INVESTING FOR SUCCESS – A SMART PRODUCTION SOLUTION FOR DIGITAL TEXTILE PRINTING WE INTERVIEW CASPAR
“We have an elaborate concept according to which we operate in a B2B and B2C way. The largest base of B2C customers is through our webshop in which every creative person can customize their own cotton or polyester fabric and product from our assortment (such as t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, bags, blankets, leggings, etc.). Custom printing on fabrics and especially products have become increasingly popular and interesting to a large number of people.” - CASPAR
As the digitization of the textile industry accelerates, on-demand textile printer Caspar’s business model is built for a new decade of industrial manufacturing using smart technologies - they have equipped their smart factory with necessary tools for success.
Investing in the latest technology, software, workflow automation and a print-on-demand infrastructure they are primed to meet their clients’ commercial activities and to explore new markets.
We caught up with CASPAR to find out more:
Can you provide a brief summary of Caspar, when was the company founded and by whom and where are you based?
We are Caspar Microfactory, a part of the Grafko-Caspar company established in 2001 by an expert in digital textile printing, Damir Hižak. Our company is in the small town of Varaždin, in the north of Croatia. Caspar operates as a separate brand that uses technology and digital innovation to provide every interested creative with the opportunity to personalize their own fabric and products. We strive to reduce textile waste during our production process and to produce our products as eco-friendly and ethically acceptable.
Which Industry sectors do you serve?
As a company, we offer digital textile printing services and manufacturing of textile products to customers in the industry of textile, promotional products, auto industry, etc. Our services suit everyone in need of print on textile or textile products.
B2B and B2C? Tell us about your products and customer base?
We have an elaborate concept according to which we operate in a B2B and B2C way. The largest base of B2C customers is through our webshop in which every creative person can customize their own cotton or polyester fabric and product from our assortment (such as t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, bags, blankets, leggings, etc.). Custom printing on fabrics and especially products have become increasingly popular and interesting to a large number of people. We cooperate with large and small manufacturers of various types of clothing and footwear, as well as interior designers. As we can produce a quite small series, we are also interesting to hobbyists (DIY creatives) who want to personalize their own fabrics. We have also collected a large database of major well-known brands for which we work through our 20 years of dedicated, high-quality, and innovative work in the field of digital textile printing.
How has the company, its products, and services expanded over the last few years?
All the production of the base company Grafko has always been focused on the creation and printing of advertising textile products on polyester fabrics. However, travels to European and world fairs have shown us some new technology for printing on textiles each time. Inspired by new technological possibilities, we decided to invest in a new machine in 2018 that offers the possibility of digital printing on natural fabrics and the development of a webshop with the possibility of complete personalization. With such innovative technology, we can offer customers not only the service of printing on fabrics, but also the complete process of production of various products, and this process includes development, printing, tailoring, sewing, finishing, packaging, and sending products - Caspar Microfactory!
Can you tell us about the printing technologies that you use and how these have developed over the years?
Since we have been specializing in digital printing on textiles for so long and have established ourselves as the industry leader in the area, businesses that require printing on natural materials in addition to printed polyester have begun to contact us. For this reason, we began investigating print technologies on natural materials three years ago.
Finding an entirely green printing process for use on natural materials was the main goal, not environmental pollution. All of that and much more could be found in the technology provided by the Kornit company. We made the decision to invest in their technology, and as a result, we now use water-based pigment ink and possess their Kornit Presto DTF and Kornit Storm DTG machines.
With these technologies, we can confidently state that we have accomplished what we had always hoped for—namely, the ability to produce a high-quality print on practically any kind of fabric in a sustainable, entirely "green" manner, protecting the environment. This is significant because we are all aware of how old traditional methods of fabric dyeing negatively impact our environment.
Which ink sets do you use for Cellulose and Synthetic materials?
For many years, we have specialized in digital textile printing on polyester fabric. This fabric is mostly used in the advertising industry (flags, banners, etc.) and, to a lesser extent, in the fashion industry. We use two technologies in this print. The first technique is printing straight onto the fabric and fixing it at 180 degrees. The second approach uses roll-to-roll calendaring at the same temperature to transfer color from the paper to the fabric after printing on sublimation transfer paper. We use HP Stitch printers and original HP water-based dye sublimation ink in both cases.
Tell us about your sustainability policy and how you have/intend to meet your targets?
To begin with, we use energy-efficient digital technology that allows us to print on demand ("print-on-demand"), which reduces textile waste. Adaptation to new technologies and upgrading of our machines has proven to be economically efficient and provides us with an eco-friendly approach and the best possible print quality. One of the major environmental goals we have been working on for some time is the certification of our production process and our products with the GOTS (GLOBAL ORGANIC TEXTILE STANDARD) label. The plan is to become a recognizable manufacturer in the textile industry in 2023, which produces and strives for ecological and energy-efficient production of textile products.
