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.”

Is your print business equipped for the future?

“The challenge for any print business operating in the textile ecosystem is to navigate this rapidly evolving landscape. Success is no longer just about print quality; it’s about agility, efficiency, sustainability, and the ability to offer personalised products at scale. The traditional, water-intensive, and wasteful methods of the past are being displaced by a powerful digital ecosystem”.

Image Credit: EFI REGGIANI

Designers are increasingly drawn to work that feels real.

Marks that are not perfectly aligned, lines that wobble slightly, surfaces that feel considered rather than automated. These qualities bring warmth and personality, offering a balance to the precision of digital tools and AI. Print is no longer just about decoration.

The 2026 Surface Pattern Design Competition

The launch of the 2026 iDott Surface Pattern Design Competition marks another year of celebrating innovation. This year, the competition is supported by heavyweight sponsors from across the textile and wallcovering sectors, each presenting a brief that reflects current market demands and future trends.

The Middle East and North Africa hold a rich and storied heritage in textile production, with roots stretching back thousands of years. Known for its skilled craftsmanship, the region has long been a renowned for textile artistry.

Today, the region with a population of over 500 million, is once again positioning itself as a future leader in the adoption and development of cutting-edge manufacturing within the textile sector. With significant investment in digital printing solutions, automated production and an increasing commitment to sustainability, the region is redefining traditional practices while meeting the demands of evolving markets.

A Collective Push Forward

Looking back at 2025, the progress is undeniable. From the designers at GREENGRADS to the engineers at Epson, Fiery, and beyond, a collective of determined practitioners is driving real change.

We are witnessing the construction of new networks, the deployment of groundbreaking technologies, and a shared commitment to building a cleaner, more visible, and profitable textile industry.

Digitally printed wallcoverings represent the crossroads of design and technology. Once limited to traditional manufacturing process, creating mass-produced patterns, wallpaper design has undergone a digital transformation, enabling customisation, faster turnaround times, and reduced production waste.

Today’s consumers want their walls to stand out, and digital wallcoverings deliver just that. With bespoke designs, intricate printed 3D surface effects, patterns, and tactile materials the appeal is undeniable.

In a world of infinite digital possibilities, pattern with a story remains as powerful as ever.

Nearly two decades after launching Mini Moderns in 2006, these London-based designers have built something remarkable: a globally recognised British brand that has weathered industry upheavals, company closures, and changing market conditions whilst maintaining their distinctive creative voice.

Their journey offers profound insights for any creative looking to build something lasting.

To understand the power of this new business model we spoke to we spoke to the Caro Group in Poland.

“Customer expectations for personalisation, speed, and sustainability are soaring. Generic, mass-produced products no longer satisfy the modern consumer's desire for unique self-expression. Businesses still clinging to outdated, inefficient manufacturing models are finding themselves unable to compete.”

“The challenge is clear: adapt or be left behind.”

The apparel industry is at a crossroads. We can either continue down the wasteful and inefficient path of the past, or we can embrace a future where data, technology, and collaboration combine to solve one of our oldest and most expensive problems.

Creating a consistent and accurate sizing strategy is no longer a "nice-to-have"; it is a commercial imperative.

The tools and data are now available to make this a reality. It's time for brands to stop working in silos and start building a supply chain where information is shared openly and standards are upheld rigorously. Only then can we create garments that truly fit our customers, reduce our environmental impact, and build a more sustainable and profitable future for the industry.