and CEO of Looptworks. “This technology allows us to effectively realize their value at scale, proving—by reintroducing recovered fibers into the supply chain—that circular solutions are both environmentally sound and economically viable.”

Founded in 2006 and funded by the Hong Kong Government’s Innovation and Technology Commission, HKRita is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Already building on partnerships with companies such as the H&M Group and denim specialist Isko, the institute is now inviting other recyclers, fashion brands, and manufacturing partners to join this ecosystem to expand opportunities for adopting the Green Machine 4.0 across the global supply chain.