“Design can better our world by expanding empathy and education, to increase awareness – that’s why I am a GREEN GRAD” - Lydia Hill.

"After many years of feeling out of place, I have found like-minded people who share my passion for the planet. Amazing advice from industry professionals has given me the confidence and encouragement to pursue my goals and aim higher than before.”

Traditional analogue printing processes have held the textile industry captive for decades, perpetuating a cycle of environmental destruction and economic inefficiency. The statistics are real: conventional textile production consumes excessive water resources, generates substantial energy demands, and creates mountains of unsold inventory that ultimately end up in landfills or sold at devastating losses.

This approach doesn't just harm the environment—it destroys profitability and stifles innovation.

The technologies and innovations showcased in recent product launches via Texintel represent more than incremental improvements—they constitute a fundamental reimagining of how textile manufacturing can and should operate.

The question facing every textile printing business today isn't whether to adopt AI, but how quickly and strategically they can transform their operations to capture its full potential.

"The real opportunity lies in what industry experts call "AI-powered strategic thinking"—using artificial intelligence not just to do things faster, but to fundamentally reimagine how your business operates, creates value, and serves customers” - Debbie McKeegan | Texintel

“Print runs are shrinking. Customers expect greater variety – more materials, more colours, graphic detail, personalization, quick turnaround, and responsible business practices. Pandemics, inflation, supply chain disruptions, labour shortages, and other market dynamics demand agility and flexibility to stay profitable. E-commerce is king, and analogue production means you’re leaving money on the table. ” Guest Article written by Kornit Digital

“Not only is the printing process more straightforward and requires less hands-on work, but sublimation for textile is also a more sustainable printing solution. The more sustainable aspect is mainly in the fact that steaming and washing is no longer necessary. This is because a sublimation printer first prints on transfer paper, which is then transferred to textiles. This paper for sublimation printing is an essential factor. ” Guest Article wrriten by: Anne de Brouwer

“The global textiles industry accounts for an estimated 2% of emissions. Politicians and policymakers, are increasingly aware of the industry's environmental impact, leading to stricter regulations. Also consumers are becoming more eco-consciously and critical towards the industry’s environmental impact. As a result, print service providers are searching for sustainable solutions to reduce carbon footprint – without compromising print quality.” Guest Article wrriten by: Anne de Brouwer

“Businesses that transition 100% to digital may lose extreme price-driven customers, but this is a rare situation. A new range of affordable digital printers enables manufacturers to introduce digital printing capability alongside traditional printing methods. Some customers may be keen to experience the benefits of digital printing; others may need reassurance to develop the confidence to test digital printing technologies.”- JOS NOTERMANS SPGPRINTS

“If all linear meters in the world during one year were printed by digital textile printers instead of conventional printing, we would save 760 billion liters of water” - JOS NOTERMANS SPGPRINTS

“This market shift has fed perfectly into the dynamics of the global ecommerce market where apparel and accessories with a value of over USD759.5 billion (Statista) had become the number one ecommerce sector in the world. Undoubtedly the silver bullet that delivered this fulfilment business model was the inexorable rise of direct to garment printing.” Texintel - Technical Editor

“Estelle Pearce’s new collection ‘AiEvolution’ is an experimental digital collection that draws from the power of Ai creation to test realisation and pattern-cutting skills, crafting pieces that stand out rather than conform to traditional notions of clothing with each design having its own unique personality.”

“While reactive inks are only printed on natural fibers, such as cotton and silk - Pigment inks, have the ability to be printed on natural and synthetic fibers, allowing all types of fabrics including polyester blends to be printed without difficulty. Additionally Pigment inkjet printing is the subject of widespread technological development both of systems, inks and components.”

“Direct to Garment production goes from strength to strength, with a vertical assent predicted. Stellar growth in the use of direct to garment digital textile printing machinery continues to provide a unique and highly successful business model, gaining traction worldwide. As a technology built to deliver speed to market, its built for on-demand production and as such sustainable manufacturing - driving down inventory and production costs.”

Jayne is about to launch her own brand in collaboration with Nerida Hansen, who has built a textile business using digital textile print. Her online platform supplying fashion and furnishing fabrics and sewing patterns worldwide has established a loyal following.

Nerida founded her own brand in 2017, and it was an overnight success in Australia. Nerida continues to work closely with local and international illustrators and surface art designers to support, license and represent, whilst ensuring they are the right fit and look for her brand. Jayne Branchflower’s new collection launches in September 2022.

“It often a false assumption of the West that the majority of the printed meterage manufactured in Southern Asia is destined for our shores. That’s not always the case. Pakistan represents a huge home market and one that absorbs many 100’s of millions of metres of printed textiles for its own population, particularly fashion. In fact, this case study reflects just that – on shore production. A major investment in on-demand digital technology for the markets within Asia. That’s not to say that the volumes of South Asian print destined and exported for the West are insignificant, that would be incorrect, but for Future Fashion (Pvt) Ltd currently Asia is the main market for their digitally printed textiles.” - Debbie McKeegan | FESPA Textile Ambassador

“The Décor industry is expansive, it is design led and encompasses a vibrant global community. Digital printing empowers both the creative and the manufacturer and whilst utilising digital technologies, it enables interior designers and decorative print designers to work together to create beautiful products and incredible spaces.” Debbie McKeegan - FESPA Textile Ambassador