INDUSTRY DEBATE: Resilience Redefined: Preparing Supply Chains for an Uncertain Future with The Fashion Network
The era of 'set it and forget it' supply chains is over.
“The challenges are immense, but they are not insurmountable. The path forward requires a fundamental shift in mindset—from reactive crisis management to proactive, strategic resilience-building.”
In a post-pandemic world, it’s no longer a question of if your supply chain will face disruption, but when.
Business leaders have weathered an unprecedented storm of challenges, from global health crises and port congestion to geopolitical conflicts and extreme climate events. The volatility has been relentless. Now, the question isn't what went wrong—it's how we ensure we're ready for what's next.
For leaders in fashion, apparel, and fast-moving consumer goods, building a supply chain that bends without breaking is paramount. The old models are no longer sufficient. We need to design for resilience, agility, and sustainable growth. This article outlines the critical challenges facing the textile industry and provides actionable strategies to future-proof your operations based on a recent masterclass hosted by The Fashion Network with leading experts:
Keith Gaskin: Supply Chain Management Consultant at ShiftX
Geoff Shucksmith: Supply Chain Consultant
Adam Wood: Chief Commercial Officer at Barbourne Brook
Gareth Jones: NED, Country Manager at WETEX Manufacturing
The Modern Minefield: Key Challenges Disrupting Supply Chains
Today’s supply chain is a complex web of interconnected risks. Understanding these threats is the first step toward building resilience. This panel of experts identified several key areas of vulnerability that demand immediate attention:
Geopolitical Hotspots and Trade Friction
Global trade routes are increasingly fragile. As Geoff Shucksmith, a seasoned Supply Chain Consultant, highlighted, major arteries of sea freight are under constant threat. “We’re seeing disruption across key global hot spots, including the Red Sea, the Persian Gulf, the Straits of Malacca, and the Panama Canal,” he noted. These chokepoints, combined with tariff changes, evolving trade deals, and regional conflicts, create a landscape of continuous uncertainty. Brexit, for instance, continues to cause "friction across the north" for many companies, adding layers of cost and complexity.
Rising Costs and Demand Volatility
Freight and shipping delays are now commonplace, but their knock-on effect is a sharp rise in logistical costs. Keith Gaskin, Co Founder of ShiftX UK, specialises in bringing transparency to ocean freight. He emphasised the need for accurate forecasting to secure favourable terms, a task made difficult by unpredictable consumer demand. Businesses are caught between absorbing rising costs and passing them onto consumers, all while trying to predict purchasing habits that have become increasingly erratic since 2020.
Intensifying Compliance and Regulatory Scrutiny
The regulatory environment is becoming more stringent. Adam Wood, Chief Commercial Officer at Barbourne Brook, pointed to the increasing focus on customs compliance. "HMRC will have AI and digital tools far more advanced than any of us do, and they'll be using that to scrutinize what's going on," he warned. Furthermore, environmental regulations are tightening. As Geoff Shucksmith explained, products imported into the EU will soon need to come from sources certified as deforestation-free, adding another layer of sourcing complexity for the fashion industry.
Forging a Resilient Future: Actionable Strategies for Your Business
Navigating these challenges requires more than just reactive problem-solving. It demands a proactive, strategic redesign of how we manage our supply chains. In conversation, four seasoned experts shared their blueprints for building operations that can withstand future shocks.
Master Your Data Through End-to-End Visibility
You cannot manage what you cannot see. The foundational step to building resilience is achieving complete supply chain visibility. "The most important thing is to map your supply chain, end-to-end, with every single logistics node touch point," advised Geoff Shucksmith. This means going beyond your tier-one suppliers to understand the entire ecosystem.
Digital tools are essential here. Keith Gaskin explained how ShiftX helps clients by "managing their purchase orders, interfacing with their system on an API, and putting them in control of their purchasing." This level of visibility allows for scenario modeling and 'what-if' analysis, enabling leaders to make informed strategic decisions rather than panicked operational ones. Adam Wood added that accessing customs data is crucial for understanding "the true cost of your supply chain and where the areas for improvement are."
