GRADUATES 2023 - MEET TEXTILE DESIGNER ALICE JACOBY
“Welcome to the Texintel Graduates 2023 interview series showcasing a snapshot of talented creatives emerging from university here in the UK. In todays episode we interview Alice Jacoby a recent BA(hons) textile graduate of Falmouth University. A textile graduate specialising in weave and knit, her work embodies the heart of her generation, and a passion for sustainable process. Natural materials, dyed using reclaimed and repurposed waste.“
Welcome to the Texintel Graduates 2023 interview series showcasing a snapshot of talent creatives emerging from university here in the UK.
In todays episode we interview Alice Jacoby a recent BA(hons) textile graduate of Falmouth University.
A textile graduate specialising in weave and knit, her work embodies the heart of her generation, and a passion for sustainable process.
Natural materials, dyed using reclaimed and repurposed waste.
We wish Alice and her 2023 cohort every success and welcome them into the textile industry.
The 2027 FESPA Awards are now open for entry, and the message to businesses across textiles, apparel, interiors and beyond is simple: your work deserves recognition. Every gold winner featured here started in the same place every entrant does - with a project they believed was worth submitting.
As the only independent awards programme with 18 categories dedicated to print and signage, FESPA offers a genuinely global stage, with shortlisted entries displayed at FESPA Global Print Expo in Spring 2027.
Colour Is Too Important to Leave to Chance
Print will always be the part of the garment people see first.
But the sum of all parts — the fabric, the trims, the fasteners, the finish — is what determines whether a design actually delivers on its promise. Brands that continue to treat colour as a single creative decision, rather than a coordinated technical discipline spanning their entire supply chain, will keep paying for it in re-dips, delays, and disappointed design teams.
A Century of Textiles, and an Ever-changing World
Few companies can trace their roots back more than a century and still count themselves among their industry's innovators. Texia, headquartered in Monistrol de Montserrat, Spain, is one of them.
But the story of Texia is not simply one of longevity.
It is a story of continual reinvention. As the textile industry has grown more global and competitive, Texia has repeatedly reshaped its business, investing in technology, developing its own brands, and placing sustainability at the centre of its mission. In doing so, it offers a compelling example of how a heritage manufacturer can lead rather than follow through a period of profound industry change. Image Credit: Texia
What are we craving Ultimately?
The instinct to slow down while simultaneously optimising every measurable aspect of life isn't a passing curiosity. It's a structural response to a world that feels increasingly unstable, and it's reshaping what people expect from their homes, hotels, workplaces and healthcare environments alike.
For the design and manufacturing sectors, this means rethinking both product and process.
The Structual Shift is Real and its Already Here
Volumes are moving east, where digital production is accelerating rapidly. Consumer behaviour has shifted.
Demand is now driven by personalisation, shorter buying cycles, and an expectation of near-instant responsiveness. Regulatory pressure is intensifying, with supply chain transparency now a legal and commercial fact in many markets. And margins? They are under sustained, structural pressure.
This is not a temporary disruption. It is a fundamental reordering of how textile manufacturing must operate.
The Challenge: Standing Firm as the Industry Shifts
The wallpaper landscape has changed dramatically. Digital printing has lowered the barrier to entry, spawning countless direct-to-consumer brands and pushing much of the market towards faster, cheaper production.
At the same time, manufacturing in the UK has grown steadily harder - rising minimum wage, national insurance, energy and substrate costs all bear down on margins. Surface Print have embraced all of these challenges - and stand resolutely prepared for the future.
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 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.”
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.”
Shanghai – China -October 2026 – BARBIERI Electronics, a global leader in professional colour measurement solutions, has announced its participation in ALL IN PRINT CHINA 2026, taking place from 12–16 October 2026 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre.
The company will exhibit alongside its partner, Beijing Dingli Xintong Technology Co. Ltd, at Booth N2A219, where COO and Co-Managing Director Viktor Lazzeri will meet with customers, partners and print professionals from across the industry
Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) Ltd has reinforced its two‑ decade partnership with Epson by expanding the range of Epson wide format print technologies now available for live demonstration at its UK Client Engagement Centre (CEC) in Dunstable.
The move reflects Konica Minolta’s commitment to supporting the UK commercial print sector with a broader, more versatile portfolio and giving customers hands‑on access to leading solutions.
Bracknell – Berkshire - October 2026 - UFABRIK has added IGEPA Hungária to its expanding European distribution network, bringing its digital textile portfolio to customers across Hungary through one of the country’s leading print and visual communications suppliers.
The agreement will see IGEPA Hungária introduce the UFABRIK range to customers from its operations in Budapest and Nyíregyháza, with local stockholding, technical support, and wide-format availability up to 5 metres.
New York – NY – October 2026 – Optitex, a global leader in fashion technology solutions, has announced a significant update to its CutPlan software, introducing Purchase Order (PO) Wise capability as part of its O/26.1 release.
The new feature allows manufacturers to plan multiple Purchase Orders for the same style independently, addressing a long-standing inefficiency within the cut planning process.
United Kingdom – September 2026 – Inkloft, a new specialist digital printing business founded by Gary Weyman and Andy Hancock, has announced its entry into the direct-to-film (DTF) market.
The company has been appointed as a distributor of DuPont™ Artistri® DTF products, including P1600 inks and Artistri Jettable Adhesive JA1100, both now available to purchase online through inkloft.co.uk.
Peterborough, UK – October 2026 – Snuggle Ltd has today reaffirmed its commitment to redefining industrial garment decoration, combining high-volume output with environmentally responsible production methods at its Peterborough facility.
The announcement highlights the company's investment in water-based pigment ink digital printing technology, a move designed to cut the environmental footprint of large-scale apparel decoration without compromising on quality.
At the core of Snuggle's operation is industrial water-based pigment ink digital printing, which replaces the chemical-heavy alternatives traditionally used across the sector.
Manchester – October 2026 – Premier Digital Textiles has today highlighted its 33130 Achill Natural Linen, a beautifully understated fabric defined by timeless texture and natural character.
The luxurious fabric reflects the company's ongoing commitment to quality materials that serve both designers and the environment
Gent – Belgium – October 2026 – Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems has announced its participation in India CorrExpo 2026, following a successful week exhibiting at PRINTING United Expo 2026.
The company will showcase its latest advancements in digital cutting and routing technology, demonstrating how businesses across print, display, packaging and signage can achieve greater precision, productivity and scalability.
The event will take place from 14 to 16 October 2026 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai, where Kongsberg will be exhibiting at Booth B80, Hall 4.
Coalville – Leicestershire – October 2026 – Innotech Digital & Display has concluded a successful first-time exhibition at The Print Show, held at the NEC over three days, unveiling its new Black Display Hardware Collection and demonstrating its materials in action through a series of industry partnerships.
The event marked a significant milestone for Innotech, offering the company its first opportunity to engage directly with the wider print community on this platform.
Visitors to the stand were able to explore product samples, view the newly launched Black Display Hardware Collection, and speak with the Innotech team about the latest developments in digital and display materials
Las Vegas – Nv -October 2026 – Durst Group AG has confirmed its first US customer orders for the Durst P5 350 CORE, following the system's debut at PRINTING United Expo.
The announcement caps a milestone year for the platform, which launched earlier in 2026 at FESPA Global Print in Barcelona and went on to win an EDP Award ahead of its US introduction.
The P5 350 CORE drew significant attention from attendees throughout the Expo, with interest converting directly into sales as the first American customers placed their orders on the show floor.
Altrincham- Cheshire – UK – October 2026 – Funkifabrics, a provider of fabrics for fashion and design, today highlighted a striking collection of garments created by renowned designer [theofficialglobegirls], which prominently features its textiles.
The collection showcases the versatility and quality of Funkifabrics' materials, reinforcing the company's commitment to supporting bold, creative expression across the fashion industry.
The collaboration, shared across Funkifabrics' social media channels, has already generated significant engagement from the fashion community, with many praising the craftsmanship and visual impact of the designs.
Belgrade, Serbia – October 2026 – Brother Industrial EMEA today announced that its GTX300 digital textile printer has been awarded the prestigious Gold Seal Award at Grafima 2026, the 46th International Fair of Graphic, Paper and Creative Industries, held in Belgrade.
The machine received top honours in the category "Digital Printing Machines for Textile Materials up to 160cm Wide", as judged by the fair's expert panel.
The Gold Seal Award recognises outstanding quality, innovation and professional capability within the graphic and textile printing industries.
Shanghai, China – October 2026 – FabricVision, a global innovator in textile production, has marked the successful completion of its first full year of operations, announcing ambitious expansion plans across both China and Europe.
The milestone was celebrated last week during China Expo in Shanghai, where the company convened with its team at Jinmao to review achievements and set strategic priorities for the year ahead.
The company's first year has been defined by rapid growth and deepening customer relationships, according to leadership.
Rapidity, a nearly 40-year-old London print and communications specialist, needed finishing equipment capable of matching the speed and complexity of its growing client roster, which includes Arsenal, Shell, and Aston Martin.
By partnering with Vivid Laminating Technologies and investing in three Veloblades, two Matrix systems, and an Easymount unit, Rapidity strengthened its production capabilities while maintaining the meticulous quality standards that have defined the business since 1986.
Klagenfurt - Austria – October 2026– Zimmer Austria, a global leader in textile printing and coating solutions, will be at IGATEX Pakistan 2026, one of the region's premier textile machinery exhibitions.
The company will exhibit its latest digital printing, screen printing, and coating technologies from 15–18 October 2026, at Hall 2, Booth F-2-09, in Karachi, Pakistan
Returning for the fifth time to Manchester’s GNCCF (Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair) are the GREEN GRADS,** 20 of the brightest of the UK’s new wave of eco-activists who have just graduated from universities all over the country, from Falmouth to Glasgow. The Fair runs from Thursday October 15 (private view) to Sunday October 18 (closes 4pm).
