Textile Printing in the Middle East and North Africa: Key Takeaways from FESPA Flex with Debbie McKeegan
Textile Printing in the Middle East and North Africa:
“At the recent FESPA Flex Middle East event, Debbie McKeegan, FESPA’s Textile Ambassador, met with leaders and innovators in the sector to discuss the development and digital transformation of the industry.”.
Image Credit: FESPA
WRITTEN BY FESPA TEXTILE AMBASSADOR DEBBIE MCKEEGAN
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. This seamless blend of heritage and innovation primes the Middle East as a strategic player in shaping the global textile industry's future.
At the recent FESPA Flex Middle East event, Debbie McKeegan, FESPA’s Textile Ambassador, met with leaders and innovators in the sector to discuss the development and digital transformation of the industry. With decades of experience and a print legacy going back many decades, she shared some serious insights on moving from analogue to digital. Her presentation wasn’t just about digital technology, market shifts and innovation - it was a call for the industry to modernise, go digital, and rewire the supply chain.
For those who missed the session, here are the critical insights and strategic keynotes from her presentation.
The Inevitable Shift: From Analogue to Digital
To understand where the industry is heading, one must appreciate the speed of digital and complexity of its evolution. McKeegan contextualised the current landscape by reflecting on her own family’s history in printing. "This transition was not simply about swapping one machine for another, a digital version; it represented a fundamental change in how we conceive production. The industry is currently in a state of flux. The traditional, reactive business models that relied on mass production and long lead times are becoming obsolete. In their place, we are seeing the rise of digital textile printing, born out of a necessity for knowledge, speed, and innovation".
Meeting the Demands of the 'Amazon Generation'
A recurring theme throughout the presentation was the changing profile of the consumer. We are now serving the 'Amazon Generation'—a demographic that demands speed, personalisation, and instant gratification. This shift has forced manufacturers to rethink their strategies entirely.
The challenge lies in balancing this need for speed with ethical, profitable production. The days of speculative production are numbered; the future belongs to on-demand manufacturing. To unlock opportunities in this new marketplace, printers must invest in technology that allows for agility. It is no longer enough to print; one must print intelligently, reducing inventory risk and responding to market trends in real-time.
Innovation in Machinery and Inks
McKeegan highlighted several technological leaps that are facilitating this shift. The industry is moving away from complex, water-drenched processes towards more efficient solutions:
Pigment Printing: Described as a single-step process with significant volume potential, pigment printing is gaining traction for its versatility and reduced environmental impact.
Reactive Inks: Innovations from companies like SPC Basel are eliminating the need for pre-coating, steaming and washing, streamlining the workflow significantly.
Single-Pass Technology: Machines such as Reggiani’s single-pass printers were highlighted for their efficiency in roll-to-roll production, offering high speed without compromising on quality.
These advancements are not just technical victories; they are essential tools for any print business looking to remain competitive in a high-speed market.
Sustainability is a Baseline not a Bonus
Perhaps the most urgent message from the session was regarding sustainability. It is no longer a "nice-to-have" marketing add-on; it is a baseline expectation from consumers and a strict requirement from regulators.
McKeegan emphasised circular design—the responsibility of designers and manufacturers to consider the end-of-life of a product before it is even created. This involves exploring biodegradable inks and renewable substrates. Furthermore, the ability to remove ink from cloth to facilitate recycling is becoming a critical area of development. Compliance with international certifications is now a gatekeeper for doing business with major global brands; without it, market access will shrink.
Supply Chain Resilience: Nearshoring and Onshoring
The fragility of global supply chains has been exposed in recent years, prompting a strategic move towards nearshoring and onshoring. The presentation touched upon the impact of tariffs and the necessity for geographic concentration of suppliers to ensure logistical certainty.
A compelling example shared was that of JD Sports, which reduced its supply chain complexity to ensure regulatory compliance. This trend is instructive: big brands are actively looking to cut their carbon footprint and minimise disruption. They require priority access to suppliers they can trust.
This presents a massive opportunity for local manufacturers in the Middle East. By positioning themselves as reliable, compliant, and local partners, they can capture business that was previously outsourced to further afield regions. However, this requires building deep, transparent partnerships based on mutual trust.
