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Intelligence & Insight
There's a persistent myth in parts of the industry that sustainability compliance is something that happens upstream - a supplier issue, a sourcing issue, a problem for someone else's department.
The webinar dismantled that assumption convincingly. Marketing teams sit squarely in the firing line.
Every claim on a hangtag, website, product name or Instagram caption now falls under regulatory scrutiny. A brand name suggesting an "eco collection," a product description claiming "sustainable materials," a carousel post about carbon neutrality - all of it counts as a communication subject to the same rules as formal labelling. This is a cross-functional compliance challenge that touches data teams, supplier relationships, legal counsel and brand communications simultaneously.
The Ecommerce Leadership Summit North brought together retail and ecommerce leaders in Manchester to discuss the challenges, opportunities and commercial decisions shaping the industry.
Across the day's sessions, speakers explored the future of retail profitability, the growing importance of verifiable product data in AI-driven commerce, the realities of building and scaling brands, and how businesses can protect their margins without compromising customer value. From the discussions on stage to the experiences shared by founders, here are the key insights from this year's summit.
The State of Retail 2027: What Will Separate the Winners from Everyone Else?
This is not simply a matter of faster machines.
It is a question of whether your production model - technology stack, workflow discipline, and quality control - is genuinely built for the realities of club and event merchandise.
Those realities are unforgiving: brand-perfect colour, flawless personalisation, licensing compliance, and turnaround measured in hours rather than weeks.
Colour Separation: The Craft Digital Textile Design Shouldn’t Forget
Textile designer Stephan Alker draws on more than 40 years in the industry, going back to his start at Transfertex in 1980, to trace how colour separation moved from drum scanners, hand-retouched films and engraved gravure cylinders to fully digital workflows.
He argues that this production knowledge still matters in the age of digital printing, because properly separated designs give brands far more freedom.
The Path Foward: Connect Every Link:
Design, colour, workflow, production, data. Each link now depends on the one before it, and the printers who will lead the market are those who strengthen the whole chain, not just the machinery at its centre.
So, this autumn, ask the bigger question on your own shop floor.
Not "Which printer?" but "How well does my business connect demand, design and production?"
Rebés's story isn't one of nostalgia - It's a working blueprint for how heritage manufacturers can stay indispensable in a market that rewards speed, certification, and specificity in equal measure. Four million metres of stock mean nothing without the digital printing capability to turn it into something distinctive.
A 150-year name means nothing without the R&D discipline to win a tender for antistatic, carbon-fibre-infused uniform fabric on the first attempt.
Image Credit: Tejidos Rebé
What if the next dress you wore never touched the factory floor?
This is no longer a fringe experiment. It is a maturing production model, backed by genuine material science, real circularity, and an AI-assisted workflow that is becoming more accessible by the month.
Her advice to designers and brands alike is refreshingly practical: start small, get hands-on with an accessible 3D printer, and build fluency before the technology becomes table stakes. The businesses that treat this moment with curiosity, rather than scepticism, will be the ones shaping fashion's next decade rather than reacting to it.
The 2027 FESPA Awards are now open for entry, and the message to businesses across textiles, apparel, interiors and beyond is simple: your work deserves recognition. Every gold winner featured here started in the same place every entrant does - with a project they believed was worth submitting.
As the only independent awards programme with 18 categories dedicated to print and signage, FESPA offers a genuinely global stage, with shortlisted entries displayed at FESPA Global Print Expo in Spring 2027.
There's a persistent myth in parts of the industry that sustainability compliance is something that happens upstream - a supplier issue, a sourcing issue, a problem for someone else's department.
The webinar dismantled that assumption convincingly. Marketing teams sit squarely in the firing line.
Every claim on a hangtag, website, product name or Instagram caption now falls under regulatory scrutiny. A brand name suggesting an "eco collection," a product description claiming "sustainable materials," a carousel post about carbon neutrality - all of it counts as a communication subject to the same rules as formal labelling. This is a cross-functional compliance challenge that touches data teams, supplier relationships, legal counsel and brand communications simultaneously.
Latest News & Events
Dorking – UK – November 2026 – FESPA has announced that entries are now open for the Young Star category of the FESPA Awards, inviting students, apprentices and junior professionals aged 16 to 25 to showcase their work to the global print and signage community. Entry is free, with submissions accepted until 2 December 2026.
The Young Star category recognises emerging talent working or studying in a print-related discipline, whether through independent projects or contributions to joint or team work. Entrants are encouraged to put forward work that challenged them, an idea they brought to life, or a finished result they are proud of, giving
Oswestry, UK – November 2026 – China Print Supplies UK Ltd has announced the launch of its new Dlican DLI-3325 printer and GK-3225 cutting table bundle, a solution designed to meet the rising demands of industrial print, large format, and high-volume production environments. The bundle is available now, with pricing starting from £121,490+VAT or finance options from £531.16 per week.
