Industry Insights & Opinion
SEREN UNLU WINS THE EPSON DIGITAL TEXTILE PRINTING AWARD AT NEW DESIGNERS LONDON
“Awarding talent, offers the graduates vital encouragement and validates their hard work. This year Staffordshire university graduate Seren Unlu won the Epson Digital Textile Printing Award for her beautiful, vibrant, colourful collection that stunned all five of the judges Seren’s work is bright, bold and beautiful. She has used digital technologies to enhance her creativity and to manufacture a range of products that showcase her talents.”
RESILIENCE, INNOVATION AND HERITAGE: THE 100 YEAR PRINT JOURNEY OF STANDFAST & BARRACKS
”Their digital journey began over 20 years ago, during which time S&B have continually invested, researched, perfected, primed, and developed their facility to offer a powerhouse of digital textile production. Their heritage and its preservation have ensured that knowledge is protected, nurtured and shared and that excellence and talent are rewarded, there is a palpable pride in every member of the team, and they function as a team - there is no "I". in team” Debbie McKeegan - FESPA Textile Ambassador
THE IMPACT OF SOFTWARE TO LEVERAGE PRINT WITHIN THE CREATOR ECONOMY: INSIGHTS FROM HENRIK MULLER HANSEN OF GELATO
”Now operating in over 32 countries, Gelato has revolutionised how businesses and individuals approach printed products and their design, sale, and fulfilment. To give an indication of scale, in 2023 more than 25,000 new ecommerce players placed orders through their platform, and using Gelato Connect, millions of orders were fulfilled and delivered to end-customers in 184 countries. In 2022, more than 85% of Gelato’s orders were produced in the same country as the end-customer.” Debbie McKeegan - FESPA Textile Ambassador
EXPLORING THE FASHION BIOME: KEY STAKEHOLDERS DISCUSS MANUFACTURING, SUSTAINABILITY AND TECHNOLOGY
“This roundtable paints a clearer picture of the road the fashion industry must embark on. The collective emphasis on fruitful collaboration, legislative enforcement of sustainable practices, complete transparency, nurturing an educated ecosystem, and shifting focus toward a circular economy model, charts out the roadmap to sustainability in fashion.” Debbie McKeegan | CEO Texintel
PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES OF EPR RESPONSIBILITY FOR TEXTILES: NEW REPORT FROM THE ELLEN MACARTHUR FOUNDATION
“Policy alone cannot solve the problem of textile waste. Voluntary business action, including the establishment of voluntary EPR schemes, are key to accelerate progress. Coordinated and compounding industry action is needed to challenge the linear economic model at its core, and to capture the opportunity to reuse and recycle textile products and materials at scale….” Ellen Macarthur Foundation
HOW TO LEVERAGE TECHNOLOGY TO DISRUPT THE FUTURE OF SPORTSWEAR MANUFACTURING? WE DEEP DIVE AT FESPA WITH INDUSTRY EXPERTS
”As the industry evolves, manufacturers who adopt digital process to reduce their environmental impact will lead the way. Personalised, high-performing products that adhere to ethical and sustainable practices resonate with the modern consumer. The convergence of technology, consumer demand, and ethical considerations offers new growth opportunities and positions Sports brands to thrive.” Debbie McKeegan - FESPA Textile Ambassador
HOW TO IMPLEMENT SUSTAINABLE MANUFACTURING AT ANY SCALE? WE EXPLORE THE TOPIC AT PERSONALISE MAKE WEAR WITH INDUSTRY SPECIALISTS
”Held at the recent FESPA Global Expo in Amsterdam, the "Personalise Make Wear" feature showcased a live custom-built, end-to-end Smart Factory that manufactured customised, personalised sportswear on-demand. The feature signposted the future of manufacturing as the industry shifts to sustainable, environmental production”. Debbie McKeegan - FESPA Textile Ambassador
DRIVING ON DEMAND PRODUCTION AT SCALE: MEET GELATO AND EXPLORE HOW GELATO-CONNECT CAN TRANSFORM YOUR PRINTED PRODUCTION
“Procurement, workflows, and logistics need to be connected and optimized into one single workflow, as online print service providers need to be masters in cost-efficient and fast-turnaround print production spanning multiple sites and production devices. European section editor Ralf Schlözer points out how, in a remarkable move, online print provider Gelato is now opening up its software solution and production platform, GelatoConnect, to all print service providers”. By Ralf Schlozer | WhatTheyThink
EPSON DESIGN AWARDS 2024: A CREATIVE CELEBRATION OF INCLUSIVITY, SUSTAINABILITY AND INNOVATION
“The 2024 Epson Design Awards honoured outstanding creativity, unity, and progressive thinking in fashion design across the Benelux region. With inclusivity and diversity at the forefront, designers from various backgrounds converged to showcase their talents and ingenuity in a celebration of artistry and innovation. In collaboration with LABELEDBY., the competition, once again, served as a strategic platform for emerging designers to amplify their voices and push the boundaries of conventional design.”
PATTERN AND PRINT MARKET SHIFTS AND THE IMPACT OF CONSUMER BEHAVIOURS/TRENDS ON THE FUTURE OF PRINT WITH KRISTINE GO OF PATTERN CURATOR
Recently, we had the privilege of collaborating with Kristine Go, founder of Pattern Curator - a Print forecasting and design service concept based in New Jersey, USA - giving us a fascinating glimpse into the future. Kristine Go's trend forecasting presents profound implications for the market, emphasizing the need for industries to attune themselves to the evolving consumer psyche. The ongoing dance between creativity and commerce is thus becoming more intricate, requiring a delicate balance to achieve commercial success without compromising on creative integrity or societal values.
