From lab to store, to closet – a one-stop-platform to bring new technology to everyday lives

Synthetic fibers today represent 65% of global fiber production, of which 56% of fibers produced are derived from fossil fuels, according to Textile Exchange's 2022 report. The huge amount of textiles produced means an equally staggering amount is sent to landfills or incinerated each year estimated at one garbage truck of textile waste every second. This contributes to the release of greenhouse gas emission as textile waste decomposes in landfills.

"Our first campaign in 2023 serves to showcase — and celebrate — the wonders and progress made in biomaterials science. Today we are seeing lab innovations transform into beautiful, practical, and biodegradable fabrics, dyes, and materials spun into clothing," said Cintia Nunes, General Manager, Head of Asia, The Mills Fabrica.

"Fabrica X is putting the spotlight on biomaterials as we urge consumers and businesses to rethink conventional textile materials, particularly in our daily lives — and understand the real environmental and social implications of their purchases."

Fabrica X aims to use its Impact Retail concept store not only as a retail space for businesses to sell products made with sustainable materials, but also to exhibit innovative biomaterial concepts and fabrics where people can touch, feel and observe the materials. It includes an experiential zone where people can get hands-on learning experiences on transforming common food waste and natural materials into new life. By doing so, Fabrica X aims to put this issue front and center in Hong Kongers' lives, and urges businesses and retailers to make more conscious purchasing decisions by seeing and understanding the innovative alternatives that are available in the market today.

With an emphasis on hands-on education, Fabrica X will also showcase the lifecycle and decomposition process of biodegradable fabric throughout the campaign period of 6-months.

With support from Fidelity International, Biofabricate, and Lenzing Group

With a shared belief in building a more sustainable future, Fidelity International is forming a collaborative partnership with Fabrica X, to support and influence consumers and businesses to become more sustainable.

"At Fidelity, we understand that every decision from investment to daily wearables, has an impact for society. That is why we take an active approach to sustainable investing, seeking to steer companies towards decisions that will positively impact the greater good. United by the goal of building a more sustainable future, we are proud to partner with Fabrica X and lend our support to drive biomaterial innovation at home and beyond to unlock new sustainable possibilities across industries. We seek to become the catalyst to fundamentally change industry practices to become more mindful of consumption choices," said Ellie Tang, Director, Sustainable Investing from Fidelity International.

In addition to Fidelity International, Biofabricate, the global authority in sustainable biomaterials, is the campaign's Knowledge Partner – ensuring that educational contents used in the campaign are verified, impactful, and not susceptible to greenwashing. Lenzing Group, one of the world's leading supplier of specialty fibers for the textile and nonwovens industries – with its flagship brand TENCEL^TM – provides ecologically responsible fibers for the exhibition.

Fabrica X is open to partnerships and collaborations with startups, brands, corporates and investors from Hong Kong and around the world to join its mission to promote materials sustainability, and to accelerate development and adoption of innovative biomaterials.

The six-month showcase will feature global innovations that will change the industry, including the incubatees and investees from The Mills Fabrica, as well as a number of local, regional, and global innovators who will unveil their innovative and sustainable materials made with from fruit peels, seashells, mushroom, and many more, for the public to feel and experience. During which, Hong Kongers can also shop from featured brands which produce clothings and other goods made from such biomaterials.

Hashtag: #FabricaX

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

References

1. ^{^} Media OutReach (www.media-outreach.com)