Bridging the Skills Gap and Updating Legacy Systems
Adopting new technology brings its own set of operational challenges. Integrating modern digital machinery with legacy production systems is rarely straightforward. McKeegan cited a UK company that took six years to fully transition to digital production—a cautionary tale against expecting overnight success.
To navigate this, businesses must:
1. Standardise Workflows: Implement incremental adjustments to avoid lost business during the transition.
2. Upskill the Workforce: The technology is only as good as the operators. Continuous learning is vital.
3. Import Talent: There is a notable gap in data analysis capabilities within the traditional print sector. Bringing in data specialists from outside the industry is often necessary to fully leverage digital ecosystems.
The Future of Print in the Region
The commercial opportunities for the printed textile industry in the Middle East are vast, but they are reserved for those willing to adapt. The convergence of government initiatives, a strategic geographic location, and a growing adoption of digital technologies creates a fertile ground for an integrated manufacturing ecosystem.
As Debbie McKeegan concluded, the path forward requires a future-safe strategy that aligns with robust investment plans. It requires the print community to support one another, fostering an environment of collaboration rather than isolation. In an age of digital transformation and increased transparency, those who audit their technology, upskill their teams, and commit to sustainable practices will define the future of the region's textile industry.
The tools are available, and the market is waiting. The question remains: is your print business ready to make the shift?
Visit Fespa Global Expo 2026 in Barcelona 19th-22nd May
To stay ahead in the rapidly evolving world of digital printing and customisation, there is no better place to be than the Fespa Global Expo in Barcelona. From 19th to 22nd May, this premier event will showcase cutting-edge technologies, innovative solutions, and invaluable industry insights, all under one roof. Connect with thought leaders, discover groundbreaking advancements, and gain the tools and knowledge needed to revolutionise your business.
Don’t miss this unparalleled opportunity to shape your future in the print and product personalisation landscape.
The word "toxic" carries weight. It conjures danger, harm, and things best avoided.
“Yet in the textile industry - Where between 3,000 and 10,000 chemicals move through the supply chain, a reflexive fear of the term is one of our biggest obstacles to progress.”
This article distils the key takeaways and what buyers, designers, and brands should be asking right now.
What Is the Digital Product Passport?
At its core, a Digital Product Passport is a digital record attached to a physical product - For a printed textile product, this means the DPP would capture data on the substrate, inks and dyes used, the printing process and technology, chemical compliance, environmental impact (including water and energy use), supply chain traceability, and end-of-life instructions.
The Market Gap that Changed Everything
Future Fashion was founded in 2019, timed deliberately to coincide with a pivotal moment in global textile technology: the commercial launch of the EFI Reggiani BOLT Single-Pass digital printing system.
The founders recognised that single-pass architecture had fundamentally changed what was industrially possible - and that Pakistan's domestic market had yet to catch up.
Print is no longer defined by the inefficiencies that once characterised it…as advances in production processes and technology have significantly improved its environmental performance.
Taran Rai, Corporate Sustainability Manager at Epson explains why?
The story of what happens when young designers access digital technology is still being written.
What once was a theoretical sustainability goal seems to have shifted into an active regulatory reality.
Is the Textile Market Finally Recovering?
After a difficult few years, there are genuine reasons for optimism. Duncan was candid about the challenges: "The market for textiles has been very difficult over the last three years. I'm not going to hide the truth there. But the tide is turning.“
A profound shift is currently reshaping the sector
Changing consumer expectations demand greater design diversity, faster turnaround times, and sustainable manufacturing practices.
To thrive, interior brands must adapt their supply chains, bringing production closer to the end consumer and moving away from bulk manufacturing.
Digital textile printing offers a definitive solution to these operational bottlenecks.
Digital transformation doesn't announce itself.
It accumulates - one innovation at a time - until an entire industry looks back and realises the ground has shifted beneath its feet. That's precisely where textiles stands today.
The conversations happening now about AI, automation, sustainability, and digital product passports are not theoretical. They are shaping decisions being made on factory floors and in boardrooms right now.
“By leveraging advanced digital textile printing, Marylene Madou has successfully merged traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. Her approach offers a blueprint for how independent designers can scale their brands globally while maintaining a minimal environmental footprint.”
From Helsinki's printing mill to Paris's Le Marais, discover how Marimekko is scaling a design-led brand with purpose, craft, and bold innovation.
But what makes Marimekko's story compelling is not just its aesthetic legacy?