Lancashire, UK – 11 November 2024 – Pincroft Dyeing and Printing has today paused to honour the men and women who served and sacrificed during times of conflict, joining communities across the nation in a moment of remembrance.
As part of its Remembrance Day observance, the company reflected on the courage and sacrifice of those who gave so much for the freedoms enjoyed by future generations. Staff across the business took time to acknowledge the contribution of armed forces personnel, past and present, whose service continues to shape the values the company holds today
New York City – USA – November 2026 – NedGraphics has announced two connected updates within its NedGraphics 2027 release, bringing its licensing systems and 3D design tools together under a single, unified identity. The changes are designed to simplify how fashion and design teams manage access across their software ecosystem, reducing friction for distributed and hybrid teams.
Milano – Italy – November 2026 – Lectra, the global technology leader dedicated to fashion, automotive and furniture industries, today announced that Missoni, the iconic Italian fashion house, has successfully deployed Kubix Link PLM to centralise product data, strengthen cross-department collaboration and integrate its supply chain. The initiative has delivered operational time savings of up to 60%, reinforcing the growing industry need for connected, data-driven product lifecycle management
London, UK – November 2026 – ARTS THREAD, in collaboration with Google Arts & Culture, has announced Grace Holden as the winner of the Textiles – Print/Embroidery category at the Global Creative Graduate Showcase 2026. Holden, a graduate of the Design for Textiles BA (Hons) programme at Heriot-Watt University, was recognised for her project "Stories in Bloom," which explores themes of belonging and memory through layered, nature-inspired visual narratives.
PARSIPPANY, N.J., U.S.A. – November 9th, 2026 – Sun Chemical has released its sixteenth annual Sustainability Report, detailing measurable progress across its global operations, product portfolio, supply chain and workforce while reinforcing the company’s commitment to transparent, data-driven sustainability performance.
The report reflects Sun Chemical’s continued work to embed sustainability into business strategy and daily decision-making. Guided by the “five Rs” framework – Reuse, Reduce, Renew, Recycle and Redesign – the company is advancing resource efficiency, circular product design and responsible value-chain practices
Willerby – East Yorkshire – UK – November 2026 – Agfa Inkjet Solutions has announced a major double investment from Image Data Group, with the installation of two new presses: a Panthera and a Tauro. The move marks a significant expansion of production capacity for the UK-based print specialist and reinforces Agfa's position as a trusted partner for high-performance inkjet technology.
The dual investment sees both machines operating side by side at Image Data Group's facility, delivering a substantial boost in production capacity, productivity, and operational flexibility. For Agfa, the announcement represents more than a sale—it reflects a deepening relationship with a customer committed to scaling its capabilities for the future.
Lyon, France – November 2026 – Epson France has confirmed its renewed partnership with C!Print as a Gold Sponsor, reaffirming its commitment to driving innovation across the print and visual communication industry. The company will return to the 2027 edition of the trade show to showcase its latest advancements to professionals in the sector.
Among the innovations on display will be ContourJet, Epson's newly unveiled technology for direct inkjet printing on three-dimensional objects.
Learn from the Experts
Debbie McKeegan speaks with Frank Maeder, president of NedGraphics and OptiTex, about NedGraphics’ latest software release and the technology shaping connected textile workflows.
They explain how OptiNet Cloud, improved simulation and design tools, partner integrations, and AI-assisted development aim to reduce friction, sampling, and waste across global teams.
Watch to learn more >>
Join us at the Epson booth in Las Vegas for a conversation with Tim Check about the latest innovations in creative Merch.
Tim introduces Epson’s compact SureColor F370 dye-sublimation printer, designed to make printing more approachable for makers, small businesses, and shops looking to explore new products.
The interview explores how the printer’s simple, sheet-based workflow and convenient printing options can help creators get started with items such as towels, promotional products, and other personalised merch—without needing a large production setup.
Tim also demonstrates Epson’s sublimation primer, which prepares natural fabrics like cotton to receive sublimation prints. See how this approach could help businesses test new ideas, find their niche, and grow their creative offerings.
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In this interview, Debbie McKeegan, CEO of Texintel, speaks with Micol Gamba of EFI Reggiani about ecoNEXT Plus and the growing opportunity for digital printing in interior textiles.
As demand grows for short runs, made-to-order designs, and less inventory, ecoNEXT Plus offers a flexible way to produce distinctive fabrics for spaces and products—from curtains and drapery to furniture and bed linen. The conversation explores how on-demand printing can help designers and businesses bring creative ideas to life and build more individual collections. Micol also discusses the printer’s pigment solution, compact footprint, and in-line fixation process, along with software that helps track productivity and resource consumption. Watch to hear how these capabilities could support more efficient, creative, and sustainability-conscious interior textile production.
