Industry Insights & Opinion
EPSON DESIGN AWARDS IN COLLABORATION WITH LABELEDBY CELEBRATE EMERGING FASHION DESIGNERS FOR THE 3RD YEAR
“We are very proud to be able to organise the 3rd edition of this fantastic inspiring event. This edition we work even more closely with our partners. We use Epson sublimation print technology, Jetcol Sublimation transfer paper from Coldenhove, recycled PET 7 dead stock textiles from Greentex Fast and Klieverik calenders to create the most vibrant colours in the designs. I can’t wait till March 2024!” commented Jaco van Vuure.
IF YOU'RE TETHERED TO SCREEN PRINTING ALONE GROWING YOU'RE BUSINESS IN THE DIGITAL AGE WILL REMAIN A CHALLENGE
“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
PAPER FOR DYE SUBLIMATION PRINTING ON TEXTILE: HOW TO PRINT WITH OPTIMAL EFFICIENCY
“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 FUTURE OF AI & ML AND ITS IMPACT FOR THE DIGITAL MANUFACTURING COMMUNITY
“From design through production to sales and marketing AI & ML are playing an increasingly influential role in our futures, as the benefits are leveraged to enable hyper accurate planning and control. Looking forward, this role will only increase as the software and sensors develop, allowing greater integration of AI & ML into the broad spectrum of textiles and printed production.” FESPA Textile Ambassador”.
GREEN AGRICULTURE: SHAPING THE FUTURE OF FARMING AND PRODUCING "GREENER" NATURAL FIBRES - GUEST ARTICLE FROM CARY SHERBURNE
“When we write about sustainability in textiles, we are often talking about the manufacturing processes. But for true sustainability, we need to go back a step further to understand where the feed stocks are coming from. As with most things sustainable, progress, albeit slow from a global perspective, is being made, with more attention being turned to more sustainable processes in agriculture.” - Writes Cary Sherburne - WhatTheyThink
CONNECTING THE DOTS OF DIGITAL FASHION - DESIGN TO PRODUCTION AND THE DIGITAL IMPERATIVE
“It takes a highly organised, multi-disciplined supply chain to manufacture apparel for retail in a sustainable format. When we add in on-demand manufacturing the pressure intensifies. With literally thousands of global touchpoints to navigate for each product, it’s a landscape that remains burdened with waste and excess. In contrast - On-demand manufacturing technology offers new hope for the future of sustainable fashion entwined with a positive impact for the environment, and significant commercial gains for the fashion industry. Working together designers, suppliers and manufacturers can make a significant change, both creatively and commercially, steering the industry to a viable future.” Debbie McKeegan for PIXEL to PARCEL
AI - A NEW DAWN FOR DESIGN AND ITS IMPACT FOR THE DESIGN COMMUNITY WORLDWIDE
“Unless you've been seriously napping on trends, you would have seen the headlines and discussions on AI and what it means for the human race. I don't exaggerate when I say we are about to enter a new paradigm and it starts now. ” Cheryl O’Meara PRINT PATTERN ARCHIVE
GAMERCORE: GAMING AND PRINTED FASHION CONVERGE AT REPUBLIQE's PARIS DEBUT - WITH PHYGITALTWIN
“Imagine a world where digital designs from games transition seamlessly into on-demand, real-world fashion items. Waste is minimised, intermediaries are bypassed, and fashion becomes genuinely customer-centric. This vision departs from conventional fashion practices, where brands dictate trends. Republiqe and PhygitalTwin are at the forefront of turning this vision into a tangible reality, one digital thread at a time.”
