Taiwan and Southeast Asia Unite for Sustainable Textiles at NTNU Camp
NTNU’s Graduate Institute and Undergraduate Program of Electro-Optical Engineering recently hosted the '2024 International Camp of Smart & Sustainable Textiles,' positioning Taiwan as a leader in sustainable textile innovation and regional collaboration. Held from October 21st to 27th, the camp attracted experts across Taiwan’s fashion design, textile, technology, recycling, and international certification sectors, focusing on building strategic connections with Southeast Asia. This unique gathering included ten senior executives from government, industry, academia, and research institutions across Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and the Philippines, who joined Taiwanese leaders in workshops, lectures, and industry visits to explore cutting-edge developments in smart and sustainable textiles.
The camp featured an array of lectures, workshops, and industry visits aimed at exploring advancements in smart and sustainable textiles while strengthening ties between Taiwan and Southeast Asia. Notable international guests included Dr. Peeraporn Palapleevalya from the Thailand branch of the Sustainable Consumption and Production Association (SCP), Dr. Chao Methapermsook, R&D Director at Thailand's longstanding textile company Perma, which specializes in medical materials, and Dr. Julius L. Leaño, Jr., Director of the Research and Development Division at the Philippine Textile Research Institute under the Department of Science and Technology and a member of the Philippine-American Academy of Science and Engineering. Representing Indonesia, Mr. Achmad Ibrahim Makki, Second Vice-Rector, and Dr. Muhammad Ichwan, Vice-Chancellor for General Affairs and Finance, both from the Bandung Institute of Textile Technology under the Ministry of Industry, joined the event. Additional notable attendees included Dr. Azrin Hani Abdul Rashid and Dr. Nik Normunira binti Mat Hassan from Tun Hussein Onn University of Malaysia, and Dr. Pawarin Tuntariyanond, Head of the Textile Department at Thailand’s largest agricultural university, a sister school of NTNU. Senior executives from Taiwanese companies and experts from the Taiwan Institute of Economic Research also attended, along with representatives from the Indonesian and Thai offices in Taiwan.
NTNU Electro-Optical Engineering Connects Asia-Pacific to Promote a Green Circular Economy
A key theme of the camp was 'green textiles,' closely aligned with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) initiative, with participants sharing insights into their countries' policies, industries, and technological advancements in this area. A highlight was Pade Technology Co., Ltd., a company originating from NTNU's technology transfer program, which employs AI in textile recycling to transform waste into valuable resources and to establish a carbon footprint tracking system through optoelectronic information and communication technology—contributing directly to carbon neutrality efforts. Another focal area was the advancement of 'smart textile' technology, an innovation that strategically combines Taiwan's semiconductor and textile industries, both of which have significant global influence. Already, this technology is producing notable outputs across sectors such as sports, long-term care, and performance wear. Additionally, PCES, a fashion brand founded by designers Jessica Chang, Sandy Lee, and Bruno Chung, exemplifies zero-waste practices, utilizing existing fabrics and recycled materials. The brand, a recurring participant in Taipei Fashion Week, introduced a sustainable collection incorporating recycled polyester (PET) sourced from a multi-disciplinary sustainable textile recycling chain.
Experiencing Smart Recycling: Student Visits to Recycled Clothing Processing Facilities
Students and Southeast Asian experts toured a recycled clothing factory, where they observed smart sorting technology, a Global Recycling Standard (GRS)-certified fiber opening facility, and an interdisciplinary internship site. This visit provided direct insights into the recycling process, from shredding to weaving old garments into new textiles like socks and gloves, underscoring the advanced efficiency and maturity of Taiwan's textile recycling capabilities and reinforcing that sustainability in textiles is more than a slogan. At NTNU workshops, students engaged with additional smart and sustainable initiatives, such as green-powered infrared baking ovens and pyrolysis furnaces, which demonstrated practical applications of green energy for everyday activities like cooking and coffee roasting. Participants also witnessed the transformation of organic waste, such as coffee grounds, into high-purity, high-value materials like biochar and essential oils through pyrolysis. An AI chatbot further guided them through smart recycling techniques for discarded plastic containers and textiles, illustrating how AI and sustainability can be seamlessly integrated into daily life, transcending mere slogans or PR efforts.
Professor Jen-Jie Chieh of the Electro-Optical Engineering Department, who chaired the camp, expressed gratitude to Taiwan’s Smart & Sustainable Textiles team and its industry, academic, and research partners. Key collaborators included the Department of Materials and Textiles at Asia Eastern University of Science and Technology, the Taiwan Textile Research Institute, and Pade Technology Co. Professor Hsieh underscored that the camp extended beyond academic exchange, offering representatives from United Nations-affiliated organizations and Southeast Asian institutions a comprehensive understanding of Taiwan's capabilities through workshops, site visits, certification courses, and forums. He anticipates that these interactions will foster opportunities for economic and trade development, academic recruitment, and research collaborations.