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Join Debbie McKeegan, CEO of Texintel, for a conversation with Ford Bowers, CEO of Printing United Alliance, about the rapid changes reshaping the print industry.
Recorded in Las Vegas, they reflect on how much has shifted in just the past two years—and why today’s printers and print service providers are navigating an entirely new landscape.
From digital transformation and AI to investment decisions and evolving customer needs, Debbie and Ford explore the challenges—and opportunities—behind staying agile. They discuss how businesses can keep moving amid uncertainty, build the right technology ecosystem, and choose partners and solutions that will serve them into the future.
They also consider the renewed value of industry events: seeing technology in person, sharing ideas, and building the human relationships that help businesses make confident decisions. Tune in for a candid look at the trends, possibilities, and connections shaping what comes next for print.
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In this interview from the Durst booth in Las Vegas, Debbie McKeegan, CEO of Texintel, speaks with Michael Deflorian of Durst about Kyveris and the role of intelligent AI in print production.
Michael explains how Kyveris is designed to address the challenges around printing—not just the printer itself. By connecting the steps before and after production, and bringing together data and operator expertise, the platform aims to improve consistency, reduce waste, and help businesses move gradually from automation toward greater autonomy. The conversation also explores why an open, vendor-agnostic approach matters, how better visibility can help print businesses respond to disruptions and protect margins, and why transparency across the supply chain is increasingly important.
Watch to hear how connected workflows can support more efficient, sustainable, and future-ready print operations.
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In this TEXINTEL live interview from Las Vegas, Debbie McKeegan sits down with Albert Sureda from InEdit software to explore the colour challenges facing today’s textile printers.
They discuss how to match colour across different printers, inks and fabrics, and how calibrated RGB profiles can help designers preview results and speed up approvals.
Albert also shares practical advice for reducing sampling delays and keeping production consistent—from coordinating printer fleets to checking colour stability regularly. A conversation about building reliable workflows in a fast-moving digital textile world.
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The world of garment decoration is moving fast—and staying ahead means embracing new technology, finding your niche, and adapting to what customers need.
In this interview from Printing United in Las Vegas, Debbie McKeegan sits down with Joshua Gill of Brother Industrial to explore the latest trends shaping direct-to-garment (DTG) and direct-to-film (DTF) printing.
Josh discusses how automation can help print businesses tackle staffing challenges and increase production, including Brother’s digital line, designed to let one operator manage the process from a blank shirt to a finished garment. He also shares how Brother’s product range supports businesses at different stages, from entrepreneurs and smaller shops to larger-scale production.
Whether you’re considering your first printer, adding DTF to an established DTG workflow, or scaling up your production, this conversation offers insight into the evolving print landscape—and the importance of growing with your customers. Watch the full interview for a closer look at the technology and trends driving the industry forward.
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Debbie McKeegan chats with Phil McMullan from Epson about the latest textile printing technologies—from DTF and dye sublimation to direct-to-textile printing—and how flexible, connected workflows can help businesses grow.
Discover how Epson’s solutions support different applications and business sizes, simplify production, and help print service providers improve productivity while delivering consistent, high-quality results.
They explore how Epson’s DTF, dye sublimation, and Mona Lisa technologies can support businesses at every stage of their growth. The conversation also looks at making textile printing more productive, consistent, and accessible—from synthetic fabrics to natural textiles.
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In this roundtable, NedGraphics President Frank Maeder and 10Duke CEO Neil Fenton unpack one of the least glamorous - but most business critical - topics in creative production: Software licensing.
Together, they explore why legacy hardware dongles and static license keys are holding the industry back, how COVID exposed their limitations, and why user‑centric, identity‑based licensing is now essential for global, hybrid workflows. From roaming designers in New York to production teams in remote factories, they reveal how to remove friction, reduce downtime, and keep creative tools securely in the hands of the people who need them.
If you’re in fashion, design, CAD/CAM, or any creative production environment and want to future‑proof your software delivery, this discussion is packed with insight and real‑world examples.
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Join us in Barcelona at the Epson booth as Debbie McKeegan the FESPA Textile Ambassador talks with Duncan Ferguson, Vice President, Commercial and Industrial Printing at Epson Europe, about the future of textile printing.
We explore how digital product passports, sustainable production, and advanced solutions like the Monna Lisa 13000 and SureColor SC-F20000 are reshaping the UK and European textile markets.
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Join us at the FESPA exhibition in Barcelona as Debbie McKeegan the FESPA Textile Ambassador speak with Micol Gamba of EFI Reggiani to explore the new ecoNEXT Plus pigment printing solution for home textiles.