DOES "SECOND HAND CHIC" OFFER A VIABLE PATHWAY TO SUPPORT SUSTAINABLE FASHION? GUEST ARTICLE FROM CARY SHERBURNE
“Whether it’s for-profit or not-for-profit, these are two examples that prove that secondhand chic is one of the paths out of the massive waste associated with today’s apparel industry. Every little bit helps. But even more importantly, perhaps initiatives like these will help push brands and retailers to be more responsible with their business models.…” - Writes Cary Sherburne - WhatTheyThink
NURTURING THE NEXT GENERATION - GREEN GRADS SIGNPOSTS INNOVATIONS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SUCCESS
“This year’s the ECO STORIES, Epson Design Challenge, for pattern/cloths that nurture the environment was won by the talented graduate Becky Brentnall and her “The Garden That Inspired” printed textile collection -“My work celebrates and promotes nature on a large scale, and I want it to enrich home and business interiors.” Becky commented ”
PRINTED SEWN APPAREL ON-DEMAND...WE INTERVIEW THE FOUNDERS OF PRINT LOGISTIC
“Print Logistic are Pioneering a whole new landscape for the manufacture of sewn textiles, their business model is adaptive and primed to revolutionise the manufacture and sale of apparel garments and décor products, both online and offline. Michal added “We offer a full end-to-end service. From receiving the order, we are preparing for production, printing, cutting, stitching, quality control, packaging, and dispatch direct to the consumer, retail store or warehouse”. Print Logistic
MOVING AT THE SPEED OF CULTURE...THE RISE OF THE DIGITAL SUPPLY CHAIN - GUEST ARTICLE FROM CHRIS GOVIER
“This culture shift is taking place across almost all creative industries – from music to art. Consumers get what they want, when they want it. Unfortunately, the one industry that has yet to catch up is fashion and apparel. That’s due to an analog supply chain built for the old way of production”. Guest Article - Chris Govier of Kornit Digital
TRACEABILITY IN APPAREL - A GOAL WITHOUT AN END POINT IN SIGHT - GUEST ARTICLE FROM CARY SHERBURNE
“The fashion industry has been under fire for some time over its excessive carbon footprint and the pollution it generates. Now a new metric is being thrown into the mix: Traceability. In this article, we define traceability and cite several reports that paint a not-very-flattering picture of progress the industry is making.” - Writes Cary Sherburne - WhatTheyThink
PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES OF LUXURY WALLCOVERINGS, EMILIANA PARATI INVEST IN EPSON TECHNOLOGY
“Established over 45 years ago, an Italian company Emiliana Parati, based in the province of Cremona, operate from a manufacturing site totalling an area of 40,000 square metres. With on-site production and a talented design team they continue to push the boundaries of design and printed wallcoverings to new heights.”
SUSTAINABLE TEXTILE PRINTING: 6 WAYS TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF YOUR PRINTING PROCESSES
“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
DISCOVER PRINT LOGISTIC CUSTOMIZERS – GROUND BREAKING TOOLS DESIGNED TO REVOLUTIONISE APPAREL
“In the world of e-commerce, providing exceptional and personalized shopping experiences has become the must. Once, personalized offerings, intuitive user experience, and seamless returns were the hallmarks of a standout online store. Now, they are the expectations of modern consumers. To break through the noise, you need to go beyond these standards and offer something truly unique.” Print Logistic
WHAT ARE YOU PRINTING ONTO? THE FIBRES OF THE FUTURE UNSPUN
“Natural resources are in short supply…bio-based substrates offer the digital textile printing industry significant potential for driving sustainability and environmental change, by reducing the industries environmental impact and restoring ecological balance. ” Debbie McKeegan for PIXEL to PARCEL
INTERIOR DECOR: FIVE RECENT INNOVATIONS FOR DIGITALLY PRINTED WALLCOVERINGS TO EXPLORE
“The digitally printed wallpaper market size was valued at USD 2.71 billion in 2022 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.2% from 2023 to 2030, which will see the global market grow to over USD 10.32 billion (Research & Markets)” FESPA Textile Ambassador”.
CO-CREATING THE FUTURE OF FASHION WITH EPSON IN COLLABORATION WITH YUIMA NAKAZATO - GUEST ARTICLE BY HEATHER KENDLE
“Epson and Nakazato share a common goal: to promote a sustainable future by eliminating wasteful water and textile processes in fashion production. Through their joint efforts, they aim to revolutionise the industry and pave the way for more environmentally responsible practices.” Heather Kendle Manager, Product Management, Epson Europe BV
ARE COOLING FABRICS THE NEXT HOT THING IN APPAREL? - GUEST ARTICLE FROM CARY SHERBURNE
“As Earth continues to heat up, brands, retailers and consumers alike are looking for innovate cooling technologies for textiles and apparel, and there are a number of them already on the market. As we note in this article, however, this is very much a “buyer beware” market, as not all cooling fabrics appear to operate as promised. Read on to learn more…” - Writes Cary Sherburne - WhatTheyThink