Rethink Your Network: Near-Shoring and Diversification
The logic of a globalised, cost-optimised supply chain is being re-evaluated. "Shortening the supply chain from point-to-point" is now a key strategy, according to Geoff Shucksmith. This includes exploring near-shoring opportunities in Europe—citing Spain, Portugal, and Turkey—to bring production closer to the end customer.
This isn't just about reducing lead times; it’s about agility. Gareth Jones, Country Manager for WETEX Manufacturing, noted that a diversified supplier base is critical. Relying on a single region or manufacturer is a high-risk strategy in today's world. By spreading production, you mitigate the impact of localised disruptions, whether they are political, economic, or environmental.
Embrace "Hyper-Collaboration" with Stakeholders
In a fragmented world, collaboration is your superpower. Geoff Shucksmith urged leaders to "hyper-collaborate with internal and external stakeholders." This means breaking down silos between your own departments—from design and procurement to finance and logistics—and fostering transparent, partnership-based relationships with your suppliers, freight forwarders, and even your customers.
Keith Gaskin highlighted the power of collective action, such as collective procurement, to secure better terms with shipping lines. When businesses work together, they create a more stable and predictable environment for everyone. This collaborative mindset must extend to managing returns, a growing challenge that can be optimised through shared intelligence and infrastructure.
Instill a Culture of Proactive Auditing and Awareness
Resilience is not a one-time project; it is an ongoing practice. Gareth Jones offered a final piece of practical advice: "Carry out a critical audit of your supply chain on a regular basis. Read the news, keep your eyes on what's happening globally, and try to assess how that's going to affect your supply chain."
Leaders must foster a culture of awareness within their organisations. This includes staying informed about geopolitical shifts, regulatory changes, and emerging technologies. As Gareth concluded, when you enter a minefield, "get advice from people who really know what they're doing." Don't be afraid to lean on external expertise to navigate complexities like customs, trade law, and logistics.
Your Call to Action: Invest in Stability
The era of 'set it and forget it' supply chains is over. The challenges are immense, but they are not insurmountable. The path forward requires a fundamental shift in mindset—from reactive crisis management to proactive, strategic resilience-building.
For every designer, supplier, and retailer in the textile marketplace, the message is clear: the most valuable investment you can make is in the stability of your supply chain.
Invest the time to map your network. Invest the resources to gain true visibility. Most importantly, invest in your relationships.
Collaborate with and support your stakeholders, from the factory floor to the final customer. By working together to build a more transparent, agile, and robust ecosystem, we can create supply chains that not only withstand disruption but emerge stronger on the other side.
Watch the Webinar Here:
About the Panelists:
Dale Hicks, the co-founder of the Fashion Network and the host moderator for the session.
Keith Gaskin: Supply Chain Management Consultant at ShiftX
Geoff Shucksmith: Supply Chain Consultant
Adam Wood: Chief Commercial Officer at Barbourne Brook
Gareth Jones: NED, Country Manager at WETEX Manufacturing
Print is no longer defined by the inefficiencies that once characterised it…as advances in production processes and technology have significantly improved its environmental performance.
Taran Rai, Corporate Sustainability Manager at Epson explains why?
The story of what happens when young designers access digital technology is still being written.
What once was a theoretical sustainability goal seems to have shifted into an active regulatory reality.
Is the Textile Market Finally Recovering?
After a difficult few years, there are genuine reasons for optimism. Duncan was candid about the challenges: "The market for textiles has been very difficult over the last three years. I'm not going to hide the truth there. But the tide is turning.“
A profound shift is currently reshaping the sector
Changing consumer expectations demand greater design diversity, faster turnaround times, and sustainable manufacturing practices.
To thrive, interior brands must adapt their supply chains, bringing production closer to the end consumer and moving away from bulk manufacturing.
Digital textile printing offers a definitive solution to these operational bottlenecks.
Digital transformation doesn't announce itself.