We discuss how this waterless, beltless, industrial-level printer simplifies digital production, supports local manufacturing, delivers high-quality colour (including a unique violet), and provides detailed data on energy and water consumption to meet today’s sustainability and digital product passport demands.
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Join Debbie McKeegan in Barcelona as she talks with Dr. Simon from Sun Chemical about the future of textile printing.
They discuss the launch of Zenia Sapphire pigment inks with upgraded wash fastness, the slow but crucial shift from analog to digital textile printing, and how education, skills, and supply-chain partnerships can unlock on-demand, sustainable production.
They also explore upcoming digital product passports, why chemistry and transparency matter, and what the industry must do now to prepare for 2027–2033 compliance.
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Debbie McKeegan, FESPA Textile Ambassador, interviews Charlie Saunders, founder of Tidy Merch, a Swedish print-on-demand company that has transformed its business by shifting from hardware to smart software with Gelato Connect.
Discover how they doubled revenue, kept their team intact, and improved work-life balance by investing in integrated production software instead of more machines.
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Debbie McKeegan, the FESPA Textile Ambassador, talks with Danna Drion from Mimaki about the real value of trade shows in today’s increasingly digital and AI‑driven world.
In this conversation, we discuss why events like FESPA remain essential for the textile print and signage community - offering something you simply can’t get online: human connection. Danna shares Mimaki’s experience of FESPA as a leading global show that consistently delivers strong ROI, high‑quality leads, and a clear view of where the industry is heading.
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In this interview from Techtextil in Frankfurt, Debbie McKeegan, CEO of Texintel, speaks with Andreas Rass CEO of Zimmer Austria, about the latest advances in digital textile printing and the current state of the textile and carpet industries.
They introduce Zimmer’s new Coloris 72 digital textile printer platform, designed for higher accessibility, strong remote service, reduced manpower needs, and a water‑recycling blanket washing system that dramatically cuts water consumption and boosts sustainability.
Together, they discuss the growth of technical and military textiles, the resilience of the carpet sector (notably in Turkey), rising energy and polyester costs, and the increasing importance of near‑shoring, secure supply chains, and trusted ink and technology partnerships to build a more sustainable and professional textile industry.
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At Texprocess, Frankfurt, Debbie McKeegan of TexIntel talks with Adam Dakin of Verivide about why LED lighting and color‑accurate workflows are essential for today’s textile, fashion, and home furnishings industries.
They discuss the shift away from fluorescent lighting, how tools like Ultraview light booths, VisionView, and the DigiEye imaging system ensure consistent colour from design to retail, and how virtual colour approvals can cut waste, speed up product development, and help brands meet customer expectations worldwide.
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At Texprocess, Debbie McKeegan of Textintel interviews Zehavit Reisin of Stratasys about their innovative 3D fashion technology which prints directly onto textiles.
Zehavit explains how Stratasys, with 35+ years in 3D printing, uses acrylic-based photopolymers to create durable mechanical adhesion to fabric—strong enough to withstand 40°C machine washes. They explore real-world applications, from haute couture and concept car interiors to defence and wearable tech, all driven by on-demand, sustainable production and customer-led creativity.
The conversation highlights how this technology can personalise and extend the life of garments, support stock-free, on-demand manufacturing at scale, and empower brands to push the boundaries of fashion and textiles.
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In this interview recorded at TexProcess, Frankfurt, we speak with Frank Maeder, head of the team behind NedGraphics and Optitex about how they’re connecting digital textile design and apparel design into one seamless, end-to-end digital workflow.
They explain how integrating textile design with Apparel pattern development across the workflow reduces waste, shortens development cycles, and improves collaboration between brands, manufacturers, and suppliers worldwide. By sharing fabric data and specifications digitally from the start, designers can create the right product first time, every time, boosting creativity while cutting time, cost, and physical sampling.
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Debbie McKeegan, CEO of Texintel, interviews Chris Dearing - Vice President of Sustainability at Coats, at the Texprocess trade show in Frankfurt.
Coats, a global thread manufacturer with around 20,000 employees in over 50 countries, has made sustainability central to its strategy, structured around five pillars: energy, materials, water, waste, and people, aligned with the UN SDGs. Chris explains that Coats has SBTi‑aligned 2030 targets and a 2050 net-zero goal, has already cut scope 1 and 2 emissions by 46% from a 2019 baseline, and moved to about 62% renewable electricity with a target of 100% by 2030, including work to electrify fossil-fuel boilers.
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At Texprocess Frankfurt, Debbie McKeegan of Texintel talks with Giovanni Pizzamiglio from Kornit Digital about the new Presto Max Plus.
Giovanni explains how Kornit is evolving from fashion into technical textiles, using a new abrasion-resistant polymer “DuraTech” to create durable, stretchable prints for sportswear, footwear, and even military camouflage.
