Written by Vitalina

On June 25th, Terms and Conditions Magazine had the privilege of attending the “Briefing Session for Hong Kong Pavilions FaW Tokyo 2024 & FashionSZshow 2025,” organised by the Sustainable Fashion and Apparel Association (SFAA). This seminar was a significant event aimed at promoting sustainability in Hong Kong’s fashion industry through the use of eco-friendly materials, ethical labour practices, and innovative production processes.

SFAA Limited Foundation, a non-profit organisation, is dedicated to fostering sustainability in Hong Kong fashion by encouraging designers to adopt sustainable practices. The organisation provides training and resources to help designers use recycled materials, reduce waste, and minimise their overall environmental impact. By advocating for ethical and fair labour practices, SFAA Foundation Limited aims to create a more responsible and conscious fashion ecosystem in Hong Kong.

Professor Alice Chu, speaking on behalf of the SFAA Foundation Limited, outlined the organisation’s vision and mission to advocate for a more sustainable culture in the fashion industry:“Our focus is not just on supporting emerging sustainable fashion designers in Hong Kong, but also on exploring business opportunities in markets beyond our borders,” she emphasised.

A key insight from the seminar was the crucial role of consumer acceptance in driving sustainability in China. In recent years, Chinese consumers have become increasingly aware of environmental issues, influenced by the rapid urbanisation and economic development in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. This urbanisation has led to higher levels of education and a greater awareness of sustainable fashion. Urban millennials and Gen Z are particularly receptive to sustainable fashion, prioritising environmental impact in their purchasing decisions. Additionally, corporate sustainability initiatives are on the rise, with companies demanding ethically sourced uniforms and work gear, further boosting the market for sustainable fashion.

Providing a deeper dive into the latest sustainable materials and technologies, Mr. Man Yiu, speaking on behalf of Mr. Stella Lau, a sustainable denim expert from Stella Blu Textile Limited, shared his insights on the cutting-edge advancements happening in the international market: “Designers need to stay abreast of these innovations if they want to deliver truly sustainable products to their customers,” he noted.

The seminar featured a diverse panel of experts who provided valuable insights into different aspects of sustainable fashion. Professor Alice Chu from the College of Art, Design, and Media at Sanda University, Shanghai, introduced the development and market opportunities of the sustainable fashion market in mainland China. She emphasised the growing consumer awareness and the significant market potential in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Ms. Chu highlighted how urbanisation and higher education levels have led to a more conscious consumer base, particularly among millennials and Gen Z, who are driving demand for sustainable fashion.

Dr. Arthur Chan, Fashion Archivist at the Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI), presented on the innovative work being done at HKDI. He highlighted the institute’s six knowledge centres, which play a pivotal role in advancing sustainable fashion: HKDI Centre for Communication Design, HKDI Centre of Design Services and Solutions, Centre of Innovative Materials and Technology, DESIS Lab, Fashion Archive, and Media Lab. Dr. Chan showcased a standout example from the Centre of Innovative Materials and Technology: sustainable denim. This new type of denim significantly reduces water usage and chemical waste in its production process while retaining the durability and aesthetic appeal of traditional denim. This breakthrough in sustainable materials demonstrates how HKDI is leading the charge in creating practical solutions for a more sustainable fashion industry.

Mr. Benjamin Lau, an expert in the China retail market with experience in management roles at leading brands like Beneunder, Anta, Asics, and Nike, shed light on the evolving sustainable trends among fashion brands in China: “Consumers in China are becoming increasingly conscious of sustainability, and brands are responding by integrating more eco-friendly practices into their operations,” he explained.

Mr. Nakagoshi Yosuke, Director of Dawning Asia, shared his experiences with Japan’s sustainable fashion market. He discussed how Japanese brands like Uniqlo are setting benchmarks with their commitment to sustainability. Uniqlo uses innovative materials such as recycled fabrics and implements processes that reduce environmental impact, providing a model for Chinese brands to follow. Mr. Nakagoshi Yosuke emphasised the influence of Japanese sustainable practices on the Chinese market, illustrating how successful integration of sustainability can be achieved in large-scale production.

The “Briefing Session for Hong Kong Pavilions FaW Tokyo 2024 & FashionSZshow 2025” provided invaluable insights into the current state and future potential of sustainable fashion in Hong Kong and China. With organisations like SFAA Foundation Limited leading the charge and institutions like HKDI fostering innovation, the region is well-positioned to become a leader in sustainable fashion. The growing consumer awareness and the influence of successful sustainable practices from neighbouring countries like Japan are sure to drive further advancements in this field. The seminar underscored the importance of continued collaboration and innovation to achieve a more sustainable future in fashion.