It accumulates - one innovation at a time - until an entire industry looks back and realises the ground has shifted beneath its feet. That's precisely where textiles stands today.
The conversations happening now about AI, automation, sustainability, and digital product passports are not theoretical. They are shaping decisions being made on factory floors and in boardrooms right now.
“By leveraging advanced digital textile printing, Marylene Madou has successfully merged traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. Her approach offers a blueprint for how independent designers can scale their brands globally while maintaining a minimal environmental footprint.”
From Helsinki's printing mill to Paris's Le Marais, discover how Marimekko is scaling a design-led brand with purpose, craft, and bold innovation.
But what makes Marimekko's story compelling is not just its aesthetic legacy?
The textile industry is undergoing a vital transformation. As the insights from Techtextil and Texprocess reveal, the path forward relies on a combination of sustainable hardware, intelligent chemistry, and seamless digital workflows.
From Zimmer's industrial-scale energy reductions and Stratasys's on-demand 3D embellishments, to Kornit's single-step technical printing and the unified digital ecosystems of NedGraphics and Optitex, the tools for change are here. To stay competitive, brands and manufacturers must adopt these innovations, moving away from fragmented, wasteful processes towards a truly connected, circular economy.
Friedmans stands as a testament to the power of combining traditional textile knowledge with forward-thinking innovation.
“Operating from their UK headquarters, Friedmans now serves a diverse array of sectors, including swimwear, dance, entertainment, sportswear, interior decor, prosthetics, and even pet apparel. With a strategic supply chain that reliably serves clients worldwide”
The apparel decoration industry is decisively moving away from isolated, analogue production tools toward connected digital manufacturing environments.
"Kornit’s unwavering commitment to transformative technology continues to disrupt the status quo. For business leaders and innovators ready to capture the future of apparel manufacturing, the path forward is clear”
The Urgent Need for Sustainability at Scale
The transformation at Coats provides a vital blueprint for the wider textile and apparel sector. True sustainability cannot be achieved in silos. As Dearing emphasised:
“Cross-industry collaboration is the engine of meaningful change. Brands, machinery suppliers, chemical providers, and fibre producers must act as an interconnected ecosystem”
Today’s customers demand superior product quality, real-time data visibility, and lightning-fast turnaround times.
For large-scale garment decorators, managing these expectations while balancing seasonal demand fluctuations - such as the massive surges seen during Black Friday - presents a monumental challenge.
"Relying on transactional vendor relationships and outdated legacy equipment is no longer sufficient to secure long-term stability and growth.”
Printing method is never a secondary detail. It shapes the entire life cycle of a product, from concept to customer. In today’s fashion industry, where margins are tighter and speed matters more than ever, technical knowledge has become a competitive advantage.
“The future of textile design belongs to professionals who can combine creativity with execution, aesthetics with practicality, and vision with production reality”.
Are we witnessing the reinvention of Merch driven by adaptive, digital technologies?
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.
Powderless DTF is an important area of innovation. It deserves research, investment, and thoughtful development.
“But at its current stage, it often feels like the industry is attempting to commercialize the concept ahead of the underlying chemistry and system readiness”.
All Apparel Manufacturers face an Urgent Mandate: “Automate or be Left Behind”.
Industry leaders like Super Nova Sports and Ryozo International were struggling with severe pre-press bottlenecks and unsustainable fabric waste. By integrating AI Sublimation Software into their workflows, these forward-thinking businesses eliminated manual variable data entry, boosted fabric efficiency to over 80%, and reduced delivery times by more than half, establishing a highly profitable, agile, and environmentally responsible production model.
The Future of Manufacturing belongs to those who Embrace Connected Digital Ecosystems
“Whether you produce garments, car interiors, or home furnishings, the transition from creative concept to production-ready product often remains fragmented. Design teams work tirelessly to develop compelling materials, yet technical teams struggle to interpret these visions without losing data along the way.”
The European digital wallcovering marketplace is expanding at an impressive rate.