They discuss replacing complex analog processes with single-step digital printing, precise print positioning on woven fabrics, and new possibilities for interior décor, performance wear, and advanced protective textiles.
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Debbie McKeegan, CEO of Texintel, interviews Jaymes Clements from Monster Digital inc. at the Kornit Konnections event in Florida.
Monster Digital, a premier contract print manufacturer, specialises in DTG (Direct-to-Garment) printing, capable of producing over 180,000 prints daily. They own over 70 DTG printers, all industrial-grade, and emphasise continuous capital investment in technology.
Clements highlights their agility in adapting to new technologies and their diverse customer base, including brands, sports teams, and corporate clients. He stresses the importance of strategic relationships over transactional ones, and the need for stability in the supply chain to maintain quality and meet customer expectations.
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Debbie McKeegan, CEO of Texintel, interviews Shawn Sckoropad from Printeez Inc, a 10-year-old Canadian print-on-demand company.
Printeez specialises in large volume fulfilment and on-demand services, using proprietary software for seamless integration with stores. They produce up to 350,000 units in bulk per month, and 57,000 units per fortnight on-demand during peak seasons and serve 7,000 users.
Shawn highlights the shift from analog to digital, the development of their own app, and the challenges of building a user-friendly interface. Looking to the future, they aim to double down on e-commerce, expand locally, and explore partnerships in Europe, emphasising agility and focus.
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Debbie McKeegan, CEO of Texintel, interviews Alan Gentry from T- Formation about his garment decoration company's evolving transition from analog screen printing to digital printing.
Alan's company, established in 1987, initially handled large volume orders but shifted to smaller orders post-COVID. They discovered the Kornit Apollo at Kornit Konnections in 2024, which prints 350 units an hour, significantly improving efficiency.
Alan's company now uses digital machines alongside screen technology. They also leverage Fullfil Engine for seamless fulfilment, enabling them to handle one-piece orders to thousands efficiently.
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In this exclusive interview from Printwear & Promotion Live in Birmingham, Debbie McKeegan speaks with Rob Simpson, General Manager for DuPont Artistri Digital Printing Solutions, about the launch of DuPont’s new jettable adhesive technology for DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing.
Rob explains how this jettable adhesive replaces traditional powder in the DTF process, delivering a cleaner workflow and opening up new creative and technical possibilities for apparel decorators. DuPont has developed a solution that not only simplifies production but also enables smoother gradients, fade-outs, and more precise control of ink layers.
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In this Texintel Live interview Debbie McKeegan (CEO of Texintel) talks with Julian Wright, Sales Director of Amaya Sales UK about how the garment decoration market is evolving, particularly around Direct-to-Garment (DTG) and Direct-to-Film (DTF) technologies.
They discuss how DTF has surged over the last 3- 4 years, where it fits alongside DTG, and why many customers are unsure when and where to invest. Julian explains how Epson’s standardised, high‑uptime systems and Amaya’s knowledge-led approach help customers choose the right technology mix, from entry-level to more industrial solutions like the Epson SureColor G9000.
The conversation highlights the importance of reliable partners, premium consumables, and future-proof solutions that deliver not just a machine, but a complete, long-term service and ecosystem for growing print businesses.
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In this short interview, they explore how dye sublimation now goes far beyond mugs and T‑shirts, opening up new opportunities in textiles, décor, signage, promotional carpets, and floor graphics.
Duncan explains the TS200’s 8‑colour ink set, including fluorescent pink and fluorescent yellow, plus violet and orange to extend the colour gamut. These neon’s are ideal for fashion, children’s wear, event branding, and décor—especially where brands need high-impact, accurate colour and that on‑trend fluorescent look.
With a competitive entry-level price (under £6,500), a two‑year warranty, and fast, easy-to-use operation, the Mimaki TS200 -1600 offers an accessible way for print businesses to expand into new markets and respond to a broad range of customer demands from a single machine.
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Filmed live at Printwear & Promotion in Birmingham, Debbie McKeegan, CEO of Texintel, talks with Grant Cooke, Product Manager: Textile, SureColor Printers, Sublimation, Direct To Film (DTF) & Direct To Garment (DTG) Solutions at Epson Europe B.V about:
Moving from DTG with DTF mode to true roll-to-roll DTF
The evolution from the G6000 to the G9000
64" wide printing, higher throughput, and automated maintenance
How software, shakers, and cutters now integrate for a seamless DTF workflow
If you’re in garment decoration, custom apparel, or screen print looking to go digital, this conversation shows how modern DTF can deliver speed, reliability, and scalable production.
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In this interview, Debbie McKeegan speaks with Colin Marsh, MD at Resolute DTF about a major shift in garment decoration technology.
The launch of jetable adhesives, a new DTF ink innovation developed in collaboration with DuPont, Artistri.