THE DIGITALISATION OF THE TEXTILE INDUSTRY IS THE NUMBER ONE PRIORITY: TECHTEXTIL / TEXPROCESS 2024 REVIEW
“This global gathering not only highlighted the expanse of R&D and technical advancements being made within the textile industry but also emphasised the importance of sustainable development. Keynote speeches and panels focused on the challenges of achieving environmental sustainability while maintaining productivity and profitability, sparking debates and discussions among industry leaders, policymakers, and academic community” Debbie McKeegan, CEO - Texintel
PARIS SPRING / SUMMER 2024: EPSON AND DESIGNER YUIMA NAKAZATO DEBUT A POWERFUL COUTURE COLLECTION THAT SIGNPOSTS THE FUTURE OF FASHION
“Japanese fashion designer Yuima Nakazato remained focused on innovative, environmental sourcing and sustainability for his latest couture Spring/Summer 2024 fashion collection. For the third year, Epson and the talented Nakazato fashion house have collaborated to foster the use of environmentally friendly solutions in the fashion industry, through the use of advanced technologies, leveraging Epson printing technologies alongside Epson’s innovative Dry Fibre Technology.”
WHAT MAKES A FACTORY SMART? - WE EXPLORE THE TOPIC AT PERSONALISE MAKE WEAR - WITH INDUSTRY SPECIALISTS
“The smart factory offers a manufacturing platform that encompasses digital technologies, print automation, and seamless workflows for on-demand production and direct customer delivery. Each element of smart production technology whether RIP software, digital print manufacturers, automation systems, or workflow management collectively crafts a seamless smart factory that operates using “one language” Debbie McKeegan - FESPA Textile Ambassador
BREAKING THROUGH THE NOISE: 5 INSIDER TIPS FOR STAND-OUT TEXTILE PRINT IN A SATURATED DESIGN MARKET
“In a saturated market, standing out with original print designs may seem like a daunting task. But by knowing your brand inside and out, finding your unique voice, embracing innovation and experimentation, staying true to your vision, and connecting with your audience, you can break through the noise and make a lasting impact with your designs. Be bold, trust your instincts and let your creativity soar!” Cheryl O’Meara PRINT PATTERN ARCHIVE
TECHNOLOGY REVIEW: SUSTAINABLE INNOVATIONS AT FESPA AMSTERDAM 2024 - PIONEERING ECO-CONSCIOUS PRINT SOLUTIONS
“Print businesses must address the requirements of an increasingly eco-aware consumer base and Fespa - Amsterdam didn’t disappoint as a destination for print innovation and ground-breaking industry insight. The convergence of sustainability with cutting-edge technology illustrates the industry's forward-thinking approach, ensuring that the future of print is not just innovative but also responsible.“.
NAVIGATING THE SHIFT: INDUSTRY 5.0 AND THE FASHION INDUSTRY'S RENAISSANCE - LUI IAROCHESKI SHARES HIS INSIGHTS
“As we enter this new industrial revolution, it's crucial to explore how Industry 5.0 is set to transform the fashion industry, reshaping everything from design and production processes to consumer engagement and sustainability practices. This article delves into the heart of Industry 5.0, tracing its roots from previous industrial revolutions to its current incarnation, and examines its transformative impact on the fashion world.
POWERING PRINTED MANUFACTURING USING WORKFLOW AUTOMATION - PRINT LOGISTIC AND ON-DEMAND PRODUCTION INNOVATION
“One of the most compelling advantages of Print Logistics’ business model is the unparalleled design flexibility it offers. Clients can effortlessly update or customize their designs, adapting swiftly to shifting consumer preferences and market trends without the burden of leftover stock. Additionally, this model substantially shortens the time-to-market, freeing businesses from the constraints of minimum order quantities and enabling rapid delivery of orders.” Print Logistic
CREATIVE COLLABORATION AND INDUSTRY HIGHLIGHTS FROM LONDON DESIGN WEEK 2024
“London Design Week 2024, held at the iconic Chelsea Harbour, is a staple in the design calendar for all creatives and professionals involved within the interior industry. Filled with innovative, fresh ideas for textiles, wallcoverings, lighting and flooring, furniture and beyond - Chelsea, never fails to inspire and to showcase and highlight the innovative creativity of the UK’s Interior furnishings industry - and their growing demand for environmental best practice”.
CASE STUDY: SMART TEXTILE TECHNOLOGIES AND INNOVATIVE BIO-MATERIALS REWIRE AND REMAP THE INTERIOR DECOR SILK ROAD
“As we progress towards more sustainable practices, Thomas urges industry players to make informed decisions—learn about what they buy, understand customer preferences, and choose sustainable materials and partners. He envisions a future where the industry is dotted with digital manufacturing hubs, leading to significant environmental benefits across multiple textile market sectors.” Debbie McKeegan - FESPA Textile Ambassador
NEW FIBRE AND MATERIALS INFLUENCING THE FUTURE OF SUSTAINABLE PRINTED SPORTSWEAR
“The landscape of sportswear is changing dramatically as the decade progresses. With a heightened focus on sustainability, manufacturers have turned their attention to the use of recycled and new fibre materials to influence production.” Debbie McKeegan - FESPA Textile Ambassador