GREEN GRADS in the NORTH are taking over the 46 “changing cubicles” with their distinctive framework of blue cast iron, that fringe the gallery of Pool C, in the splendid Victoria Baths, Manchester. There is also a shop, curated by Laura Wigham, GREEN GRAD of 2024, with exclusive arts and crafts by GREEN GRAD makers from previous years.
Crewe, Cheshire – October 6th 2026 – Hybrid Services Ltd, the UK and Ireland distributor for Mimaki, has announced three dedicated demo days at its Crewe showroom, giving businesses a further opportunity to see the latest Mimaki machines in action.
Running from Tuesday 13th to Thursday 15th October, the drop-in sessions follow the machines' debut at The Print Show 2026 at the NEC Birmingham and are designed for those who missed the event, or want more time to explore the technology at their own pace.
Chesterfield, UK – October 2026 – Resolute DTF, a leading provider of direct-to-film printing solutions, has concluded its participation in The Print Show, last week, with an overwhelmingly positive response from attendees.
The event gave the company an opportunity to showcase its latest innovations in DTF and UV DTF printing technology to print businesses from across the industry.
Visitors to the Resolute DTF stand were given hands-on access to the company's expanding product range, including its R-JET PRO DTF and UVi-3D UV DTF printers, alongside its portfolio of inks, films, and finishing equipment.
Capurso, Italy – October - 2026 – Agfa Inkjet Solutions today announced that Digibux Print, an Italian digital print specialist, has invested in the Jeti Bronco H3300 HS, a 3.3-metre wide-format hybrid UV LED inkjet printer.
The investment marks a significant step in Digibux Print's evolution from digital print specialist to industrial production powerhouse, as the company expands its production capabilities to meet changing customer demands.
London, UK – 25 September 2026 – Sanderson Design Group PLC (AIM: SDG), the luxury interior furnishings group, today announced a 10-year licensing agreement with Dunelm for Designers Guild, the luxury interiors brand acquired by Dunelm in April 2025.
Under the Agreement, Sanderson Design Group has been granted the sole licence to design, manufacture and sell Designers Guild wallpapers, fabrics and paint worldwide.
The Agreement grants Sanderson Design Group access to Designers Guild's extensive archive design library, alongside the opportunity to create new designs under the brand, in exchange for a royalty fee paid to Dunelm
Zoetermeer - Netherlands - October 2026 – Papergraphics has announced that its Netherlands branch is now an accredited partner for Canon printers, bringing the acclaimed GP and PRO series to Dutch customers for the first time.
The accreditation builds on Papergraphics' long-standing Canon partnership in the UK, extending the same calibre of large-format printing hardware to the Dutch market.
Neuss – Germany – October 2026 – B-FLEX Italia has announced a partnership with Epson Deutschland GmbH to showcase the future of direct-to-film printing at the Epson Production Days event in October.
The collaboration will bring B-FLEX's DTF film and hot-melt powder together with Epson's SureColor G9000 printer in live, twin-roll demonstrations designed to show how materials and machinery combine to maximise both quality and output in real production settings
Las Vegas – NV – October 2026 – Greentex, a leading supplier of sustainable textiles for apparel, home goods and sportswear, successfully concluded its participation at Printing United 2026, where the company connected with customers, partners and industry professionals to showcase its latest eco-conscious fabric solutions.
The event brought together key players across the printing and textile industries, offering Greentex the opportunity to demonstrate how sustainable materials can meet the rigorous demands of modern digital printing and textile customisation.
Attendees had the chance to see live demonstrations of Greentex's fabric offerings, including its recycled polyester and BCI cotton ranges, both designed to reduce environmental impact without compromising on performance or quality.
Birmingham – UK – October 2026 – China Print Supplies UK Ltd has concluded a successful three-day exhibition at The Sign Show, where the company showcased its latest range of printers, cutting tables, and equipment bundles to industry professionals and visitors.
Throughout the event, the China Print Supplies UK team engaged with attendees, delivered live demonstrations of its machinery, and discussed how its growing product range can help signage and print businesses stay ahead in an increasingly competitive and sustainability-conscious market.
“We were thrilled with the turnout and engagement at this year's Sign Show. Conversations with visitors reinforced the direction we're taking as a business — one that puts innovation and responsible manufacturing at the forefront," said China Print Supplies UK Ltd.
Dorking – UK – October 2026 – FESPA has announced that its 2027 edition in Munich will bring together five specialist events into a single destination, offering exhibitors an unprecedented opportunity to reach audiences spanning print, signage, merchandising, wrapping and textiles.
The consolidated event reflects the increasingly interconnected nature of the speciality print and signage industries, where brands and suppliers are seeking more efficient ways to engage with buyers across multiple disciplines.
By combining five dedicated events, FESPA 2027 will enable exhibitors to showcase their offerings to a broader and more diverse audience, all within one venue
Leicester, UK – October 2026 – De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) will open a landmark exhibition celebrating the work of fashion icon Dame Zandra Rhodes, following her decision to donate a significant part of her personal archive to the university.
Zandra Rhodes: Archive Unfolded will showcase highlights from a donation spanning six decades of Rhodes' career, from 1964 to 2025, featuring thousands of objects including licensed work, press cuttings, film, opera material and colour transparencies.
The gift follows Dame Zandra's Honorary Doctorate of the Arts from DMU in 2023, when she announced her intention to place a key part of her archive with the university's Special Collections.
London, UK – September 2026 – ARTS THREAD hosted an in-person judging event for its Global Creative Graduate Showcase at the Zaha Hadid Gallery, Barbican, bringing together industry judges to evaluate the next generation of creative talent.
The event also marked the introduction of the ARTS THREAD Vault, a new initiative set to shape how creative work is archived and accessed.
The gathering reflects ARTS THREAD's ongoing commitment to supporting emerging creatives as they transition from education into industry, while also advancing the infrastructure that underpins creative recognition and opportunity on a global scale.
SOUTH NORMANTON, UK – October 2026 – Sun Chemical has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable innovation with the continued development of its Streamline™ aqueous ink solutions, as the graphics industry accelerates its transition towards water-based technology.
The shift comes amid rising demand for printing solutions that reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, minimise odour, and deliver vibrant, high-performance colour
Madrid, Spain – October 2026 – Roland DG, a global leader in digital printing and visual communication technology, is looking forward to its participation in C!Print Madrid 2027, taking place from 12 to 14 January 2027.
The company will present its evolving ecosystem of printing, automation, and branding solutions under its new positioning, "Make Your Mark," reflecting a shift from machine supplier to value-creation partner for brands and professionals across Europe.
Leicester, UK – October 2026 – VeriVide Limited, a leading provider of colour assessment and quality control solutions, today announced that it will take to the stage at the AATCC International Summit in Wilmington, United States, to present on the evolving landscape of colour evaluation technology.
Stephen Tongue and Chris Hipps, representing VeriVide, will deliver a session titled "Evolution of Visual and Digital Evaluation Tools for Color Assessment, Fastness Grading, and Stain Analysis."
The presentation will examine how colour evaluation practices have developed over time, exploring the enduring role of visual assessment alongside the growing adoption of digital tools for fastness grading and stain analysis.
GRADUATES 2023 - MEET TEXTILE DESIGNER CARIS WORHAM
“In todays episode we interview Caris Worham a recent graduate of University Centre Colchester.Caris's collection featured a wide variety of garments, all created using 100% dead stock fabrics, carefully sourced and then transformed using pattern and print into an up-cycled fashion range. We wish Caris and her 2023 cohort every success and welcome them into the textile industry..“
Welcome to the Texintel Graduates 2023 interview series showcasing a snapshot of talent creatives emerging from university here in the UK.
In todays episode we interview Caris Worham a recent graduate of University Centre Colchester.
Caris's collection featured a wide variety of garments, all created using 100% dead stock fabrics, carefully sourced and then transformed using pattern and print into an up-cycled fashion range.
We wish Caris and her 2023 cohort every success and welcome them into the textile industry.
The 2027 FESPA Awards are now open for entry, and the message to businesses across textiles, apparel, interiors and beyond is simple: your work deserves recognition. Every gold winner featured here started in the same place every entrant does - with a project they believed was worth submitting.
As the only independent awards programme with 18 categories dedicated to print and signage, FESPA offers a genuinely global stage, with shortlisted entries displayed at FESPA Global Print Expo in Spring 2027.
Colour Is Too Important to Leave to Chance
Print will always be the part of the garment people see first.
But the sum of all parts — the fabric, the trims, the fasteners, the finish — is what determines whether a design actually delivers on its promise. Brands that continue to treat colour as a single creative decision, rather than a coordinated technical discipline spanning their entire supply chain, will keep paying for it in re-dips, delays, and disappointed design teams.
A Century of Textiles, and an Ever-changing World
Few companies can trace their roots back more than a century and still count themselves among their industry's innovators. Texia, headquartered in Monistrol de Montserrat, Spain, is one of them.
But the story of Texia is not simply one of longevity.
It is a story of continual reinvention. As the textile industry has grown more global and competitive, Texia has repeatedly reshaped its business, investing in technology, developing its own brands, and placing sustainability at the centre of its mission. In doing so, it offers a compelling example of how a heritage manufacturer can lead rather than follow through a period of profound industry change. Image Credit: Texia
What are we craving Ultimately?
The instinct to slow down while simultaneously optimising every measurable aspect of life isn't a passing curiosity. It's a structural response to a world that feels increasingly unstable, and it's reshaping what people expect from their homes, hotels, workplaces and healthcare environments alike.
For the design and manufacturing sectors, this means rethinking both product and process.
The Structual Shift is Real and its Already Here
Volumes are moving east, where digital production is accelerating rapidly. Consumer behaviour has shifted.