Colin explains how this innovation combines ink and adhesive jetting (using no powder), delivers a soft DTG-like hand feel with high durability on cotton and polyester, and opens up new creative possibilities for printers.
They also discuss Resolute UK-based manufacturing, supply chain control, and steps toward more sustainable and circular production.
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In this conversation, Debbie McKeegan speaks with Johan Spies of HP at FESPA Middle East in Dubai about HP’s latest Latex printing technologies.
They discuss the HP Latex A330 roll-to-roll printer and the R530 hybrid printer, highlighting their water-based inks, ability to print on both flexible and rigid materials, and how these solutions support the fast-growing Middle East market through a strong partnership with Redington.
Both speakers highlight the rapid growth and vast opportunities in the Middle East and Johan’s excitement to return next year and see how customers have grown with HP’s solutions.
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In this conversation, Debbie McKeegan, Texintel CEO and Fespa Textile Ambassador, speaks with Viktor Lazzeri of Barbieri Electronics.
This conversation, recorded live at Fespa Middle East in Dubai, explores the rapidly growing opportunities for the print industry across the region. Barbieri Electronics highlight the strong demand for quality, innovation, and colour accuracy, and the critical role of trusted technology partners in supporting this fast-evolving, increasingly digital market.
Together, the speakers frame the Middle East as a vibrant, optimistic hub where the right print technologies can unlock significant new growth.
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Expand your Knowledge
In this episode, host Debbie McKeegan is joined by textile designers, educators and researchers Rebecca Hoyes and Jo Pierce co-authors of Reimagining Printed Textiles. Together, they explore how colour, pattern and materials can be rethought as the textile industry faces growing environmental challenges.
The conversation looks at emerging natural and bio-based colour sources, including microbial fermentation and dyes made from waste streams. Rebecca and Joe also discuss how patterns can tell stories about a material’s origins, how digital tools can complement craft, and how designers can reduce waste through practical choices such as reworking printed fabrics and using less ink.
Looking ahead, they consider what it will take to build a more nature-positive future for textiles - from scaling promising innovations to sharing knowledge across design, science and industry.
Their message to professionals, designers and students is to stay curious, question established practices and see the whole life-cycle of the materials they create with.
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In this episode, Debbie McKeegan is joined by Frank Maeder of NedGraphics and Optitex to explore how digital tools are reshaping textile and apparel workflows. They discuss the industry’s push to move faster, reduce waste, and connect teams across design and production—wherever they are in the world.
Frank shares highlights from NedGraphics’ latest release, including OptiNet Cloud, a platform for managing and sharing digital assets and collaborating across teams. The conversation also covers enhancements to rotary printing, tufting simulation, and pattern resizing, as well as an integration that brings more detailed digital yarns into the design workflow.
The episode looks ahead at a more connected creative ecosystem, where cloud collaboration and shared development across NedGraphics and Optitex can help reduce friction between ideas and production. Debbie and Frank also discuss how AI is supporting product development internally—and how continuous improvements can give designers more time to focus on their work.
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Join host Debbie McKeegan for an inspiring conversation with Danit Peleg, founder of 3D Fashion Lab and a trailblazer in 3D-printed fashion.
Danit reflects on her journey from experimenting with desktop printers to creating soft, wearable textiles—and explores how AI is helping designers turn ideas into garments more quickly. Discover how bio-based materials, custom-fit designs, and on-demand local production could reshape the way fashion is made and consumed, while reducing waste and opening up new creative possibilities for designers and customers alike.
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In this podcast episode, James Watson, Managing Director of Surface Print, discussed the evolution of his fourth-generation family business in Lancashire.
Surface Print combines traditional craftsmanship with digital innovation- investing £2 million in a hybrid rotary screen Gravure machine and £600,000 in new HP digital printers.
The company achieved ISO 14001 accreditation, introduced solar panels, and plans to install a new boiler and water recirculation system. Watson emphasised the importance of balancing traditional techniques with modern technologies to maintain quality and sustainability. The company also leverages AI for efficiency and marketing, while maintaining a family-oriented work culture.
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From Dongles to Digital: Future‑Proof Licensing for Global Creative Teams
Host Debbie McKeegan talks with NedGraphics President Frank Maeder and 10Duke CEO Neil Fenton about the shift from hardware dongles to secure, user‑centric cloud licensing.
They discuss how this transition reduces friction for designers, supports hybrid and global workflows, strengthens security and resilience, and even contributes to sustainability by eliminating physical keys and their shipping footprint.
If you’re in fashion, design, CAD/CAM, or any creative production environment and want to future‑proof your software delivery, this discussion is packed with insight and real‑world examples.
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In this insightful interview, Dave Conner, Director of Product Marketing at Stahls and Fulfill Engine, shares his journey into the textile industry.
