Designers: Research Team, The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel Limited, Kowloon, Hong Kong, SAR
Manufacturer: The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel Limited, Kowloon, Hong Kong, SAR
Garment-to-Garment (G2G) Recycle System is the first-of-its-kind mini production line that recycles postconsumer garments into clean and wearable clothes by the following processes: sanitising, opening fibre, removing impurities, carding, drawing, rotor spinning, doubling and twisting, and garment knitting.
With compact design and easy installation, the complete processes can be configured for operational compatibility in a 40-foot container within community spaces.
The system blueprint therefore can be readily adopted by interested parties globally. The first retail model of the G2G system, “Looop”, was launched in an H&M’s store in Stockholm on 12 October 2020.
The whole recycle process is also installed in a 40-foot container. With the double-glazed wall of the container and the anti-vibration and dust-controlled design, it protects the retail space from noise generated during the recycling process and minimizes disturbance to nearby businesses.
These features enable the G2G system to be operated within community spaces such as shopping malls like the “Looop”.
The double-glazed wall of G2G also increases transparency of the entire recycle operation. Visitors can walk around the container, look inside, and view the complete garment-to-garment process in the store.
The transparent and inviting design demystifies the whole recycling process and helps the public understand the intrinsic value of the clothes. The public can even deepen their experience by recycling their own used clothes.
The G2G design serves as an interactive education tool which encourages both recycling practices and sustainable consumer behavior. Circular economy supports sustainable development.
The G2G is a breakthrough to make a linear model to a circular one across the lifecycle of textiles with recycling innovations.
It recycles post-consumer garments, reduces textile waste and the dependency on virgin materials. It promotes the vision of sustainable and green fashion with the community.