Demand is now driven by personalisation, shorter buying cycles, and an expectation of near-instant responsiveness. Regulatory pressure is intensifying, with supply chain transparency now a legal and commercial fact in many markets. And margins? They are under sustained, structural pressure.
This is not a temporary disruption. It is a fundamental reordering of how textile manufacturing must operate.
The Challenge: Standing Firm as the Industry Shifts
The wallpaper landscape has changed dramatically. Digital printing has lowered the barrier to entry, spawning countless direct-to-consumer brands and pushing much of the market towards faster, cheaper production.
At the same time, manufacturing in the UK has grown steadily harder - rising minimum wage, national insurance, energy and substrate costs all bear down on margins. Surface Print have embraced all of these challenges - and stand resolutely prepared for the future.
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 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.”
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.”
Shanghai – China -October 2026 – BARBIERI Electronics, a global leader in professional colour measurement solutions, has announced its participation in ALL IN PRINT CHINA 2026, taking place from 12–16 October 2026 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre.
The company will exhibit alongside its partner, Beijing Dingli Xintong Technology Co. Ltd, at Booth N2A219, where COO and Co-Managing Director Viktor Lazzeri will meet with customers, partners and print professionals from across the industry
Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) Ltd has reinforced its two‑ decade partnership with Epson by expanding the range of Epson wide format print technologies now available for live demonstration at its UK Client Engagement Centre (CEC) in Dunstable.
The move reflects Konica Minolta’s commitment to supporting the UK commercial print sector with a broader, more versatile portfolio and giving customers hands‑on access to leading solutions.
Bracknell – Berkshire - October 2026 - UFABRIK has added IGEPA Hungária to its expanding European distribution network, bringing its digital textile portfolio to customers across Hungary through one of the country’s leading print and visual communications suppliers.
The agreement will see IGEPA Hungária introduce the UFABRIK range to customers from its operations in Budapest and Nyíregyháza, with local stockholding, technical support, and wide-format availability up to 5 metres.
New York – NY – October 2026 – Optitex, a global leader in fashion technology solutions, has announced a significant update to its CutPlan software, introducing Purchase Order (PO) Wise capability as part of its O/26.1 release.
The new feature allows manufacturers to plan multiple Purchase Orders for the same style independently, addressing a long-standing inefficiency within the cut planning process.
United Kingdom – September 2026 – Inkloft, a new specialist digital printing business founded by Gary Weyman and Andy Hancock, has announced its entry into the direct-to-film (DTF) market.
The company has been appointed as a distributor of DuPont™ Artistri® DTF products, including P1600 inks and Artistri Jettable Adhesive JA1100, both now available to purchase online through inkloft.co.uk.
Peterborough, UK – October 2026 – Snuggle Ltd has today reaffirmed its commitment to redefining industrial garment decoration, combining high-volume output with environmentally responsible production methods at its Peterborough facility.
The announcement highlights the company's investment in water-based pigment ink digital printing technology, a move designed to cut the environmental footprint of large-scale apparel decoration without compromising on quality.
At the core of Snuggle's operation is industrial water-based pigment ink digital printing, which replaces the chemical-heavy alternatives traditionally used across the sector.
Manchester – October 2026 – Premier Digital Textiles has today highlighted its 33130 Achill Natural Linen, a beautifully understated fabric defined by timeless texture and natural character.
The luxurious fabric reflects the company's ongoing commitment to quality materials that serve both designers and the environment
Gent – Belgium – October 2026 – Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems has announced its participation in India CorrExpo 2026, following a successful week exhibiting at PRINTING United Expo 2026.
The company will showcase its latest advancements in digital cutting and routing technology, demonstrating how businesses across print, display, packaging and signage can achieve greater precision, productivity and scalability.
The event will take place from 14 to 16 October 2026 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai, where Kongsberg will be exhibiting at Booth B80, Hall 4.
Coalville – Leicestershire – October 2026 – Innotech Digital & Display has concluded a successful first-time exhibition at The Print Show, held at the NEC over three days, unveiling its new Black Display Hardware Collection and demonstrating its materials in action through a series of industry partnerships.
The event marked a significant milestone for Innotech, offering the company its first opportunity to engage directly with the wider print community on this platform.
Visitors to the stand were able to explore product samples, view the newly launched Black Display Hardware Collection, and speak with the Innotech team about the latest developments in digital and display materials
Las Vegas – Nv -October 2026 – Durst Group AG has confirmed its first US customer orders for the Durst P5 350 CORE, following the system's debut at PRINTING United Expo.
The announcement caps a milestone year for the platform, which launched earlier in 2026 at FESPA Global Print in Barcelona and went on to win an EDP Award ahead of its US introduction.
The P5 350 CORE drew significant attention from attendees throughout the Expo, with interest converting directly into sales as the first American customers placed their orders on the show floor.
Altrincham- Cheshire – UK – October 2026 – Funkifabrics, a provider of fabrics for fashion and design, today highlighted a striking collection of garments created by renowned designer [theofficialglobegirls], which prominently features its textiles.
The collection showcases the versatility and quality of Funkifabrics' materials, reinforcing the company's commitment to supporting bold, creative expression across the fashion industry.
The collaboration, shared across Funkifabrics' social media channels, has already generated significant engagement from the fashion community, with many praising the craftsmanship and visual impact of the designs.
Belgrade, Serbia – October 2026 – Brother Industrial EMEA today announced that its GTX300 digital textile printer has been awarded the prestigious Gold Seal Award at Grafima 2026, the 46th International Fair of Graphic, Paper and Creative Industries, held in Belgrade.
The machine received top honours in the category "Digital Printing Machines for Textile Materials up to 160cm Wide", as judged by the fair's expert panel.
The Gold Seal Award recognises outstanding quality, innovation and professional capability within the graphic and textile printing industries.
Shanghai, China – October 2026 – FabricVision, a global innovator in textile production, has marked the successful completion of its first full year of operations, announcing ambitious expansion plans across both China and Europe.
The milestone was celebrated last week during China Expo in Shanghai, where the company convened with its team at Jinmao to review achievements and set strategic priorities for the year ahead.
The company's first year has been defined by rapid growth and deepening customer relationships, according to leadership.
Rapidity, a nearly 40-year-old London print and communications specialist, needed finishing equipment capable of matching the speed and complexity of its growing client roster, which includes Arsenal, Shell, and Aston Martin.
By partnering with Vivid Laminating Technologies and investing in three Veloblades, two Matrix systems, and an Easymount unit, Rapidity strengthened its production capabilities while maintaining the meticulous quality standards that have defined the business since 1986.
Klagenfurt - Austria – October 2026– Zimmer Austria, a global leader in textile printing and coating solutions, will be at IGATEX Pakistan 2026, one of the region's premier textile machinery exhibitions.
The company will exhibit its latest digital printing, screen printing, and coating technologies from 15–18 October 2026, at Hall 2, Booth F-2-09, in Karachi, Pakistan
Returning for the fifth time to Manchester’s GNCCF (Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair) are the GREEN GRADS,** 20 of the brightest of the UK’s new wave of eco-activists who have just graduated from universities all over the country, from Falmouth to Glasgow. The Fair runs from Thursday October 15 (private view) to Sunday October 18 (closes 4pm).
GREEN GRADS in the NORTH are taking over the 46 “changing cubicles” with their distinctive framework of blue cast iron, that fringe the gallery of Pool C, in the splendid Victoria Baths, Manchester. There is also a shop, curated by Laura Wigham, GREEN GRAD of 2024, with exclusive arts and crafts by GREEN GRAD makers from previous years.
Crewe, Cheshire – October 6th 2026 – Hybrid Services Ltd, the UK and Ireland distributor for Mimaki, has announced three dedicated demo days at its Crewe showroom, giving businesses a further opportunity to see the latest Mimaki machines in action.
Running from Tuesday 13th to Thursday 15th October, the drop-in sessions follow the machines' debut at The Print Show 2026 at the NEC Birmingham and are designed for those who missed the event, or want more time to explore the technology at their own pace.
Chesterfield, UK – October 2026 – Resolute DTF, a leading provider of direct-to-film printing solutions, has concluded its participation in The Print Show, last week, with an overwhelmingly positive response from attendees.
The event gave the company an opportunity to showcase its latest innovations in DTF and UV DTF printing technology to print businesses from across the industry.
Visitors to the Resolute DTF stand were given hands-on access to the company's expanding product range, including its R-JET PRO DTF and UVi-3D UV DTF printers, alongside its portfolio of inks, films, and finishing equipment.
Capurso, Italy – October - 2026 – Agfa Inkjet Solutions today announced that Digibux Print, an Italian digital print specialist, has invested in the Jeti Bronco H3300 HS, a 3.3-metre wide-format hybrid UV LED inkjet printer.
The investment marks a significant step in Digibux Print's evolution from digital print specialist to industrial production powerhouse, as the company expands its production capabilities to meet changing customer demands.
London, UK – 25 September 2026 – Sanderson Design Group PLC (AIM: SDG), the luxury interior furnishings group, today announced a 10-year licensing agreement with Dunelm for Designers Guild, the luxury interiors brand acquired by Dunelm in April 2025.
Under the Agreement, Sanderson Design Group has been granted the sole licence to design, manufacture and sell Designers Guild wallpapers, fabrics and paint worldwide.
The Agreement grants Sanderson Design Group access to Designers Guild's extensive archive design library, alongside the opportunity to create new designs under the brand, in exchange for a royalty fee paid to Dunelm
Zoetermeer - Netherlands - October 2026 – Papergraphics has announced that its Netherlands branch is now an accredited partner for Canon printers, bringing the acclaimed GP and PRO series to Dutch customers for the first time.