The textile industry is undergoing a vital transformation. As the insights from Techtextil and Texprocess reveal, the path forward relies on a combination of sustainable hardware, intelligent chemistry, and seamless digital workflows.
From Zimmer's industrial-scale energy reductions and Stratasys's on-demand 3D embellishments, to Kornit's single-step technical printing and the unified digital ecosystems of NedGraphics and Optitex, the tools for change are here. To stay competitive, brands and manufacturers must adopt these innovations, moving away from fragmented, wasteful processes towards a truly connected, circular economy.
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.
"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”
The Urgent Need for Sustainability at Scale
The transformation at Coats provides a vital blueprint for the wider textile and apparel sector. True sustainability cannot be achieved in silos. As Dearing emphasised:
“Cross-industry collaboration is the engine of meaningful change. Brands, machinery suppliers, chemical providers, and fibre producers must act as an interconnected ecosystem”
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.”
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.
“The future of textile design belongs to professionals who can combine creativity with execution, aesthetics with practicality, and vision with production reality”.
Are we witnessing the reinvention of Merch driven by adaptive, digital technologies?
The commercial opportunity presented by printed, personalised merchandise is already a lucrative revenue stream; it is the core driver of growth in a multi-billion-pound industry. And the mandate for print businesses is clear: automate, adapt, and offer undeniable added value, or choose to gradually lose market share.
Powderless DTF is an important area of innovation. It deserves research, investment, and thoughtful development.
“But at its current stage, it often feels like the industry is attempting to commercialize the concept ahead of the underlying chemistry and system readiness”.
All Apparel Manufacturers face an Urgent Mandate: “Automate or be Left Behind”.
Industry leaders like Super Nova Sports and Ryozo International were struggling with severe pre-press bottlenecks and unsustainable fabric waste. By integrating AI Sublimation Software into their workflows, these forward-thinking businesses eliminated manual variable data entry, boosted fabric efficiency to over 80%, and reduced delivery times by more than half, establishing a highly profitable, agile, and environmentally responsible production model.
The Future of Manufacturing belongs to those who Embrace Connected Digital Ecosystems
“Whether you produce garments, car interiors, or home furnishings, the transition from creative concept to production-ready product often remains fragmented. Design teams work tirelessly to develop compelling materials, yet technical teams struggle to interpret these visions without losing data along the way.”
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.”
London, UK – August 2026 – The Royal College of Art (RCA) has announced the launch of the fourth RCA x Design for Good Academy, an ambitious live online short course that, for the first time, will open its places to the public alongside Design for Good alliance members and RCA students.
The programme begins in October 2026 and runs until March 2027.
Las Vegas, NV – August 2026 – Sun Chemical today announced its participation in PRINTING United Expo 2026, taking place 23-25 September 2026 at the Las Vegas Convention Centre.
Visitors are invited to booth C2880, where the company will present its latest advances in digital ink, textile, industrial, and sustainability-focused printing solutions designed to help printers transform their businesses.
At the heart of Sun Chemical's presence is a commitment to helping customers improve print quality, enhance sustainability, and optimise productivity.
Peterborough – August 2026 – The addition of embroidery to Snuggle Ltd’s in-house embellishment services, united DTF, DTG, Sublimation, UV and embroidery under a single roof at its UK headquarters.
The move positioned the company as one of the most comprehensive garment decoration operations in the industry.
The decision to invest in embroidery was driven directly by customer demand.
Milan, Italy – 26 August 2026 – Viscom, the international event dedicated to technologies, applications and materials for visual communication and the graphic arts, has revealed the key themes shaping its 2026 Conference programme.
Taking place on 28 and 29 October at the Allianz MiCo Convention Center in Milan, the event will explore how technological innovation, creativity and design capabilities are converging to transform the industry.
With its new Exhibition & Conference format, Viscom is strengthening its role as a hub for visual communication in Italy.
Matthews – NC – August 2026 – Fisher Textiles has announced the launch of its Enviro-Tex® fabric line, a range of sustainable textiles crafted from post-consumer recycled PET bottles.
The new offering delivers the quality, stretch, durability, and print performance customers expect, while helping reduce environmental impact across a wide variety of applications.
Enviro-Tex® is designed to meet the growing demand for sustainable materials without compromising on graphic quality.