“For print professionals and interior designers, this transition presents a distinct set of challenges. Achieving flawless colour consistency, managing complex substrates, and meeting stringent environmental standards are no longer optional extras; they are fundamental requirements for commercial success.”
If you're looking to optimize your website for AI search, hang onto your cowboy hat. It's the Wild West out there. Former (and current) SEO companies see the handwriting on the wall as more search moves from traditional SEO to AEO (answer engine optimisation). Opportunists are popping out of the woodwork.
(There are good options out there, but vet them carefully.)
A swimsuit might start life as a sketch. By the time it reaches the shop floor, dozens of hands have touched it - designers, dye houses, printers, trim manufacturers, quality controllers. Each one interprets colour in their own way, under their own conditions, with their own tools. The result is often a product that looks nothing like the original vision.
Following its successful market launch at the beginning of the year, Felix Schoeller has now received the 2026 Pinnacle Award for RubyPaper in the “Technology” category.
Each year, the PRINTING United Alliance presents the award to pioneering innovations in the printing industry.
This year, a total of 154 entries from 54 companies were submitted for the Pinnacle Award.
Felix Schoeller is one of just 15 companies that entered the competition with a product for the first time and received an award straight away.
North Bergen – NJ – August 2026 – Roland DG Europe has announced that Coach USA's Perfect Body successfully produced 25 FIFA World Cup bus wraps using the TrueVis XP-640 wide-format printer, running operations up to 16 hours a day during one of the company's most demanding production seasons to date
Greentex, a leading innovator in sustainable printed fabrics, has announced its participation in Printing United 2026, taking place from 23 to 25 September at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Building on the momentum of last year's event, Greentex will debut an immersive booth concept themed "Garden Casino," offering attendees a distinctive way to explore the company's latest fabric collections.
New York, NY – August 2026 – X-Rite Pantone, the global authority in colour standards and colour science, and the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), a global leader in creative education and part of the State University of New York (SUNY), have announced a strategic partnership to advance colour education and digital innovation across the apparel, footwear, soft goods, and textile industries
St Laurent – Quebec – August 2026 – Inkcups, a leading manufacturer of printing equipment and inks, has published a new customer success story featuring Spector & Co, a prominent promotional products supplier.
The case study highlights how Inkcups' direct-to-object (DTO) printing technology is enabling Spector & Co to meet the growing demand for premium, retail-inspired promotional products.
Altrincham – Cheshire – August 2026 – Friedmans, a leading fabric printing specialist today festures its new Printed Solids service, designed to help garment makers achieve perfectly coordinated fabrics across a range of bases.
The service addresses one of the most persistent challenges in garment construction: matching plain fabrics, such as nylon, with coordinating stretch nets and other materials.
Las Vegas, NV – August 2026 – Durst Graphics has announced its participation in PRINTING United Expo 2026, taking place from 23–25 September in Las Vegas.
The company will use the event to present its latest advances in digital printing, software, and finishing solutions across multiple booths in partnership with key industry players.
Visitors can find Durst Group at Booth C1614, where the P5 Series will be on live display.
The showcase will highlight the practical applications of three flagship systems: the P5 350 CORE, the P5 350 HS, and the P5 350 HSR —
Lewisville Tx – August 2026 – Antigro Designer has announced the successful integration of its Sticker Builder tool into the Decals On Demand product page, operated by KRP Group USA.
The integration eliminates the need for customers to leave the Shopify storefront or engage in lengthy email exchanges, streamlining the entire custom decal ordering process into three simple steps.
Birmingham, UK – August 2026 – Epson UK & Ireland has announced its sponsorship of the inaugural Print Award for Best Wide Format Project at this year's The Print Show, taking place at the NEC Birmingham from 29 September to 1 October 2026.
The new award category recognises excellence in wide format print and reflects the growing importance of this segment within the broader print industry.
Frankfurt, Germany – 4 August 2026 – Heimtextil, the world's leading international trade fair for home and contract textiles, has announced the launch of 'Comfort & Connect', a new dedicated area for high-quality bed, bath and lifestyle collections.