The accreditation builds on Papergraphics' long-standing Canon partnership in the UK, extending the same calibre of large-format printing hardware to the Dutch market.
Neuss – Germany – October 2026 – B-FLEX Italia has announced a partnership with Epson Deutschland GmbH to showcase the future of direct-to-film printing at the Epson Production Days event in October.
The collaboration will bring B-FLEX's DTF film and hot-melt powder together with Epson's SureColor G9000 printer in live, twin-roll demonstrations designed to show how materials and machinery combine to maximise both quality and output in real production settings
Las Vegas – NV – October 2026 – Greentex, a leading supplier of sustainable textiles for apparel, home goods and sportswear, successfully concluded its participation at Printing United 2026, where the company connected with customers, partners and industry professionals to showcase its latest eco-conscious fabric solutions.
The event brought together key players across the printing and textile industries, offering Greentex the opportunity to demonstrate how sustainable materials can meet the rigorous demands of modern digital printing and textile customisation.
Attendees had the chance to see live demonstrations of Greentex's fabric offerings, including its recycled polyester and BCI cotton ranges, both designed to reduce environmental impact without compromising on performance or quality.
Birmingham – UK – October 2026 – China Print Supplies UK Ltd has concluded a successful three-day exhibition at The Sign Show, where the company showcased its latest range of printers, cutting tables, and equipment bundles to industry professionals and visitors.
Throughout the event, the China Print Supplies UK team engaged with attendees, delivered live demonstrations of its machinery, and discussed how its growing product range can help signage and print businesses stay ahead in an increasingly competitive and sustainability-conscious market.
“We were thrilled with the turnout and engagement at this year's Sign Show. Conversations with visitors reinforced the direction we're taking as a business — one that puts innovation and responsible manufacturing at the forefront," said China Print Supplies UK Ltd.
Dorking – UK – October 2026 – FESPA has announced that its 2027 edition in Munich will bring together five specialist events into a single destination, offering exhibitors an unprecedented opportunity to reach audiences spanning print, signage, merchandising, wrapping and textiles.
The consolidated event reflects the increasingly interconnected nature of the speciality print and signage industries, where brands and suppliers are seeking more efficient ways to engage with buyers across multiple disciplines.
By combining five dedicated events, FESPA 2027 will enable exhibitors to showcase their offerings to a broader and more diverse audience, all within one venue
Leicester, UK – October 2026 – De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) will open a landmark exhibition celebrating the work of fashion icon Dame Zandra Rhodes, following her decision to donate a significant part of her personal archive to the university.
Zandra Rhodes: Archive Unfolded will showcase highlights from a donation spanning six decades of Rhodes' career, from 1964 to 2025, featuring thousands of objects including licensed work, press cuttings, film, opera material and colour transparencies.
The gift follows Dame Zandra's Honorary Doctorate of the Arts from DMU in 2023, when she announced her intention to place a key part of her archive with the university's Special Collections.
London, UK – September 2026 – ARTS THREAD hosted an in-person judging event for its Global Creative Graduate Showcase at the Zaha Hadid Gallery, Barbican, bringing together industry judges to evaluate the next generation of creative talent.
The event also marked the introduction of the ARTS THREAD Vault, a new initiative set to shape how creative work is archived and accessed.
The gathering reflects ARTS THREAD's ongoing commitment to supporting emerging creatives as they transition from education into industry, while also advancing the infrastructure that underpins creative recognition and opportunity on a global scale.
SOUTH NORMANTON, UK – October 2026 – Sun Chemical has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable innovation with the continued development of its Streamline™ aqueous ink solutions, as the graphics industry accelerates its transition towards water-based technology.
The shift comes amid rising demand for printing solutions that reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, minimise odour, and deliver vibrant, high-performance colour
Madrid, Spain – October 2026 – Roland DG, a global leader in digital printing and visual communication technology, is looking forward to its participation in C!Print Madrid 2027, taking place from 12 to 14 January 2027.
The company will present its evolving ecosystem of printing, automation, and branding solutions under its new positioning, "Make Your Mark," reflecting a shift from machine supplier to value-creation partner for brands and professionals across Europe.
Leicester, UK – October 2026 – VeriVide Limited, a leading provider of colour assessment and quality control solutions, today announced that it will take to the stage at the AATCC International Summit in Wilmington, United States, to present on the evolving landscape of colour evaluation technology.
Stephen Tongue and Chris Hipps, representing VeriVide, will deliver a session titled "Evolution of Visual and Digital Evaluation Tools for Color Assessment, Fastness Grading, and Stain Analysis."
The presentation will examine how colour evaluation practices have developed over time, exploring the enduring role of visual assessment alongside the growing adoption of digital tools for fastness grading and stain analysis.
GRADUATES 2023 - MEET TEXTILE DESIGNER GEORGINA LEGGE
“In todays episode we interview Georgina Legge a BA Textiles graduate from Birmingham City University. Georgina Legge is a Printed Textile Designer based in the UK. As a recent graduate from Birmingham City University studying Textile Design, Gee has mastered an array of skills and techniques along the way. Specialising in Print and Surface Pattern she has a keen eye for detail and illustration in her work engaging with all medias from oil pastel mono printing to water colour and gouache when generating imagery.“
Welcome to the Texintel Graduates 2023 interview series showcasing a snapshot of talent creatives emerging from university here in the UK.
In todays episode we interview Georgina Legge a BA Textiles graduate from Birmingham City University.
ABOUT GEE
Georgina Legge is a Printed Textile Designer based in the UK.
As a recent graduate from Birmingham City University studying Textile Design, Gee has mastered an array of skills and techniques along the way. Specialising in Print and Surface Pattern she has a keen eye for detail and illustration in her work engaging with all medias from oil pastel mono printing to water colour and guache when generating imagery.
Gee is fascinated by natural elements of her surroundings, be it wildlife or plants and foliage. She is passionate about expressing this beauty in her design and is dedicated to her work.
Traditional screen printing, digital printing and embroidery are the three main textile processes Gee uses to produce my work, printing being the main method and embroidery to add luxury detail to her designs. Her current area of speciality is creating designs and fabrics for the high-end luxury interior market
We wish Gee and her 2023 cohort every success and welcome them into the textile industry.
The 2027 FESPA Awards are now open for entry, and the message to businesses across textiles, apparel, interiors and beyond is simple: your work deserves recognition. Every gold winner featured here started in the same place every entrant does - with a project they believed was worth submitting.
As the only independent awards programme with 18 categories dedicated to print and signage, FESPA offers a genuinely global stage, with shortlisted entries displayed at FESPA Global Print Expo in Spring 2027.
Colour Is Too Important to Leave to Chance
Print will always be the part of the garment people see first.
But the sum of all parts — the fabric, the trims, the fasteners, the finish — is what determines whether a design actually delivers on its promise. Brands that continue to treat colour as a single creative decision, rather than a coordinated technical discipline spanning their entire supply chain, will keep paying for it in re-dips, delays, and disappointed design teams.
A Century of Textiles, and an Ever-changing World
Few companies can trace their roots back more than a century and still count themselves among their industry's innovators. Texia, headquartered in Monistrol de Montserrat, Spain, is one of them.
But the story of Texia is not simply one of longevity.
It is a story of continual reinvention. As the textile industry has grown more global and competitive, Texia has repeatedly reshaped its business, investing in technology, developing its own brands, and placing sustainability at the centre of its mission. In doing so, it offers a compelling example of how a heritage manufacturer can lead rather than follow through a period of profound industry change. Image Credit: Texia
What are we craving Ultimately?
The instinct to slow down while simultaneously optimising every measurable aspect of life isn't a passing curiosity. It's a structural response to a world that feels increasingly unstable, and it's reshaping what people expect from their homes, hotels, workplaces and healthcare environments alike.
For the design and manufacturing sectors, this means rethinking both product and process.
The Structual Shift is Real and its Already Here
Volumes are moving east, where digital production is accelerating rapidly. Consumer behaviour has shifted.
Demand is now driven by personalisation, shorter buying cycles, and an expectation of near-instant responsiveness. Regulatory pressure is intensifying, with supply chain transparency now a legal and commercial fact in many markets. And margins? They are under sustained, structural pressure.
This is not a temporary disruption. It is a fundamental reordering of how textile manufacturing must operate.
The Challenge: Standing Firm as the Industry Shifts
The wallpaper landscape has changed dramatically. Digital printing has lowered the barrier to entry, spawning countless direct-to-consumer brands and pushing much of the market towards faster, cheaper production.
At the same time, manufacturing in the UK has grown steadily harder - rising minimum wage, national insurance, energy and substrate costs all bear down on margins. Surface Print have embraced all of these challenges - and stand resolutely prepared for the future.
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 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.”
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.”
Shanghai – China -October 2026 – BARBIERI Electronics, a global leader in professional colour measurement solutions, has announced its participation in ALL IN PRINT CHINA 2026, taking place from 12–16 October 2026 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre.
The company will exhibit alongside its partner, Beijing Dingli Xintong Technology Co. Ltd, at Booth N2A219, where COO and Co-Managing Director Viktor Lazzeri will meet with customers, partners and print professionals from across the industry
Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) Ltd has reinforced its two‑ decade partnership with Epson by expanding the range of Epson wide format print technologies now available for live demonstration at its UK Client Engagement Centre (CEC) in Dunstable.
The move reflects Konica Minolta’s commitment to supporting the UK commercial print sector with a broader, more versatile portfolio and giving customers hands‑on access to leading solutions.
Bracknell – Berkshire - October 2026 - UFABRIK has added IGEPA Hungária to its expanding European distribution network, bringing its digital textile portfolio to customers across Hungary through one of the country’s leading print and visual communications suppliers.
The agreement will see IGEPA Hungária introduce the UFABRIK range to customers from its operations in Budapest and Nyíregyháza, with local stockholding, technical support, and wide-format availability up to 5 metres.
