”This final fireside chat at the Fespa PMW live smart factory offers a deep dive into the knowledge transfer required between technology and production. Without acute control - chaos reigns supreme in the manufacturing workflow. In conversation, speakers examined key topics such as collaboration, standardisation, and the integration of technology to improve production quality. They addressed important issues including colour management, workflow automation, and the influence of AI on creativity and intellectual property.” Debbie McKeegan - FESPA Textile Ambassador

“We’ve been talking a great deal about the deleterious effects of Fast Fashion on our planet. Now we have a counterpoint to discuss—an effort in Congress to rein in fast fashion with the launch of the Slow Fashion Caucus. Plus, California is putting even more teeth into its recycling efforts with a proposed bill that establishes an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program for recycling clothing and textile fibers. And France is proposing a Fast Fashion Tax and an EU ban on exporting used clothing.” - Writes Cary Sherburne - WhatTheyThink

“Researchers and academics from Textile Engineering and Materials Research Group (TEAM) of De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) were part of the Expo’s innovation zone, featuring collaborations which could pave the way for alternative materials and solutions that could reduce the environmental impact of textile production and support the textile industry transition to circularity”.

“This roundtable discussion is a treasure trove of insights into the future of on-demand textile production. The discussion unravels the complex interplay between market shifts towards sustainability, fabric innovations, colour management, and the role of technology in scaling production. Emphasising on the importance of collaboration, efficiency, and continuous adaptation, the conversation reveals the textile industry as an ever-evolving landscape, ready to embrace change and strive for innovation”.

“If we look to Apparel - a complex sector where in order to reap the environmental and commercial benefits - technology must be implemented at scale. In reality the digitisation of this vast, complicated industry and the entire textile industry will take many years. Rewiring the entire apparel supply chain is underway but progress is slow and painfully incremental – and must accelerate if the industry is to make positive environmental change.” Debbie McKeegan for PIXEL to PARCEL

Print collections as seen largely at New Designers, London today are likely to be the personal expression of their designer, telling a very particular story. Take for example Laura Wigham who calls her collection "The Wild North" - with punchy patterns inspired by "wild uninhabited places" such as the Scottish Highlands and Borders and Northumberland - "ancient, dramatic and remote." Barbara Chandler - co-founder Green Grads

“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.”

”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

”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

“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

“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

”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

”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

“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

“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.”

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.

“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

“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.”

“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

“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