Materials – Do you offer sustainably sourced materials and are these still hard to find?
We strive to work with materials that we procure through fair trade from domestic and European manufacturers, precisely because we recognize the importance of good working conditions. We also aim for all of the fabrics that we print on to have the OEKO tex and GOTS certificates.
How does your design studio function?
We created the textile print patterns database a few years ago, but our primary focus is personalization, as we strive to teach our customers how to design a fabric or product using our webshop tools with various blogs and video tutorials.
Do you create for clients to brief and also supply your own fabric designs by the metre for sale?
We try to inform our customers as sufficiently as possible about the types of fabrics and offer them various consultations on how to choose the type of fabric that is best for their projects. We have an open live chat on our site through which we try to help our customers with the choice of fabric or product and offer them a quick answers to all their questions. All our designs that are available on our webshop are free to use, and each customer can modify our design to their needs if they wish.
Nearshoring – Has your business benefited from retails supply chain issues, and the growth of print-on-demand sourcing by fashion buyers?
Yes, we have felt a greater interest from customers in the field of fashion and design to buy and produce goods in Europe from proven and reliable manufacturers. We also see that the need for customers to look for producers and products that have ecological certificates has increased. However, in terms of price, unfortunately, we still cannot compete with the prices of manufacturers outside Europe, but we see that this is also slowly changing, and we believe that in the future more and more such customers will tend to produce in Europe.
What makes CASPAR unique? What are your strengths?
We believe that our greatest strength is our website, where we are available to our customers via live chat for consulting and software for personalizing the fabric and products we have in our database. We can also be proud of the quality, speed, and eco-friendly production method. The minimum quantity with us is one meter/piece. Although most of our fabrics are GOTS certified, we will soon certify all our products and production methods. One of the most important advantages is our Microfactory, that is, the entire production can be done with us, from project development, fabric selection, printing, tailoring, sewing, and packaging, right up to sending the product to the end customer. Therefore, we offer our customers, first of all, a tool with which they can easily personalize their fabric and product, top quality, consulting, and fast delivery of the product.
What’s next, do you intend to explore new markets and how do you plan to expand/invest over the years ahead?
The plan for the coming year is to invest more and more in marketing and development, i.e. upgrading our website. We are also preparing new products for which we will develop 3D models for personalization. Soon we’ll add several new types of fabrics to the offer on which printing will be possible. We are investing in the development of an affiliate program through which our customers and influencers will promote Caspar and receive a certain monetary compensation from each purchase made on our website through their link. The program has already been launched, so all those interested can register on our website and start collaborating with us.
We are looking forward to all the upcoming new challenges, ideas, and investments in the upcoming years... Our project has only just begun and we can tell you with certainty that you can expect great creative and innovative things from Caspar in the future that will push the boundaries of digital printing and clothing production!
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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.
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"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.
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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.
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.
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Altrincham – Cheshire – July 2026 - Friedmans Ltd and Funki Fabrics have announced the arrival of new print designs, expanding their existing collection with a fresh range of trend-led prints available across a broad selection of premium fabric bases.
The launch offers fashion designers, production teams, and creative professionals a timely opportunity to explore new possibilities for their upcoming collections.
Leicestershire - July 2026 – Vivid Laminating Technologies is pleased to announce that HG Graphics, a leading provider of building signage and vehicle wraps across Yorkshire and the UK, has invested in a fully integrated print and cutting solution combining the VelobladeNexus with the latest Onyx Graphics software.
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Wednesday, July 29, 2026 - RENNES, France—Pointcarre, the French American textile CAD company known for its jacquard and dobby weaving software, has developed a new module dedicated to wall to wall carpet and carpet tile design.
The launch addresses a gap left when APSO, the longtime CAD platform for the tufting industry, discontinued its software more than two years ago, leaving mills and carpet designers without a clear path forward.
Accrington, UK, July 29, 2026: Soyang Europe has expanded its direct-to-film (DTF) range with the launch of a paper-based transfer media that offers an environmentally conscious alternative to conventional PET transfer film.
Named Soyang DTF Paper, the new product is a single-sided release-coated transfer paper featuring anti-static treatment and a hot-peel release.
Designed for use with digital inkjet DTF printers running water-based pigment inks, the media can be recycled through standard paper waste streams, helping print businesses reduce plastic waste.
London – July 2026 – Perfect Colours, a leader in print management solutions, has highlighted the availability of Print Factory, a unified Raster Image Processor (RIP) designed to deliver consistent, high-quality colour output across multiple printers.
The solution addresses one of the print industry's most persistent challenges: maintaining colour accuracy and consistency across different devices and workflows.