New York – NY – October 2026 – Optitex, a global leader in fashion technology solutions, has announced a significant update to its CutPlan software, introducing Purchase Order (PO) Wise capability as part of its O/26.1 release.
The new feature allows manufacturers to plan multiple Purchase Orders for the same style independently, addressing a long-standing inefficiency within the cut planning process.
United Kingdom – September 2026 – Inkloft, a new specialist digital printing business founded by Gary Weyman and Andy Hancock, has announced its entry into the direct-to-film (DTF) market.
The company has been appointed as a distributor of DuPont™ Artistri® DTF products, including P1600 inks and Artistri Jettable Adhesive JA1100, both now available to purchase online through inkloft.co.uk.
Peterborough, UK – October 2026 – Snuggle Ltd has today reaffirmed its commitment to redefining industrial garment decoration, combining high-volume output with environmentally responsible production methods at its Peterborough facility.
The announcement highlights the company's investment in water-based pigment ink digital printing technology, a move designed to cut the environmental footprint of large-scale apparel decoration without compromising on quality.
At the core of Snuggle's operation is industrial water-based pigment ink digital printing, which replaces the chemical-heavy alternatives traditionally used across the sector.
Manchester – October 2026 – Premier Digital Textiles has today highlighted its 33130 Achill Natural Linen, a beautifully understated fabric defined by timeless texture and natural character.
The luxurious fabric reflects the company's ongoing commitment to quality materials that serve both designers and the environment
Gent – Belgium – October 2026 – Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems has announced its participation in India CorrExpo 2026, following a successful week exhibiting at PRINTING United Expo 2026.
The company will showcase its latest advancements in digital cutting and routing technology, demonstrating how businesses across print, display, packaging and signage can achieve greater precision, productivity and scalability.
The event will take place from 14 to 16 October 2026 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai, where Kongsberg will be exhibiting at Booth B80, Hall 4.
Coalville – Leicestershire – October 2026 – Innotech Digital & Display has concluded a successful first-time exhibition at The Print Show, held at the NEC over three days, unveiling its new Black Display Hardware Collection and demonstrating its materials in action through a series of industry partnerships.
The event marked a significant milestone for Innotech, offering the company its first opportunity to engage directly with the wider print community on this platform.
Visitors to the stand were able to explore product samples, view the newly launched Black Display Hardware Collection, and speak with the Innotech team about the latest developments in digital and display materials
Las Vegas – Nv -October 2026 – Durst Group AG has confirmed its first US customer orders for the Durst P5 350 CORE, following the system's debut at PRINTING United Expo.
The announcement caps a milestone year for the platform, which launched earlier in 2026 at FESPA Global Print in Barcelona and went on to win an EDP Award ahead of its US introduction.
The P5 350 CORE drew significant attention from attendees throughout the Expo, with interest converting directly into sales as the first American customers placed their orders on the show floor.
Altrincham- Cheshire – UK – October 2026 – Funkifabrics, a provider of fabrics for fashion and design, today highlighted a striking collection of garments created by renowned designer [theofficialglobegirls], which prominently features its textiles.
The collection showcases the versatility and quality of Funkifabrics' materials, reinforcing the company's commitment to supporting bold, creative expression across the fashion industry.
The collaboration, shared across Funkifabrics' social media channels, has already generated significant engagement from the fashion community, with many praising the craftsmanship and visual impact of the designs.
Belgrade, Serbia – October 2026 – Brother Industrial EMEA today announced that its GTX300 digital textile printer has been awarded the prestigious Gold Seal Award at Grafima 2026, the 46th International Fair of Graphic, Paper and Creative Industries, held in Belgrade.
The machine received top honours in the category "Digital Printing Machines for Textile Materials up to 160cm Wide", as judged by the fair's expert panel.
The Gold Seal Award recognises outstanding quality, innovation and professional capability within the graphic and textile printing industries.
Shanghai, China – October 2026 – FabricVision, a global innovator in textile production, has marked the successful completion of its first full year of operations, announcing ambitious expansion plans across both China and Europe.
The milestone was celebrated last week during China Expo in Shanghai, where the company convened with its team at Jinmao to review achievements and set strategic priorities for the year ahead.
The company's first year has been defined by rapid growth and deepening customer relationships, according to leadership.
Rapidity, a nearly 40-year-old London print and communications specialist, needed finishing equipment capable of matching the speed and complexity of its growing client roster, which includes Arsenal, Shell, and Aston Martin.
By partnering with Vivid Laminating Technologies and investing in three Veloblades, two Matrix systems, and an Easymount unit, Rapidity strengthened its production capabilities while maintaining the meticulous quality standards that have defined the business since 1986.
Klagenfurt - Austria – October 2026– Zimmer Austria, a global leader in textile printing and coating solutions, will be at IGATEX Pakistan 2026, one of the region's premier textile machinery exhibitions.
The company will exhibit its latest digital printing, screen printing, and coating technologies from 15–18 October 2026, at Hall 2, Booth F-2-09, in Karachi, Pakistan
Returning for the fifth time to Manchester’s GNCCF (Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair) are the GREEN GRADS,** 20 of the brightest of the UK’s new wave of eco-activists who have just graduated from universities all over the country, from Falmouth to Glasgow. The Fair runs from Thursday October 15 (private view) to Sunday October 18 (closes 4pm).
GREEN GRADS in the NORTH are taking over the 46 “changing cubicles” with their distinctive framework of blue cast iron, that fringe the gallery of Pool C, in the splendid Victoria Baths, Manchester. There is also a shop, curated by Laura Wigham, GREEN GRAD of 2024, with exclusive arts and crafts by GREEN GRAD makers from previous years.
Crewe, Cheshire – October 6th 2026 – Hybrid Services Ltd, the UK and Ireland distributor for Mimaki, has announced three dedicated demo days at its Crewe showroom, giving businesses a further opportunity to see the latest Mimaki machines in action.
Running from Tuesday 13th to Thursday 15th October, the drop-in sessions follow the machines' debut at The Print Show 2026 at the NEC Birmingham and are designed for those who missed the event, or want more time to explore the technology at their own pace.
Chesterfield, UK – October 2026 – Resolute DTF, a leading provider of direct-to-film printing solutions, has concluded its participation in The Print Show, last week, with an overwhelmingly positive response from attendees.
The event gave the company an opportunity to showcase its latest innovations in DTF and UV DTF printing technology to print businesses from across the industry.
Visitors to the Resolute DTF stand were given hands-on access to the company's expanding product range, including its R-JET PRO DTF and UVi-3D UV DTF printers, alongside its portfolio of inks, films, and finishing equipment.
Capurso, Italy – October - 2026 – Agfa Inkjet Solutions today announced that Digibux Print, an Italian digital print specialist, has invested in the Jeti Bronco H3300 HS, a 3.3-metre wide-format hybrid UV LED inkjet printer.
The investment marks a significant step in Digibux Print's evolution from digital print specialist to industrial production powerhouse, as the company expands its production capabilities to meet changing customer demands.
London, UK – 25 September 2026 – Sanderson Design Group PLC (AIM: SDG), the luxury interior furnishings group, today announced a 10-year licensing agreement with Dunelm for Designers Guild, the luxury interiors brand acquired by Dunelm in April 2025.
Under the Agreement, Sanderson Design Group has been granted the sole licence to design, manufacture and sell Designers Guild wallpapers, fabrics and paint worldwide.
The Agreement grants Sanderson Design Group access to Designers Guild's extensive archive design library, alongside the opportunity to create new designs under the brand, in exchange for a royalty fee paid to Dunelm
Zoetermeer - Netherlands - October 2026 – Papergraphics has announced that its Netherlands branch is now an accredited partner for Canon printers, bringing the acclaimed GP and PRO series to Dutch customers for the first time.
The accreditation builds on Papergraphics' long-standing Canon partnership in the UK, extending the same calibre of large-format printing hardware to the Dutch market.
Neuss – Germany – October 2026 – B-FLEX Italia has announced a partnership with Epson Deutschland GmbH to showcase the future of direct-to-film printing at the Epson Production Days event in October.
The collaboration will bring B-FLEX's DTF film and hot-melt powder together with Epson's SureColor G9000 printer in live, twin-roll demonstrations designed to show how materials and machinery combine to maximise both quality and output in real production settings
Las Vegas – NV – October 2026 – Greentex, a leading supplier of sustainable textiles for apparel, home goods and sportswear, successfully concluded its participation at Printing United 2026, where the company connected with customers, partners and industry professionals to showcase its latest eco-conscious fabric solutions.
The event brought together key players across the printing and textile industries, offering Greentex the opportunity to demonstrate how sustainable materials can meet the rigorous demands of modern digital printing and textile customisation.
Attendees had the chance to see live demonstrations of Greentex's fabric offerings, including its recycled polyester and BCI cotton ranges, both designed to reduce environmental impact without compromising on performance or quality.
Birmingham – UK – October 2026 – China Print Supplies UK Ltd has concluded a successful three-day exhibition at The Sign Show, where the company showcased its latest range of printers, cutting tables, and equipment bundles to industry professionals and visitors.
Throughout the event, the China Print Supplies UK team engaged with attendees, delivered live demonstrations of its machinery, and discussed how its growing product range can help signage and print businesses stay ahead in an increasingly competitive and sustainability-conscious market.
“We were thrilled with the turnout and engagement at this year's Sign Show. Conversations with visitors reinforced the direction we're taking as a business — one that puts innovation and responsible manufacturing at the forefront," said China Print Supplies UK Ltd.
Dorking – UK – October 2026 – FESPA has announced that its 2027 edition in Munich will bring together five specialist events into a single destination, offering exhibitors an unprecedented opportunity to reach audiences spanning print, signage, merchandising, wrapping and textiles.