Located in the foyer of Hall 5.1, the space will serve as a central meeting point for established brands, returning exhibitors and international buyers.
The new area marks the second targeted expansion of Heimtextil's Bed, Bath & Living offering, following the success of the 'Sleep & Meet' format.
Dorking – UK – August 2026 – The FESPA Awards 2027 are set to open for entries, inviting print and signage professionals from around the world to showcase their finest work on the industry's most prestigious global stage.
With an early bird deadline of 31 August 2026 and a final entry deadline of 2 December 2026, the call is clear: the time to prepare is now
London – UK – August 2026 – Vivid Technologies has announced that its flagship product, Razar, has been shortlisted in the Manufacturing category of the prestigious Stationers' Innovation Excellence Awards 2026.
The nomination recognises Razar as a standout example of forward-thinking innovation within the manufacturing sector.
Clay Cross – August 2026 – Resolute DTF has announced it will take a prominent stand at The Print Show 2026, held at the NEC Birmingham from Tuesday, 29 September 2026.
The company will also maintain a presence at The Sign Show, which is co-locating with the event, marking a significant dual appearance for the brand at one of the UK's most anticipated print industry exhibitions
Regensburg, Germany – August 2026 – OneVision has announced the release of software version 26.2, marking a significant step forward in intelligent print automation.
The update introduces new artificial intelligence capabilities, expanded Variable Data Printing (VDP) functionality, and enhanced production monitoring tools designed to help print service providers increase efficiency and output quality.
Version 26.2 introduces a suite of AI Services that seamlessly integrate GPU-accelerated artificial intelligence into existing print production workflows.
SOUTH NORMANTON, UK – August 2026 – Sun Chemical has announced that its Xennia Sapphire pigment inks for digital textile printing have received three of the industry's most sought-after regulatory certifications: GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), ECO-PASSPORT, and ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals).
The achievement positions Sun Chemical as a frontrunner in sustainable and compliant digital textile printing solutions.
London UK – July – 2026 – British digital fabric printing company Prinfab has been commissioned to produce a commemorative tea towel to celebrate the landmark birthday of iconic English fashion designer Sir Paul Smith.
Manchester – August 2026 – Premier Digital Textiles today highlights its 2555 Dimout, a versatile, dual-purpose fabric designed to bridge the worlds of fashion and interior design.
With its distinctive silver finish and subtle sheen, the fabric is positioned as a premium material for designers and makers operating across both industries.
2555 Dimout features a smooth silver surface that lends itself naturally to elegant occasionwear, flowing garments, and bold statement pieces.
Its fluid drape and refined aesthetic make it particularly well-suited to summer collections, where lightness and visual impact are equally valued.
Oswestry – Shropshire – August 2026 - Fujifilm Ink, the UK-based global supplier of UV inkjet technology, has strengthened its partnership with China Print Supplies UK Ltd (CPS), becoming the recognised ink supplier for the company's range of Dlican UV printing systems.
The partnership follows the successful rollout of Fujifilm Ink's thermoforming flexible ink technology, reinforcing the company's commitment to delivering high-performance, application-specific ink solutions for the wide-format print market.
Birmingham, UK – July 2026 – swissQprint UK is set to exhibit at The Print Show 2026, taking place from 29 September to 1 October at the NEC in Birmingham, Great Britain.
Visitors can find the swissQprint UK team at Stand P420, where they will have the opportunity to experience the company's latest flatbed printing technology firsthand.
Paris, France – August 2026 – Optitex and NedGraphics will present their integrated design and manufacturing solutions at Première Vision Paris, taking place from 1st to 3rd September 2026 at Parc des Expositions, Paris Nord Villepinte, France.
Visitors can find the companies at Booth 3L11 in Hall 3, Smart Creation Area.
The joint appearance marks a significant opportunity for textile brands and manufacturers to experience first-hand how NedGraphics and Optitex deliver a unified workflow — one that connects textile design, colour refinement, and end product development within a single, seamless process.