The commercial opportunity presented by printed, personalised merchandise is already a lucrative revenue stream; it is the core driver of growth in a multi-billion-pound industry. And the mandate for print businesses is clear: automate, adapt, and offer undeniable added value, or choose to gradually lose market share.
This is not merely a shift in consumer demand; it is the fundamental evolution of the printed surface. By leveraging adaptive manufacturing, 3D added value, and sustainable surface effects, digital printers can secure their future by offering unique print applications across apparel, interior décor, accessories, and bespoke objects.
Discover how automation, materials, and community collaboration are shaping the future of on-demand garment decoration and fulfilment.
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In this podcast episode, Ulrich Scherbel, CEO of AMSilk, discusses the innovative production of bioengineered spider silk protein and its applications in the textile industry, going far beyond fibre and with the power to radically transform inks and chemistry.
He explains the challenges of scaling up production, the importance of sustainability, and how AMSilk's technology can significantly reduce carbon emissions. The conversation also touches on the role of AI in protein bioengineering and the future vision for transforming the textile supply chain through collaboration and innovation.
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In this insightful interview, Jon Bailey, COO of Precision Proco, shares his journey into the print industry, leadership philosophy, and how embracing change and innovation has shaped his success.
Discover practical lessons on building a resilient business, nurturing talent, and leveraging AI for future growth.
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In this conversation, Meike Nieuwenhuis shares her multifaceted approach to fashion design, emphasising the importance of collaboration, upcycling, and engaging with cultural heritage.
She discusses her experiences with digital printing and the Epson Innovation day at the NautaSign micro-factory, highlighting the need for sustainable practices in the fashion industry.
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In this episode, MeiLin Wan, founder of GenuTrace, discusses the critical importance of traceability in the textile industry, particularly in light of increasing regulations and consumer expectations. With nearly a billion pounds of materials tracked under her leadership, MeiLin emphasises the shift from marketing claims to scientifically substantiated proof of sustainability. She highlights the need for both physical and digital verification methods, such as DNA testing and isotope analysis, to ensure that products are ethically sourced and compliant with regulations like the UFLPA. The conversation also touches on the evolving relationships between manufacturers and retailers, the challenges of integrating new technologies, and the necessity of transparency throughout the supply chain.
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Focus on Sustainablility
Valencia, Spain – October 2026 – Canon has joined the Sustainable Print Manifesto as a Development Partner, strengthening a growing coalition of industry leaders committed to making print more sustainable.
The announcement coincides with the launch of an Implementation Framework for More Sustainable Print, unveiled this week at the FuturePrint Packaging, Labels and DTS Summit in Valencia. Other Development Partners include Cimpress, Domino, Gallus, HP, Nazdar and Sun Chemical.
Farnham, UK – October 2026 – The Centre for Sustainable Design® at UCA, in association with The British Standards Institution, will host a free webinar on 10th November 2026 to help fashion, clothing and textile businesses understand the EU's Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition (ECGT) Directive (EU) 2024/825 and its practical implications, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Taking place from 10:00 to 11:00 AM (GMT) via Teams, the session arrives as the new rules come into force across the EU from 27 September 2026, placing tighter scrutiny on how fashion and textile businesses communicate sustainability to consumers.
Istanbul – Turkiye - October 2026 – Better Cotton, the world's leading sustainability initiative for cotton, has reaffirmed its commitment to regenerative agriculture following its recent transition to a regenerative standard system.
The announcement comes as Chief Operating Officer Lena Staafgard reflects on the organisation's participation in the International Cotton Association Ltd (ICA) annual trade event in Türkiye, where sustainability and responsible sourcing featured prominently in industry discussions.
London, UK – 15 October 2026 – Canon today announced that it has been named a "Leader" in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Sustainability Programs and Services Hardcopy 2026 Vendor Assessment (doc #US54139426, June 2026).
This marks the second time Canon has achieved this recognition, following its first appearance as a Leader in the 2023 assessment.
Falmouth, UK – October 2026 – Seasalt Cornwall today celebrates two decades since becoming the first fashion company to achieve Soil Association certification to the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), a milestone that has shaped the company's approach to sourcing, design and production ever since.
The certification, first achieved in 2005, came at a time when the Soil Association was known predominantly for its work with organic vegetables
Geretsried, Germany –October 2026 – – Rudolf GmbH, a leading innovator in textile finishing solutions, has announced the launch of four new smart concepts designed specifically for the sports and outdoor industry.
The move marks a significant shift from single-product solutions towards holistic, application-driven finishing systems that address the evolving demands of performance apparel.
Tubingen – Deutschland – May 7th 2026 – CHT Group, a global leader in speciality chemicals, has marked World Cotton Day by featuring The WOW Concept by CHT Textile Solutions, a new approach designed to make the dyeing of cellulosic fibres more resource-efficient.