The consolidated event reflects the increasingly interconnected nature of the speciality print and signage industries, where brands and suppliers are seeking more efficient ways to engage with buyers across multiple disciplines.
By combining five dedicated events, FESPA 2027 will enable exhibitors to showcase their offerings to a broader and more diverse audience, all within one venue
Leicester, UK – October 2026 – De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) will open a landmark exhibition celebrating the work of fashion icon Dame Zandra Rhodes, following her decision to donate a significant part of her personal archive to the university.
Zandra Rhodes: Archive Unfolded will showcase highlights from a donation spanning six decades of Rhodes' career, from 1964 to 2025, featuring thousands of objects including licensed work, press cuttings, film, opera material and colour transparencies.
The gift follows Dame Zandra's Honorary Doctorate of the Arts from DMU in 2023, when she announced her intention to place a key part of her archive with the university's Special Collections.
London, UK – September 2026 – ARTS THREAD hosted an in-person judging event for its Global Creative Graduate Showcase at the Zaha Hadid Gallery, Barbican, bringing together industry judges to evaluate the next generation of creative talent.
The event also marked the introduction of the ARTS THREAD Vault, a new initiative set to shape how creative work is archived and accessed.
The gathering reflects ARTS THREAD's ongoing commitment to supporting emerging creatives as they transition from education into industry, while also advancing the infrastructure that underpins creative recognition and opportunity on a global scale.
SOUTH NORMANTON, UK – October 2026 – Sun Chemical has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable innovation with the continued development of its Streamline™ aqueous ink solutions, as the graphics industry accelerates its transition towards water-based technology.
The shift comes amid rising demand for printing solutions that reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, minimise odour, and deliver vibrant, high-performance colour
Madrid, Spain – October 2026 – Roland DG, a global leader in digital printing and visual communication technology, is looking forward to its participation in C!Print Madrid 2027, taking place from 12 to 14 January 2027.
The company will present its evolving ecosystem of printing, automation, and branding solutions under its new positioning, "Make Your Mark," reflecting a shift from machine supplier to value-creation partner for brands and professionals across Europe.
Leicester, UK – October 2026 – VeriVide Limited, a leading provider of colour assessment and quality control solutions, today announced that it will take to the stage at the AATCC International Summit in Wilmington, United States, to present on the evolving landscape of colour evaluation technology.
Stephen Tongue and Chris Hipps, representing VeriVide, will deliver a session titled "Evolution of Visual and Digital Evaluation Tools for Color Assessment, Fastness Grading, and Stain Analysis."
The presentation will examine how colour evaluation practices have developed over time, exploring the enduring role of visual assessment alongside the growing adoption of digital tools for fastness grading and stain analysis.
GRADUATES 2023 - MEET TEXTILE DESIGNER SARAH MILLS
Welcome to the Texintel Graduates 2023 interview series showcasing a snapshot of talent creatives emerging from University here in the UK. In todays episode we interview Sarah Mills a final year BA Textiles Design graduate from Birmingham City University. Sarah commented: “I've been on a mission to capture the breathtaking beauty of the British countryside and highlight the diverse wildlife that lives in it. I aim to design a commercial luxury interior collection of woven, etched, and printed fabrics in order to celebrate the beauty that is quickly becoming lost in our countryside. The outcome of the project aims to produce long-lasting luxury fabrics that could be applied to several products in the home, these consisting of curtains, wallpapers, lampshades, and cushions”.
Sarah Mills wins the Epson “Design in Context” Textile Design Award 2023
Sarah has an natural talent for Interiors, she appreciates and nurtures the relationship between texture and print.
Welcome to the Texintel Graduates 2023 interview series showcasing a snapshot of talent creatives emerging from university here in the UK.
In todays episode we interview Sarah Mills a graduate from Birmingham City University and the winner of the Epson “Design in Context” Award.
SARAH MILLS
HIDDEN IN THE WETLANDS
Sarah Mills is a final year Textile Design student with a passion for the Great British countryside. Her love of this has influenced her final project, where she has created designs based on the lost beauty of the great outdoors.
GIVE US A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF YOUR PROJECT
I've been on a mission to capture the breathtaking beauty of the British countryside and highlight the diverse wildlife that lives in it. I aim to design a commercial luxury interior collection of woven, etched, and printed fabrics in order to celebrate the beauty that is quickly becoming lost in our countryside. The outcome of the project aims to produce long-lasting luxury fabrics that could be applied to several products in the home, these consisting of curtains, wallpapers, lampshades, and cushions.
With my camera and sketchbook in hand, I have managed to capture moments in time, portraying the movement and behaviour of these wader birds. I was able to capture some really magical moments and have shown these through my collection of work with the aim to inspire action by highlighting the thriving animals in an untouched habitat.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS CONCEPT?
I have always felt inspired by nature and the endless possibilities it has for designs. During my exploration around Shropshire and Mid Wales, I uncovered the unfortunate truth that the farming industry, along with human interference, is having a negative impact on local wildlife, particularly the endangered Curlew. These large wader birds nest in areas with long grass and rough vegetation during spring, but silaging has destroyed many nests and eggs, making it challenging for them to reproduce successfully. Being an animal lover myself, I hope I have created a collection that reminds people of the vital importance of preserving and looking after our natural world.
WHAT PROCESSES HAVE YOU BEEN USING?
I have been using several processes including ink painting, mark making, digital printing, laser etching, dobby and jacquard loom weaving and traditional registration bar printing.
WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACHIEVE WITH YOUR PROJECT?
I want to create beautiful designs that are well crafted and have a luxury appeal whilst also highlighting the importance of the diminishing life in our countryside.
HOW HAS YOUR COURSE HELPED YOU TO PREPARE FOR WORKING ON YOUR PROJECT?
The course has really placed me in good stead to work on my final university project; the information provided has allowed me to develop my designs to create the best work I possibly can for my final project of my degree.
We wish Sarah and her 2023 cohort every success and welcome them into the textile industry.
The 2027 FESPA Awards are now open for entry, and the message to businesses across textiles, apparel, interiors and beyond is simple: your work deserves recognition. Every gold winner featured here started in the same place every entrant does - with a project they believed was worth submitting.
As the only independent awards programme with 18 categories dedicated to print and signage, FESPA offers a genuinely global stage, with shortlisted entries displayed at FESPA Global Print Expo in Spring 2027.
Colour Is Too Important to Leave to Chance
Print will always be the part of the garment people see first.
But the sum of all parts — the fabric, the trims, the fasteners, the finish — is what determines whether a design actually delivers on its promise. Brands that continue to treat colour as a single creative decision, rather than a coordinated technical discipline spanning their entire supply chain, will keep paying for it in re-dips, delays, and disappointed design teams.
A Century of Textiles, and an Ever-changing World
Few companies can trace their roots back more than a century and still count themselves among their industry's innovators. Texia, headquartered in Monistrol de Montserrat, Spain, is one of them.
But the story of Texia is not simply one of longevity.
It is a story of continual reinvention. As the textile industry has grown more global and competitive, Texia has repeatedly reshaped its business, investing in technology, developing its own brands, and placing sustainability at the centre of its mission. In doing so, it offers a compelling example of how a heritage manufacturer can lead rather than follow through a period of profound industry change. Image Credit: Texia
What are we craving Ultimately?
The instinct to slow down while simultaneously optimising every measurable aspect of life isn't a passing curiosity. It's a structural response to a world that feels increasingly unstable, and it's reshaping what people expect from their homes, hotels, workplaces and healthcare environments alike.
For the design and manufacturing sectors, this means rethinking both product and process.
The Structual Shift is Real and its Already Here
Volumes are moving east, where digital production is accelerating rapidly. Consumer behaviour has shifted.
Demand is now driven by personalisation, shorter buying cycles, and an expectation of near-instant responsiveness. Regulatory pressure is intensifying, with supply chain transparency now a legal and commercial fact in many markets. And margins? They are under sustained, structural pressure.
This is not a temporary disruption. It is a fundamental reordering of how textile manufacturing must operate.
The Challenge: Standing Firm as the Industry Shifts
The wallpaper landscape has changed dramatically. Digital printing has lowered the barrier to entry, spawning countless direct-to-consumer brands and pushing much of the market towards faster, cheaper production.
At the same time, manufacturing in the UK has grown steadily harder - rising minimum wage, national insurance, energy and substrate costs all bear down on margins. Surface Print have embraced all of these challenges - and stand resolutely prepared for the future.
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 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.”
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.”
Shanghai – China -October 2026 – BARBIERI Electronics, a global leader in professional colour measurement solutions, has announced its participation in ALL IN PRINT CHINA 2026, taking place from 12–16 October 2026 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre.
The company will exhibit alongside its partner, Beijing Dingli Xintong Technology Co. Ltd, at Booth N2A219, where COO and Co-Managing Director Viktor Lazzeri will meet with customers, partners and print professionals from across the industry
Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) Ltd has reinforced its two‑ decade partnership with Epson by expanding the range of Epson wide format print technologies now available for live demonstration at its UK Client Engagement Centre (CEC) in Dunstable.
The move reflects Konica Minolta’s commitment to supporting the UK commercial print sector with a broader, more versatile portfolio and giving customers hands‑on access to leading solutions.
Bracknell – Berkshire - October 2026 - UFABRIK has added IGEPA Hungária to its expanding European distribution network, bringing its digital textile portfolio to customers across Hungary through one of the country’s leading print and visual communications suppliers.
The agreement will see IGEPA Hungária introduce the UFABRIK range to customers from its operations in Budapest and Nyíregyháza, with local stockholding, technical support, and wide-format availability up to 5 metres.
New York – NY – October 2026 – Optitex, a global leader in fashion technology solutions, has announced a significant update to its CutPlan software, introducing Purchase Order (PO) Wise capability as part of its O/26.1 release.
