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”

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"Relying on transactional vendor relationships and outdated legacy equipment is no longer sufficient to secure long-term stability and growth.”

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.

The Coming Year will Test the Resilience and Adaptability of Every Player in the Textile Sector.

“From apparel to interior décor, the challenges are interconnected, creating compound effects that can stifle growth or unlock unprecedented opportunities. This article will explore the pivotal trends of technology integration, supply chain resilience, regulatory compliance, production efficiency, and dynamic market shifts.”

“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.

*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

“Traditional visual checks have become archaic in an industry that demands precision and replicability. By utilising technologies such as spectrophotometers, we can shine a light, quite literally, on printed materials and collect spectral data to achieve exact colour measurement”. Viktor Lazzeri | Barbieri Electronic

“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. “

“What if the secret to your business's growth lies not in volume, or meterage, but in creating a product that's uniquely tailored to the customer? Personalisation is no longer a novelty; it’s fast becoming the new normal across the print industry. Businesses that fail to adapt risk being left behind as consumer expectations shift to on-demand, customised experiences as standard.” Debbie McKeegan | FESPA Textile Ambassador

“It's clear that as the Interior Decoration market flexes to meet the requirements of an industry now facing the same challenges as the fashion industry namely: Over stock, Geo-Politics, Energy, Regulation and an emerging Price War of weaponised Tariffs – Design, technology, print and manufacturing process remain ever entwined…” Debbie McKeegan | FESPA Textile Ambassador

“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“

“The last year was a testament to the industry's commitment to innovation, sustainability, and continuous learning. It's been a bumpy road for many readers this year - and the future will remain a challenge for many businesses as the supply chain flexes and evolves alongside so many global influences: geopolitics, regulation, fluctuating energy, consumables, materials and shipping costs.” Debbie McKeegan | FESPA Textile Ambassador

Nozza's insights offer a perspective on a resilient industry, ready to adapt and willing to innovate. “As the future unfolds, Epson's unwavering commitment to aligning technology with sustainability will undoubtedly continue to sculpt the evolution of the textile printing industry“ Francesco Nozza - Epson Italia

“Prinfab’s success rests on its technology-forward strategy. Oliver regards the company as much a technology entity as a textile firm. "We don’t look back. We're always looking forward," he says, indicating their focus on minimising waste and reducing print failures through their ongoing investment in Epson’s latest most sustainable digital textile print machinery and software. “ Debbie McKeegan - FESPA Textile Ambassador“ Debbie McKeegan - FESPA Textile Ambassador

“Parker's future outlook for the industry strongly indicates that innovation, collaboration, and technological adaptability will continue to shape the promotional product industry. Despite his preference for founding companies over being a CEO, his focus on creating value and solving problems reflects a deep passion for entrepreneurship. His plans for the future of Swag Space and the continued innovation in the industry signal a steadfast commitment to driving success through collaborative technology.“ Debbie McKeegan - FESPA Textile Ambassador

“The dynamics of ecommerce pose new challenges for the digital textile print industry. Performance is crucial for success in this realm, and new software developments enable printers and manufacturers to meet these demands. From web-order capture to final delivery, the right digital textile printing workflow software can significantly enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and profitability of your print operation. These nine software solutions cater to the needs of digital textile print providers of all sizes, delivering tailored solutions to boost productivity, streamline workflows and elevate profitability.” Texintel Editorial Team

“Digital printing is an industry in rapid evolution, forced to adapt and innovate in the face of changing technologies, market sectors, and an ever-increasing emphasis on sustainability. The onus on the digital print industry to adopt and promote sustainable practices has never been more pressing. As it becomes a necessity rather than an option, the sourcing of certified, eco-friendly fabrics becomes both an obligation to meet environmental standards and a competitive edge in the market. “ Debbie McKeegan - FESPA Textile Ambassador

”The story of Ben Soper and Stead McAlpin is an inspiring testament to the transformation of the textile industry and the need to evolve print process to meet market shifts without losing the essence of tradition. Their journey underscores the importance of innovation and commitment to quality in industrial textile printing. With their focus on digital technologies and customer-centric services, the company looks set to carve out a critical place in the future of the textile industry.” Debbie McKeegan - FESPA Textile Ambassador

“Imagine having transparency over your entire supply chain and providing your customers with access to the full history of the product they purchased—where it came from, what it’s made of, and its entire journey. That’s traceability in action. And the tool? DPP. With a DPP, you’re instantly providing the transparency customers crave. Transparency equals trust—simple math.” Marwa Zamaray | European Climate Pact Ambassador