Las Vegas, NV – July 2026 – Caldera, a leading provider of print workflow software solutions, has announced its participation in PRINTING United Expo 2026, taking place 23–25 September 2026 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Visitors can find Caldera at Booth C1469, where the company will showcase its latest innovations in print workflow automation, colour management, and apparel decoration.
Ghent – Belgium – July 2026 – Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems (Kongsberg PCS), a leading provider of digital cutting solutions, is calling on print, signage, and packaging businesses to embrace advanced materials as a strategic pathway to new markets, higher-value products, and more sustainable growth.
As competitive pressures intensify across the manufacturing sector, Kongsberg PCS is positioning its versatile, high-performance digital cutting solutions as essential tools for businesses looking to expand their capabilities and future-proof their operations.
The company's message is clear: businesses that invest in advanced material processing today are best placed to lead their industries tomorrow.
Bracknell – Berkshire-July 2026 – UFABRIK’s Soft Blackback Textile, a premium material engineered for tension frames, interiors, retail environments, exhibitions, soft signage, and beyond.
Designed to meet the exacting demands of modern display and signage professionals, the new textile sets a new benchmark for quality, versatility, and performance in the industry
Crewe, UK – July 2026 – Hybrid Services Ltd, the UK's leading Mimaki distributor, has announced two dedicated demonstration weeks at its Crewe showroom this August, giving businesses across the print industry the opportunity to explore the latest Mimaki technology firsthand.
Taking place from 3rd to 7th August and 17th to 21st August 2026, the August Demo Weeks are designed to help businesses make informed investment decisions by experiencing Mimaki's wide format print solutions in a hands-on, pressure-free environment.
Florida – July - 2026 – Agfa Inkjet Solutions has announced its return as a Keynote Sponsor of the 2026 Wide Format Summit, marking the sixth consecutive year the company has supported the industry's premier gathering.
The event is scheduled to take place from 27 to 29 July 2026 at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa in Bonita Springs, Florida.
Clay Cross – UK – July 2026 – Resolute highlights its new DTF Pneumatic Twin Platen Heat Press, a professional-grade heat press designed to help print shops increase output, improve consistency, and reduce downtime across high-volume production runs.
The machine's dual-platen design allows operators to prepare the next garment while the current one is being pressed, significantly reducing idle time and increasing throughput.
This makes it particularly well-suited to print shops running large direct-to-film (DTF) and transfer print operations, where speed and consistency are critical.
Mexico City, Mexico – July 2026 – FESPA Mexico, the premier event for the print and signage industry in Latin America, is set to take place from 10–12 September at Centro Citibanamex, Mexico City.
The event will bring together professionals, suppliers, and innovators from across the region to explore the latest technologies and trends shaping the future of print.
TOKYO, Japan, July 27, 2026 - Seiko Epson Corporation (TSE: 6724, "Epson") is proud to announce that its production facility, PT. Indonesia Epson Industry (IEI), has achieved Platinum recognition under the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) Validated Assessment Program (VAP), based on audits conducted by RBA-approved independent third-party firms.
This achievement underscores Epson's commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) within its global supply chain.
London, UK – July 2026 – The UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT) has announced its participation at two of Asia's most prominent textile trade events: Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics (25–27 August 2026) and CINTE Techtextil China (1–3 September 2026).
The organisation will promote and support British companies across both shows, connecting international buyers, brands, and industry partners with the full breadth of UK textile expertise.
Kufstein – Austria – July 2026 – Zimmer Austria will exhibit at CAITME 2026, the Central Asian International Textile Machinery Exhibition, taking place from 8 to 10 September 2026 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
The company will be present at Pavilion 1, Booth B50, represented through its regional agent, Textile Technologies & Services LLC.
Munich, Germany – July 2026 – FESPA has announced that the European Sign Expo will return to Munich, Germany, from 6 to 9 April 2027.
The event will bring together signage and visual communication professionals from across Europe and beyond, providing a dedicated platform for the industry to connect, collaborate, and explore the latest innovations shaping the sector.
European Sign Expo is widely regarded as the continent's foremost event for the signage industry.
Reken – Germany - July 2026 – FabricVision GmbH, a leading supplier of high-performance textile materials, has announced that more than 50,000 metres of its Lumiprint backlit textile are currently held in stock across its European warehouses and available for immediate dispatch.
The announcement comes ahead of the busy summer season, a period during which material availability is often cited as a critical bottleneck for print and display professionals.
.Gistel – Belgium – July 2026 – Summa, a leading innovator in wide-format cutting solutions, has confirmed its participation in the Wide-Format Summit, hosted by the Printing United Alliance.
Now in its sixth year, the event brings together wide-format industry leaders from across the United States for strategic discussions, educational sessions, and one-on-one meetings designed to shape the future of the industry.
The Wide-Format Summit stands out as one of the most focused and collaborative events in the wide-format printing calendar.