The new feature allows manufacturers to plan multiple Purchase Orders for the same style independently, addressing a long-standing inefficiency within the cut planning process.
United Kingdom – September 2026 – Inkloft, a new specialist digital printing business founded by Gary Weyman and Andy Hancock, has announced its entry into the direct-to-film (DTF) market.
The company has been appointed as a distributor of DuPont™ Artistri® DTF products, including P1600 inks and Artistri Jettable Adhesive JA1100, both now available to purchase online through inkloft.co.uk.
Peterborough, UK – October 2026 – Snuggle Ltd has today reaffirmed its commitment to redefining industrial garment decoration, combining high-volume output with environmentally responsible production methods at its Peterborough facility.
The announcement highlights the company's investment in water-based pigment ink digital printing technology, a move designed to cut the environmental footprint of large-scale apparel decoration without compromising on quality.
At the core of Snuggle's operation is industrial water-based pigment ink digital printing, which replaces the chemical-heavy alternatives traditionally used across the sector.
Manchester – October 2026 – Premier Digital Textiles has today highlighted its 33130 Achill Natural Linen, a beautifully understated fabric defined by timeless texture and natural character.
The luxurious fabric reflects the company's ongoing commitment to quality materials that serve both designers and the environment
Gent – Belgium – October 2026 – Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems has announced its participation in India CorrExpo 2026, following a successful week exhibiting at PRINTING United Expo 2026.
The company will showcase its latest advancements in digital cutting and routing technology, demonstrating how businesses across print, display, packaging and signage can achieve greater precision, productivity and scalability.
The event will take place from 14 to 16 October 2026 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai, where Kongsberg will be exhibiting at Booth B80, Hall 4.
Coalville – Leicestershire – October 2026 – Innotech Digital & Display has concluded a successful first-time exhibition at The Print Show, held at the NEC over three days, unveiling its new Black Display Hardware Collection and demonstrating its materials in action through a series of industry partnerships.
The event marked a significant milestone for Innotech, offering the company its first opportunity to engage directly with the wider print community on this platform.
Visitors to the stand were able to explore product samples, view the newly launched Black Display Hardware Collection, and speak with the Innotech team about the latest developments in digital and display materials
Las Vegas – Nv -October 2026 – Durst Group AG has confirmed its first US customer orders for the Durst P5 350 CORE, following the system's debut at PRINTING United Expo.
The announcement caps a milestone year for the platform, which launched earlier in 2026 at FESPA Global Print in Barcelona and went on to win an EDP Award ahead of its US introduction.
The P5 350 CORE drew significant attention from attendees throughout the Expo, with interest converting directly into sales as the first American customers placed their orders on the show floor.
Altrincham- Cheshire – UK – October 2026 – Funkifabrics, a provider of fabrics for fashion and design, today highlighted a striking collection of garments created by renowned designer [theofficialglobegirls], which prominently features its textiles.
The collection showcases the versatility and quality of Funkifabrics' materials, reinforcing the company's commitment to supporting bold, creative expression across the fashion industry.
The collaboration, shared across Funkifabrics' social media channels, has already generated significant engagement from the fashion community, with many praising the craftsmanship and visual impact of the designs.
Belgrade, Serbia – October 2026 – Brother Industrial EMEA today announced that its GTX300 digital textile printer has been awarded the prestigious Gold Seal Award at Grafima 2026, the 46th International Fair of Graphic, Paper and Creative Industries, held in Belgrade.
The machine received top honours in the category "Digital Printing Machines for Textile Materials up to 160cm Wide", as judged by the fair's expert panel.
The Gold Seal Award recognises outstanding quality, innovation and professional capability within the graphic and textile printing industries.
Shanghai, China – October 2026 – FabricVision, a global innovator in textile production, has marked the successful completion of its first full year of operations, announcing ambitious expansion plans across both China and Europe.
The milestone was celebrated last week during China Expo in Shanghai, where the company convened with its team at Jinmao to review achievements and set strategic priorities for the year ahead.
The company's first year has been defined by rapid growth and deepening customer relationships, according to leadership.
Rapidity, a nearly 40-year-old London print and communications specialist, needed finishing equipment capable of matching the speed and complexity of its growing client roster, which includes Arsenal, Shell, and Aston Martin.
By partnering with Vivid Laminating Technologies and investing in three Veloblades, two Matrix systems, and an Easymount unit, Rapidity strengthened its production capabilities while maintaining the meticulous quality standards that have defined the business since 1986.
Klagenfurt - Austria – October 2026– Zimmer Austria, a global leader in textile printing and coating solutions, will be at IGATEX Pakistan 2026, one of the region's premier textile machinery exhibitions.
The company will exhibit its latest digital printing, screen printing, and coating technologies from 15–18 October 2026, at Hall 2, Booth F-2-09, in Karachi, Pakistan
Returning for the fifth time to Manchester’s GNCCF (Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair) are the GREEN GRADS,** 20 of the brightest of the UK’s new wave of eco-activists who have just graduated from universities all over the country, from Falmouth to Glasgow. The Fair runs from Thursday October 15 (private view) to Sunday October 18 (closes 4pm).
GREEN GRADS in the NORTH are taking over the 46 “changing cubicles” with their distinctive framework of blue cast iron, that fringe the gallery of Pool C, in the splendid Victoria Baths, Manchester. There is also a shop, curated by Laura Wigham, GREEN GRAD of 2024, with exclusive arts and crafts by GREEN GRAD makers from previous years.
Crewe, Cheshire – October 6th 2026 – Hybrid Services Ltd, the UK and Ireland distributor for Mimaki, has announced three dedicated demo days at its Crewe showroom, giving businesses a further opportunity to see the latest Mimaki machines in action.
Running from Tuesday 13th to Thursday 15th October, the drop-in sessions follow the machines' debut at The Print Show 2026 at the NEC Birmingham and are designed for those who missed the event, or want more time to explore the technology at their own pace.
Chesterfield, UK – October 2026 – Resolute DTF, a leading provider of direct-to-film printing solutions, has concluded its participation in The Print Show, last week, with an overwhelmingly positive response from attendees.
The event gave the company an opportunity to showcase its latest innovations in DTF and UV DTF printing technology to print businesses from across the industry.
Visitors to the Resolute DTF stand were given hands-on access to the company's expanding product range, including its R-JET PRO DTF and UVi-3D UV DTF printers, alongside its portfolio of inks, films, and finishing equipment.
Capurso, Italy – October - 2026 – Agfa Inkjet Solutions today announced that Digibux Print, an Italian digital print specialist, has invested in the Jeti Bronco H3300 HS, a 3.3-metre wide-format hybrid UV LED inkjet printer.
The investment marks a significant step in Digibux Print's evolution from digital print specialist to industrial production powerhouse, as the company expands its production capabilities to meet changing customer demands.
London, UK – 25 September 2026 – Sanderson Design Group PLC (AIM: SDG), the luxury interior furnishings group, today announced a 10-year licensing agreement with Dunelm for Designers Guild, the luxury interiors brand acquired by Dunelm in April 2025.
Under the Agreement, Sanderson Design Group has been granted the sole licence to design, manufacture and sell Designers Guild wallpapers, fabrics and paint worldwide.
The Agreement grants Sanderson Design Group access to Designers Guild's extensive archive design library, alongside the opportunity to create new designs under the brand, in exchange for a royalty fee paid to Dunelm
Zoetermeer - Netherlands - October 2026 – Papergraphics has announced that its Netherlands branch is now an accredited partner for Canon printers, bringing the acclaimed GP and PRO series to Dutch customers for the first time.
The accreditation builds on Papergraphics' long-standing Canon partnership in the UK, extending the same calibre of large-format printing hardware to the Dutch market.
Neuss – Germany – October 2026 – B-FLEX Italia has announced a partnership with Epson Deutschland GmbH to showcase the future of direct-to-film printing at the Epson Production Days event in October.
The collaboration will bring B-FLEX's DTF film and hot-melt powder together with Epson's SureColor G9000 printer in live, twin-roll demonstrations designed to show how materials and machinery combine to maximise both quality and output in real production settings
Las Vegas – NV – October 2026 – Greentex, a leading supplier of sustainable textiles for apparel, home goods and sportswear, successfully concluded its participation at Printing United 2026, where the company connected with customers, partners and industry professionals to showcase its latest eco-conscious fabric solutions.
The event brought together key players across the printing and textile industries, offering Greentex the opportunity to demonstrate how sustainable materials can meet the rigorous demands of modern digital printing and textile customisation.
Attendees had the chance to see live demonstrations of Greentex's fabric offerings, including its recycled polyester and BCI cotton ranges, both designed to reduce environmental impact without compromising on performance or quality.
Birmingham – UK – October 2026 – China Print Supplies UK Ltd has concluded a successful three-day exhibition at The Sign Show, where the company showcased its latest range of printers, cutting tables, and equipment bundles to industry professionals and visitors.
Throughout the event, the China Print Supplies UK team engaged with attendees, delivered live demonstrations of its machinery, and discussed how its growing product range can help signage and print businesses stay ahead in an increasingly competitive and sustainability-conscious market.
“We were thrilled with the turnout and engagement at this year's Sign Show. Conversations with visitors reinforced the direction we're taking as a business — one that puts innovation and responsible manufacturing at the forefront," said China Print Supplies UK Ltd.
Dorking – UK – October 2026 – FESPA has announced that its 2027 edition in Munich will bring together five specialist events into a single destination, offering exhibitors an unprecedented opportunity to reach audiences spanning print, signage, merchandising, wrapping and textiles.
The consolidated event reflects the increasingly interconnected nature of the speciality print and signage industries, where brands and suppliers are seeking more efficient ways to engage with buyers across multiple disciplines.