Emmerich am Rhein, Nordrhein-Westfalen – August 2026 – Brother Industrial EMEA has announced the launch of its GTX300, a hybrid direct-to-garment (DTG) and direct-to-film (DTF) garment printer that the company says sets a new benchmark for textile print quality.
To mark the occasion, Brother Industrial EMEA is offering eligible print professionals across the EMEA region a complimentary demo package to experience the printer's capabilities firsthand.
FREMONT, CA. August , 2026 – Fiery, a global leader in digital printing technology, has announced the launch of a new free online course designed to help print professionals master colour management for direct-to-film (DTF), direct-to-garment (DTG), and UV printing workflows.
The course, Fiery Specialty Production 301 v1: Colour Management Basics in Digital Factory, is now available on Fiery's learning platform at no cost.
Geretsried, Bavaria, August 2026 – RUDOLF, a leading textile chemistry company, has announced the launch of its Summer Campaign, a dedicated series exploring advanced finishing technologies designed to enhance the performance, comfort, and protection of swimwear and summer apparel.
The campaign arrives at a time when the demands placed on modern swimwear are greater than ever. Prolonged sun exposure, repeated contact with water, and the physical demands of summer activities require textiles that go beyond attractive design.
RUDOLF's Summer Campaign aims to demonstrate how the right finishing technologies can meet these challenges head-on.
Frankfurt, Germany – August 2026 – Heimtextil, the world's leading trade fair for home and contract textiles, has announced the launch of the Italian Lounge, a dedicated exhibition space celebrating Italian craftsmanship at its 2027 edition.
Taking place from 12 to 15 January in Frankfurt, the Italian Lounge will be located in the heart of Hall 4.1 and will bring together manufacturers of decorative and furniture fabrics, leather, and fibres and yarns under one roof
Pembrokeshire, Wales – August 2026 – National Weaving, a family-owned textile manufacturer with nearly four decades of experience, was honoured to receive a visit from HRH The Princess Royal, President of the UK Fashion & Textile Association (UKFT), at its Pembrokeshire facility.
The visit celebrated the company's longstanding contribution to British textile manufacturing and its commitment to combining traditional craftsmanship with modern, sustainable production methods.
PHILADELPHIA – July 2026 – PRINTING United Alliance, in partnership with The Foundation for Graphic Communication Education (The FGCE), continues to expand its popular Student Day experience at PRINTING United Expo 2026, taking place Thursday, September 24, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Designed to introduce students to the limitless career opportunities across the printing industry, this year's program will feature enhanced career development programming, expanded mentorship opportunities, and greater one-on-one engagement with industry professionals throughout the day's activities.
Dublin, Ireland – July 2026 – digitalprint.ie, Ireland's trusted supplier of wide format printing equipment and media, has completed the delivery and installation of two Epson SureColor S9100 printers to long-standing customer iGraphic, based in Newtownards.
The installation, which required careful planning and specialist logistics to position both machines on a first-floor mezzanine, marks another milestone in a valued, ongoing partnership.
Johannesburg – July – 2026 Experience the latest digital printing, vehicle wrapping and paint protection films at the FESPA Africa and Sign Africa Johannesburg Expo, where industry meets opportunity.
The event is taking place from 8-10 September 2026.
Arhus – Denmark – July 2026 – Mikkelsen Innovation ApS has announced that its FASTSEWN™ 3.3M has been named the recipient of the 2026 Pinnacle Award in the Technology category by PRINTING United Alliance.
The recognition highlights the machine's role in automating the final manual step in textile graphics production, combining automated sewing and laser cutting with keder application for silicone edge graphics (SEG).
Barbieri electronics is strengthening its leadership team as the company prepares for its next phase of development.
With Viktor Lazzeri, who has played a key leadership role within the company for many years and is well known to customers and partners as Chief Operating Officer, Barbieri has appointed him COO and Co-Managing Director, further strengthening its leadership capacity to support innovation, international growth and even closer customer relationships.