“On Earth Day, we reflect not only on the environmental challenges we face but also on the innovative ways the textile industry is rising to meet them. The textile sector, historically associated with high levels of resource consumption and waste, is undergoing a digital transformation. At the heart of this change? Digital textile printing, automation, and agile manufacturing practices. But how is the intersection of technology and sustainability shaping the future of the textile industry? We asked our peers and industry collaborators for their insights” Debbie McKeegan | CEO | Texintel

In the last couple of years, new pigment inks formulations have been introduced by major ink manufacturers, and this time it looks like the pigment application is here to stay!

“Supported by the sustainability push from major fashion and home textile brands, pigment ink improvements followed each other quickly and meanwhile the major drawbacks have been reduced to a level that commercial production printing with pigment inks has become feasible”. Jos Notermans, The Note Consultancy B.V.

The consumer desire for personalisation is more than just a trend; it’s a seismic shift in shopping behaviour. A survey by Deloitte revealed that up to 50% of consumers are interested in purchasing personalised products or services.

For ecommerce brands, this represents an enormous opportunity to not only meet demand but to create premium offerings that justify higher price points and strengthen customer loyalty.

The Changing Landscape of Fashion Design and Manufacturing: For decades, the apparel industry has relied on rigid supply chains and high-volume manufacturing to meet consumer demand. While this model delivered affordable fast-fashion, it came at a cost—overproduction, significant textile waste, and a lack of personalisation in what customers wear.

On-demand customisation offers a radically different approach. By leveraging digital design and printing technologies, brands can now create apparel tailored to individual tastes, produced only when needed.

Supporting the Next Generation of Designers is Key to a Sustainable Print Industry:

The textile industry is undergoing rapid transformation, a transformation that is currently out pacing the transfer of knowledge. Sustainability, innovation, and digital proficiency have become non-negotiable for commercial success for all professionals in this space. A space in which the next generation of designers are uniquely positioned to drive change - making it essential to support and nurture their potential if we are to build a sustainable and thriving future for the print industry.

“Traditional visual checks have become archaic in an industry that demands precision and replicability. By utilising technologies such as spectrophotometers, we can shine a light, quite literally, on printed materials and collect spectral data to achieve exact colour measurement”. Viktor Lazzeri | Barbieri Electronic

On-demand capabilities focus on the ability to produce items quickly and efficiently in smaller batches…

“Personalised fashion goes a step further, requiring not only on-demand efficiency but also advanced technologies to support the design and manufacture of infinite product and print variables.

This distinction highlights that while on-demand production is a backbone of modern manufacturing agility, personalisation adds an additional layer of complexity and innovation.” Guy Alroy | Early.Vision

As the global market evolves, textile companies like Eurojersey are at the forefront, embracing digital transformation and sustainability to foster growth and customer loyalty. “With digital technologies, Eurojersey can manage on-demand printing, enabling the company to produce smaller batches based on specific customer requirements or changing market trends. This reduces the need for large inventory storage and allows for rapid response to customer orders or changes.” Alessio Zocchi

“With creativity at the forefront, the efficiency and precision of digital printing have redefined what is possible for interior design in this decade and beyond - democratising the marketplace.

To thrive in this intuitive, technology-driven environment, leaders must adapt, innovate, and seize new market opportunities as they present themselves”.

“London College of Fashion’s ground-breaking work has demonstrated how teaching AI prompting can imbue designers with enhanced control while keeping the creative process distinctly human. Matthew Drinkwater, Head of the London College of Fashion Innovation Agency: “AI will not replace designers; rather, it will elevate their creative potential, allowing them to achieve outcomes they could never have imagined before.” This statement underscores LCF’s commitment to integrating technology with creativity in a way that empowers the next generation of innovators.”

“Kathryn Sanders, the founder of Western Sensibility, based in Montana, USA - From crafting one-of-a-kind bespoke textiles to innovating sustainable printing techniques, her work embodies the marriage of “Art and Technology”. Her mission to create a world where design is not limited by traditional constraints that disrupts the Interior Industries status Quo – and in doing so moves to democratise design.” Debbie McKeegan | CEO | Texintel

“Microfiber pollution is one of the most urgent issues facing the textile industry. Synthetic fibers, which comprise a significant portion of modern fabrics, shed millions of microscopic particles during manufacturing and washing processes. According to recent studies, garment production and laundering are responsible for 35% of the microplastic pollution in our oceans. These microfibers not only impact marine ecosystems but also infiltrate human bodies, posing severe risks to health by accumulating in organs and disrupting critical systems.”

“We celebrate the women in the design industry who have shaped and continue to shape the world of creativity. From pioneering female designers to today’s women creative leaders, women have long been at the forefront of innovation—pushing boundaries, redefining aesthetics, and proving that design is as much about storytelling as it is about decoration”. Print Pattern Archive

“DTF will over the year ahead continue to force the printer, and the garment decoration industry to re-evaluate their production processes. For many manufacturers its emergence, ongoing innovation and eventual automation, will upend both DTG and Screen printing applications and business models....” Texintel Editorial Team

“For this revealing show, six graduates have been carefully chosen for their common commitment to sustainable design and production, spotlighting natural fibres, dyes and biomaterials, with ways to cut waste, water and energy, plus other innovative eco-friendly techniques. Find projects by assured new professionals at the very cutting edge of textiles today. “

“What if the secret to your business's growth lies not in volume, or meterage, but in creating a product that's uniquely tailored to the customer? Personalisation is no longer a novelty; it’s fast becoming the new normal across the print industry. Businesses that fail to adapt risk being left behind as consumer expectations shift to on-demand, customised experiences as standard.” Debbie McKeegan | FESPA Textile Ambassador

“It's clear that as the Interior Decoration market flexes to meet the requirements of an industry now facing the same challenges as the fashion industry namely: Over stock, Geo-Politics, Energy, Regulation and an emerging Price War of weaponised Tariffs – Design, technology, print and manufacturing process remain ever entwined…” Debbie McKeegan | FESPA Textile Ambassador

“Each of our Green Grads – and we now have 200 listed on our website – has their unique suggested way of dealing with the environmental challenges the world faces today,” says founder/curator Barbara Chandler“

“As the digital printing industry forges a new path for sustainable growth, companies like Kornit Digital are utilising innovation and collaboration to disrupt traditional markets like home décor. As we look ahead, it's clear that this shift to a more sustainable, transparent, and customer-focused model offers a viable, creative and strategic future for the print industry and the creator economy.”

“TRAPIS (Print Transfer Technology) from Mimaki is spearheading a transformation for the printing industry, by redefining traditional print methods with cutting-edge innovation. This groundbreaking technology offers a viable alternative to direct to fabric print solutions - it offers a resource efficient, sustainable method of print transfer and is setting a new benchmark for the future of printing. By minimising waste and maximising productivity, the TRAPIS solution addresses our industry's demand for eco-conscious and high-performance manufacturing solutions.”