The concept combines BEZAKTIV ONE dyes with selected process auxiliaries to reduce water and energy consumption while maintaining the colour performance the market demands
Valencia, Spain – October 2026 – Canon has joined the Sustainable Print Manifesto as a Development Partner, strengthening a growing coalition of industry leaders committed to making print more sustainable.
The announcement coincides with the launch of an Implementation Framework for More Sustainable Print, unveiled this week at the FuturePrint Packaging, Labels and DTS Summit in Valencia. Other Development Partners include Cimpress, Domino, Gallus, HP, Nazdar and Sun Chemical.
London, UK – September 2026 – New Look, M&S, Sainsbury's, Oxfam and Circle-8 today announce The Circuit, a new collaborative model bringing together retailers, textile recovery partners, automated sorting, recyclers, digital innovators and manufacturers to build new circular textile value chains and transform UK generated post-consumer textiles into future circular raw materials.
The first phase will focus on testing, learning and developing the operational frameworks needed to support future scale-up.
Creative Spotlight & Events
London, UK – November 2026 – ARTS THREAD, in collaboration with Google Arts & Culture, has announced Grace Holden as the winner of the Textiles – Print/Embroidery category at the Global Creative Graduate Showcase 2026. Holden, a graduate of the Design for Textiles BA (Hons) programme at Heriot-Watt University, was recognised for her project "Stories in Bloom," which explores themes of belonging and memory through layered, nature-inspired visual narratives.
London, UK – October 2026 – ARTSTHREAD has today launched the Public Vote for its seventh annual Global Creative Graduate Showcase, inviting audiences worldwide to discover and support the next generation of creative talent.
The vote is now live at vote.artsthread.com, giving the public the opportunity to engage directly with graduating work from across the globe.
Leicester, UK – October 2026 – De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) will open a landmark exhibition celebrating the work of fashion icon Dame Zandra Rhodes, following her decision to donate a significant part of her personal archive to the university.
Zandra Rhodes: Archive Unfolded will showcase highlights from a donation spanning six decades of Rhodes' career, from 1964 to 2025, featuring thousands of objects including licensed work, press cuttings, film, opera material and colour transparencies.
The gift follows Dame Zandra's Honorary Doctorate of the Arts from DMU in 2023, when she announced her intention to place a key part of her archive with the university's Special Collections.
London, UK – September 2026 – ARTS THREAD hosted an in-person judging event for its Global Creative Graduate Showcase at the Zaha Hadid Gallery, Barbican, bringing together industry judges to evaluate the next generation of creative talent.
The event also marked the introduction of the ARTS THREAD Vault, a new initiative set to shape how creative work is archived and accessed.
The gathering reflects ARTS THREAD's ongoing commitment to supporting emerging creatives as they transition from education into industry, while also advancing the infrastructure that underpins creative recognition and opportunity on a global scale.
London, UK – Septembder 2026 – The UK Fashion & Textile Association (UKFT) has launched the latest edition of its Discover British Brands map, showcasing more than 100 British brands exhibiting across Paris Women's Fashion Week and the SS27 pre-collections from 28 September to 6 October 2026.
The initiative continues UKFT's commitment to strengthening the international standing of UK fashion businesses, giving global buyers and press a clear route into the depth and diversity of British design.
London – UK – September 2026 – ARTS THREAD has announced the call for applications for the Designers in Residence Pforzheim 2027 programme, a fully funded three-month residency hosted at EMMA Creative Center Pforzheim.
The residency will run from 1 April to 30 June 2027, offering emerging designers a rare opportunity to develop their practice within a dedicated creative environment.
Applications close on 2 November 2026 at 23:59 CET.
London, UK – September 2026 – The Only Natural International Student Design Competition 2026, supported by Artsthread, has revealed its Category and People's Choice winners.
Selected from an exceptional field of entries from student designers across the globe, this year's winning projects span Fashion and Home, showcasing outstanding creativity, craftsmanship and innovation in the use of natural materials.
Altrincham – Cheshire – August 2926 – Friedmans Ltd, a UK-based textile manufacturer and digital printing specialist, has announced the expansion of its wholesale stretch fabric and digital printing services, offering designers, brands, and businesses an accessible route to fully customised fabric solutions with low minimum order quantities and fast turnaround times.
London, UK – November 2026 – ARTS THREAD, in collaboration with Google Arts & Culture, has announced Grace Holden as the winner of the Textiles – Print/Embroidery category at the Global Creative Graduate Showcase 2026. Holden, a graduate of the Design for Textiles BA (Hons) programme at Heriot-Watt University, was recognised for her project "Stories in Bloom," which explores themes of belonging and memory through layered, nature-inspired visual narratives.
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