Dubai, UAE – August 2026 – FESPA Middle East has announced FLEX, the FESPA Leadership Exchange, a landmark gathering of the print and signage industry's most influential decision-makers.
Taking place in Dubai, UAE, on 26 November 2026, the event will bring together the leaders shaping the future of the sector to exchange ideas, share perspectives and define the opportunities ahead.
As the market continues to evolve, FLEX responds to a clear need: the most valuable conversations happen among those driving change
Birmingham UK – August 2026 - Epson will showcase its latest ColorWorks colour-on-demand label printing solutions at PPMA Show 2026, taking place from 22–24 September at the NEC Birmingham.
Visitors to Epson’s stand (A54, Hall 5) will be able to discover how businesses can transform their labelling processes through in-house, full-colour label production that delivers greater flexibility, lower costs and reduced waste.
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.
WILMINGTON, Del., August 2026 – – DuPont has announced that its Artistri® Digital Printing Solutions are driving the next era of industrial direct-to-film (DTF) printing, moving beyond ink innovation to tackle the process challenges that now define productivity at scale.
Porthmadog, Wales – August 2026 – Vivid Laminating Technologies Ltd has completed the installation of its Razar print finishing system at Snowdonia Design & Print, marking the first Razar installation outside of England.
The milestone represents a significant step in the growing adoption of advanced, versatile finishing technology across the UK print sector.
Described as the "swiss army knife of print finishing", the Razar system brings a suite of high-precision capabilities to the Porthmadog-based printer
Sheffield, UK – Perfect Colours has been appointed the official UK distributor for Platinum Technologies International, the manufacturer formerly known as Liyu Technologies.
Announced in May at FESPA 2026, the partnership gives UK print businesses direct access to Platinum's full range of industrial large-format systems, backed by Perfect Colours' nationwide sales, installation, training, and engineering support.
Wednesday, August 26, 2026 - Richmond, VA: Drytac, the leading international manufacturer of self-adhesive materials for the large-format print and signage markets, is delighted to announce its plans for PRINTING United Expo 2026.
As Drytac continues its 50th anniversary celebrations, visitors will have the opportunity to experience new products, award-winning solutions and live applications across the show floor, highlighting five decades of expertise in adhesive science and coated media
Wakayama, Japan – August 2026 – SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD., a leading provider of digital textile solutions, will exhibit at Première Vision Paris, held from 1st to 3rd September 2026 at Paris Nord Villepinte in France.
The company will present its latest innovations in the event's "Smart Creation" area, a space dedicated to technologies that unite sustainability and innovation.
At the heart of SHIMA SEIKI's exhibit is its approach to Digital Product Creation (DPC), a workflow designed to optimise product development while reducing environmental impact.
Emmerich am Rhein, Nordrhein-Westfalen – August 2026 – Brother Industrial EMEA has announced the launch of a new white ink formula for its entire GTX series of textile printers.
Developed in response to evolving EU requirements, the new formulation meets the latest environmental and chemical standards while preserving the print quality and performance the brand is known for.
The new white ink reflects Brother's ongoing commitment to more sustainable textile production.
Clay Cross – Derbyshire – August 2026 – Resolute DTF has announced that free waste ink disposal is available to every printer customer as a core component of its service package.
The offering is designed to remove the administrative, legal, and financial burden of hazardous waste compliance from print shops across the UK, regardless of the machine model they operate or the volume they produce.
Danver Ma – August 2026 – Inkcups, a leading innovator in inkjet printing technology, has announced its participation in PRINTING United 2026, where it will showcase the Helix High Throw cylindrical UV printer.
The award-winning machine will be live on the show floor, printing on stemless wine tumblers and bowls throughout the event.
Attendees will have the opportunity to see the Helix High Throw in action across a wide range of applications, including handled drinkware, wide-diameter pieces such as mini kegs, plant pots, and more.
Coalville – Leicestershire – August 2026 – Innotech, one of the UK's leading independent media suppliers, has announced a new strategic partnership with China Print Supplies UK Ltd.
The collaboration will see China Print Supplies UK Ltd showcase a curated selection of Innotech materials at The Print Show, with an exclusive promotional offer available to attendees.
Shawnee, KS – August , 2026 – Nazdar Ink Technologies today announced the appointment of Edward (Ed) Baiden as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective 8th September 2026.
The appointment marks a significant milestone for Nazdar as the company builds on its century-long legacy and charts a course for its next chapter of growth and innovation across the global printing industry.
