The industry cannot afford to ignore the next generation. These graduates are not just seeking employment; they are offering solutions to the problems that established firms are scrambling to solve.

The GREENGRADS exhibition at the Surface Design Show is a testament to the power of education and the necessity of hope. By attending, you are not just viewing products; you are supporting a movement towards a cleaner, more ethical built environment.

“Each of our Green Grads – and we now have 250 listed on our website – has their unique suggested way of dealing with the environmental challenges the world faces today. “Research by the British Retail Consortium shows that consumers/clients now put sustainability right at the top of their buying criteria.” Barbara Chandler

GREEN GRADS is a platform celebrating new graduates with ideas to heal the planet.

Support the GreenGrads: The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair runs from 16-19 October at Victoria Baths, Manchester. This isn't just an opportunity to see beautiful objects or meet talented designers—it's a chance to support the fundamental transformation of how we make and use things.

What makes this relationship unique is its foundation in shared problem-solving, rather than traditional supplier relationships. As Nakazato describes it: "We are both fashion designers and engineers, working together as a collaborative, experimental team..."

“Printing technology is evolving rapidly, and staying ahead requires both innovation and adaptability”

Digital garment decoration offers the print industry an accelerating commercial opportunity. It has become a core business segment driven by increasing demand for personalisation, quick turnaround times, and sustainability. Yet, with growth comes challenges. Rivera sheds light on how Fiery and Epson are partnering to not just address these challenges, but also lead innovation in this space.

DTG and DTFilm each have their strengths, but the best part? You don’t have to choose between them. Epson’s SureColor F1000 and F2200 printers let you seamlessly switch between DTG and DTFilm, so you can take on a wider range of jobs and expand your product offerings without extra equipment or complicated setups.

“The transition to a circular fashion and textile industry is no longer optional – it is a necessity to secure the future of both our environment and our economy. The Circular Manufacturing Report highlights a major shift towards circularity in the textile and apparel industry”

“The global printing industry is at a pivotal moment of transformation, with digital technology, sustainability, and new generations of talent reshaping the landscape…”

To explore these exciting changes, we spoke with Duncan Ferguson, Vice President of Commercial and Industrial Printing at Epson, during a live Texintel interview.

Duncan shared invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities the industry faces, as well as the role Epson is playing in this evolution.

*GREEN GRADS is a platform celebrating new graduates with ideas to heal the planet.

“Each of our Green Grads – and we now have 200 listed on our website – has their unique suggested way of dealing with the environmental challenges the world faces today. “Research by the British Retail Consortium shows that consumers/clients now put sustainability right at the top of their buying criteria.” Barbara Chandler

“For this revealing show, six graduates have been carefully chosen for their common commitment to sustainable design and production, spotlighting natural fibres, dyes and biomaterials, with ways to cut waste, water and energy, plus other innovative eco-friendly techniques. Find projects by assured new professionals at the very cutting edge of textiles today. “

“Each of our Green Grads – and we now have 200 listed on our website – has their unique suggested way of dealing with the environmental challenges the world faces today,” says founder/curator Barbara Chandler“

“As the digital printing industry forges a new path for sustainable growth, companies like Kornit Digital are utilising innovation and collaboration to disrupt traditional markets like home décor. As we look ahead, it's clear that this shift to a more sustainable, transparent, and customer-focused model offers a viable, creative and strategic future for the print industry and the creator economy.”

“Epson is a formidable competitor as a printer manufacturer. They have also leveraged their technology across a range of industries, including textiles, and plan to increase that diversification even more. The acquisition of Fiery can’t help but accelerate this process, as they, hopefully, bring Fiery’s OEM partners into their network. ” Writes Cary Sherburne - WhatTheyThink

“Awarding talent, offers the graduates vital encouragement and validates their hard work. This year Staffordshire university graduate Seren Unlu won the Epson Digital Textile Printing Award for her beautiful, vibrant, colourful  collection that stunned all five of the judges Seren’s work is bright, bold and beautiful. She has used digital technologies to enhance her creativity and to manufacture a range of products that showcase her talents.”

“The 2024 Epson Design Awards honoured outstanding creativity, unity, and progressive thinking in fashion design across the Benelux region. With inclusivity and diversity at the forefront, designers from various backgrounds converged to showcase their talents and ingenuity in a celebration of artistry and innovation. In collaboration with LABELEDBY., the competition, once again, served as a strategic platform for emerging designers to amplify their voices and push the boundaries of conventional design.”

“Japanese fashion designer Yuima Nakazato remained focused on innovative, environmental sourcing and sustainability for his latest couture Spring/Summer 2024 fashion collection. For the third year, Epson and the talented Nakazato fashion house have collaborated to foster the use of environmentally friendly solutions in the fashion industry, through the use of advanced technologies, leveraging Epson printing technologies alongside Epson’s innovative Dry Fibre Technology.”

“As we enter this new industrial revolution, it's crucial to explore how Industry 5.0 is set to transform the fashion industry, reshaping everything from design and production processes to consumer engagement and sustainability practices. This article delves into the heart of Industry 5.0, tracing its roots from previous industrial revolutions to its current incarnation, and examines its transformative impact on the fashion world.

“ Lui Larocheski

“As we progress towards more sustainable practices, Thomas urges industry players to make informed decisions—learn about what they buy, understand customer preferences, and choose sustainable materials and partners. He envisions a future where the industry is dotted with digital manufacturing hubs, leading to significant environmental benefits across multiple textile market sectors.” Debbie McKeegan - FESPA Textile Ambassador

“Pioneering in 3D digital product creation, Iarocheski developed a unique production model based on digital technology. Designs were created in 3D, with the physical product only produced once the digital version was sold. This innovative approach not only addressed the problematic stock issue but also significantly reduced in-house waste.” Debbie McKeegan - FESPA Textile Ambassador

“DTF is set to not only sustain its position as a viable keystone in textile customisation but also evolve into an even more versatile, sustainable, and user-friendly technology, shaping the future landscape of the garment decoration industry.” Debbie McKeegan - FESPA Textile Ambassador