From September 23 – 25, at PRINTING United 2026 (Las Vegas Convention Center), Kongsberg and MultiCam will showcase how connected production workflows enhance precision, productivity, and scalability across print, display, packaging and signage applications.
Bacup – Lancashire-August 2026 – Super Wide-Digital, a family-run trade digital print company based in the North West of England, has confirmed its participation in The Print Show 2026.
The company will exhibit at stand P440, positioned at the heart of Hall 1 at the NEC, marking a significant step in its ongoing commitment to connecting with trade and creative professionals across the industry
London, UK – 20 August 2026 – AVA CAD/CAM, a leading provider of design software and solutions for the textile and fashion industry, has announced its highly anticipated Top 10 to Watch 2026 list, recognising ten outstanding graduating textile designers from universities across the United Kingdom.
The announcement follows AVA's attendance at New Designers, the annual exhibition showcasing the UK's most promising creative graduates
Roland DG South Africa has announced it will launch the new TrueVis VG4-540 and VG4-640 eco-solvent print and cut devices at the FESPA Africa and Sign Africa Expo.
The event is taking place from 8-10 September 2026, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, at Gallagher Convention Centre.
Altrincham – Cheshire – August 2926 – Friedmans Ltd, a UK-based textile manufacturer and digital printing specialist, has announced the expansion of its wholesale stretch fabric and digital printing services, offering designers, brands, and businesses an accessible route to fully customised fabric solutions with low minimum order quantities and fast turnaround times.
Frankfurt, Germany – August 2026 – Heimtextil, one of the world's leading trade fairs for home and contract textiles, has announced its return to Messe Frankfurt GmbH from 12 to 15 January 2027.
The event will once again transform its iconic home base into a showcase of the finest in woven, stitched, and draped textiles, reaffirming its position as the definitive gathering point for the global textile industry.
Rooted in the philosophy that everything starts at home, Heimtextil's return to Messe Frankfurt is a celebration of origins — both for the fair itself and for the broader world of interior textiles.
Derby – Derbyshire – UK – August 2026 – Vivid Laminating Technologies Ltd is pleased to announce that EBI Creative Print (Easibind International Ltd) has acquired not one, but two Veloblade Nexus cutting systems, reinforcing its position as one of the UK's most comprehensively equipped print facilities.
The purchase was made in partnership with Soyang Europe.
Goyang-si, South Korea – August 2026 – BARBIERI electronics, a leading innovator in colour measurement solutions, is set to exhibit at K-Print Korea, where the company will demonstrate its flagship Spectro LFP qb spectrophotometer at Booth L502.
Cape Town – South Africa – August 2026 – NUtec Digital Ink has announced that its Quartz Q50-HYB UV-curable hybrid ink has been awarded GREENGUARD Gold Certification and is now listed in the UL Spot database.
The certification marks a significant milestone in the company's ongoing commitment to developing high-performance ink solutions that meet the highest standards for environmental responsibility.
Tirana, Albania – August 2026 – Kridia ArtPrinting Solutions, an Albanian print and interior décor specialist, has announced its adoption of Roland DG's Dimense textured printing technology, positioning the company as the only provider of locally produced, custom embossed wallpaper in Albania.
By integrating the Dimense DA-640, the Dimense Module, and Roland DG Connect Designer into its production workflow, Kridia has significantly improved design efficiency, creative output, and turnaround times across its interior décor projects.
Echbolsheim – France – August 2026 – Caldera has announced that its Direct-to-Film software now supports the Brother DTRX100, one of the most advanced integrated direct-to-film (DTF) production systems available on the market today.
The development extends Caldera's growing portfolio of compatible DTF devices, offering print professionals greater flexibility in their choice of production hardware.
The Brother DTRX100 is a 32-inch roll-to-roll DTF printer engineered for high-volume, continuous production environments.
Rock Hill - SC – August 17, 2026 – SDL Atlas, a global leader in textile testing instruments, has announced the launch of the Vortex Elite, the most advanced instrument in its trusted Vortex series of AATCC Monograph wash testing equipment.
Building on the proven performance of the Vortex M6 and Vortex Plus, the Vortex Elite delivers high-precision, automatic dispensing of multiple liquid components, setting a new benchmark for accuracy, repeatability, and efficiency in textile wash testing.