By combining five dedicated events, FESPA 2027 will enable exhibitors to showcase their offerings to a broader and more diverse audience, all within one venue
Leicester, UK – October 2026 – De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) will open a landmark exhibition celebrating the work of fashion icon Dame Zandra Rhodes, following her decision to donate a significant part of her personal archive to the university.
Zandra Rhodes: Archive Unfolded will showcase highlights from a donation spanning six decades of Rhodes' career, from 1964 to 2025, featuring thousands of objects including licensed work, press cuttings, film, opera material and colour transparencies.
The gift follows Dame Zandra's Honorary Doctorate of the Arts from DMU in 2023, when she announced her intention to place a key part of her archive with the university's Special Collections.
London, UK – September 2026 – ARTS THREAD hosted an in-person judging event for its Global Creative Graduate Showcase at the Zaha Hadid Gallery, Barbican, bringing together industry judges to evaluate the next generation of creative talent.
The event also marked the introduction of the ARTS THREAD Vault, a new initiative set to shape how creative work is archived and accessed.
The gathering reflects ARTS THREAD's ongoing commitment to supporting emerging creatives as they transition from education into industry, while also advancing the infrastructure that underpins creative recognition and opportunity on a global scale.
SOUTH NORMANTON, UK – October 2026 – Sun Chemical has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable innovation with the continued development of its Streamline™ aqueous ink solutions, as the graphics industry accelerates its transition towards water-based technology.
The shift comes amid rising demand for printing solutions that reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, minimise odour, and deliver vibrant, high-performance colour
Madrid, Spain – October 2026 – Roland DG, a global leader in digital printing and visual communication technology, is looking forward to its participation in C!Print Madrid 2027, taking place from 12 to 14 January 2027.
The company will present its evolving ecosystem of printing, automation, and branding solutions under its new positioning, "Make Your Mark," reflecting a shift from machine supplier to value-creation partner for brands and professionals across Europe.
Leicester, UK – October 2026 – VeriVide Limited, a leading provider of colour assessment and quality control solutions, today announced that it will take to the stage at the AATCC International Summit in Wilmington, United States, to present on the evolving landscape of colour evaluation technology.
Stephen Tongue and Chris Hipps, representing VeriVide, will deliver a session titled "Evolution of Visual and Digital Evaluation Tools for Color Assessment, Fastness Grading, and Stain Analysis."
The presentation will examine how colour evaluation practices have developed over time, exploring the enduring role of visual assessment alongside the growing adoption of digital tools for fastness grading and stain analysis.
GRADUATES 2022 - MEET TEXTILE DESIGNER OLIVIA HORSMAN
Welcome to the Texintel Graduates 2022 interview series showcasing a snapshot of talent creatives emerging from university here in the UK. In todays episode we interview Olivia Horsman a final year Fashion Textiles Design student based in United Kingdom, graduating from Nottingham Trent University.
Inspired by art and its connection with Mental Health - Olivia explores the emotional connection between our mood, emotions and well being. Bringing the past and the future to discover the history of art and how it can be utilised to enhance our daily lives and heal society…
Welcome to the Texintel Graduates 2022 interview series showcasing a snapshot of talent creatives emerging from university here in the UK.
In todays episode we interview Olivia Horsman a final year Fashion Textiles Design student based in United Kingdom, graduating from Nottingham Trent University.
Inspired by art and its connection with Mental Health - Olivia explores the emotional connection between our mood, emotions and wellbeing. Bringing the past and the future together - to discover the history of art and how it can be utilised to enhance our daily lives and heal society…
Olivia commented: “‘States’ is a high-end unisex fashion collection consisting of 6 mini collections, each exploring a different ‘state’ of mind. Each mini collection starts with a self portrait depicting a certain feeling or reaction, such as dissociation or the brains response to music, with an accompanying 4 samples consisting of colour palettes created from its associated self-portrait. The collection aims to explore and understand the brain deeper, visualising reactions to feelings and certain stimulus, which in turn helps to open a discourse about mental health and how we can communicate and relate to others.
Most of the artwork is created when experiencing such feelings or reactions, with methods such as quick doodles, large expressionistic pieces with closed eyes to avoid purposeful compositions or writing down thoughts and feelings to later create mood when developing my work.”
We wish Olivia and her 2022 cohort every success and welcome them into the textile industry.
The 2027 FESPA Awards are now open for entry, and the message to businesses across textiles, apparel, interiors and beyond is simple: your work deserves recognition. Every gold winner featured here started in the same place every entrant does - with a project they believed was worth submitting.
As the only independent awards programme with 18 categories dedicated to print and signage, FESPA offers a genuinely global stage, with shortlisted entries displayed at FESPA Global Print Expo in Spring 2027.
Colour Is Too Important to Leave to Chance
Print will always be the part of the garment people see first.
But the sum of all parts — the fabric, the trims, the fasteners, the finish — is what determines whether a design actually delivers on its promise. Brands that continue to treat colour as a single creative decision, rather than a coordinated technical discipline spanning their entire supply chain, will keep paying for it in re-dips, delays, and disappointed design teams.
A Century of Textiles, and an Ever-changing World
Few companies can trace their roots back more than a century and still count themselves among their industry's innovators. Texia, headquartered in Monistrol de Montserrat, Spain, is one of them.
But the story of Texia is not simply one of longevity.
It is a story of continual reinvention. As the textile industry has grown more global and competitive, Texia has repeatedly reshaped its business, investing in technology, developing its own brands, and placing sustainability at the centre of its mission. In doing so, it offers a compelling example of how a heritage manufacturer can lead rather than follow through a period of profound industry change. Image Credit: Texia
What are we craving Ultimately?
The instinct to slow down while simultaneously optimising every measurable aspect of life isn't a passing curiosity. It's a structural response to a world that feels increasingly unstable, and it's reshaping what people expect from their homes, hotels, workplaces and healthcare environments alike.
For the design and manufacturing sectors, this means rethinking both product and process.
The Structual Shift is Real and its Already Here
Volumes are moving east, where digital production is accelerating rapidly. Consumer behaviour has shifted.
Demand is now driven by personalisation, shorter buying cycles, and an expectation of near-instant responsiveness. Regulatory pressure is intensifying, with supply chain transparency now a legal and commercial fact in many markets. And margins? They are under sustained, structural pressure.
This is not a temporary disruption. It is a fundamental reordering of how textile manufacturing must operate.
The Challenge: Standing Firm as the Industry Shifts
The wallpaper landscape has changed dramatically. Digital printing has lowered the barrier to entry, spawning countless direct-to-consumer brands and pushing much of the market towards faster, cheaper production.
At the same time, manufacturing in the UK has grown steadily harder - rising minimum wage, national insurance, energy and substrate costs all bear down on margins. Surface Print have embraced all of these challenges - and stand resolutely prepared for the future.
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 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.”
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.”
Shanghai – China -October 2026 – BARBIERI Electronics, a global leader in professional colour measurement solutions, has announced its participation in ALL IN PRINT CHINA 2026, taking place from 12–16 October 2026 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre.
The company will exhibit alongside its partner, Beijing Dingli Xintong Technology Co. Ltd, at Booth N2A219, where COO and Co-Managing Director Viktor Lazzeri will meet with customers, partners and print professionals from across the industry
Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) Ltd has reinforced its two‑ decade partnership with Epson by expanding the range of Epson wide format print technologies now available for live demonstration at its UK Client Engagement Centre (CEC) in Dunstable.
The move reflects Konica Minolta’s commitment to supporting the UK commercial print sector with a broader, more versatile portfolio and giving customers hands‑on access to leading solutions.
Bracknell – Berkshire - October 2026 - UFABRIK has added IGEPA Hungária to its expanding European distribution network, bringing its digital textile portfolio to customers across Hungary through one of the country’s leading print and visual communications suppliers.
The agreement will see IGEPA Hungária introduce the UFABRIK range to customers from its operations in Budapest and Nyíregyháza, with local stockholding, technical support, and wide-format availability up to 5 metres.
New York – NY – October 2026 – Optitex, a global leader in fashion technology solutions, has announced a significant update to its CutPlan software, introducing Purchase Order (PO) Wise capability as part of its O/26.1 release.
The new feature allows manufacturers to plan multiple Purchase Orders for the same style independently, addressing a long-standing inefficiency within the cut planning process.
United Kingdom – September 2026 – Inkloft, a new specialist digital printing business founded by Gary Weyman and Andy Hancock, has announced its entry into the direct-to-film (DTF) market.
The company has been appointed as a distributor of DuPont™ Artistri® DTF products, including P1600 inks and Artistri Jettable Adhesive JA1100, both now available to purchase online through inkloft.co.uk.
Peterborough, UK – October 2026 – Snuggle Ltd has today reaffirmed its commitment to redefining industrial garment decoration, combining high-volume output with environmentally responsible production methods at its Peterborough facility.
The announcement highlights the company's investment in water-based pigment ink digital printing technology, a move designed to cut the environmental footprint of large-scale apparel decoration without compromising on quality.
At the core of Snuggle's operation is industrial water-based pigment ink digital printing, which replaces the chemical-heavy alternatives traditionally used across the sector.
Manchester – October 2026 – Premier Digital Textiles has today highlighted its 33130 Achill Natural Linen, a beautifully understated fabric defined by timeless texture and natural character.
The luxurious fabric reflects the company's ongoing commitment to quality materials that serve both designers and the environment
Gent – Belgium – October 2026 – Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems has announced its participation in India CorrExpo 2026, following a successful week exhibiting at PRINTING United Expo 2026.
The company will showcase its latest advancements in digital cutting and routing technology, demonstrating how businesses across print, display, packaging and signage can achieve greater precision, productivity and scalability.
The event will take place from 14 to 16 October 2026 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai, where Kongsberg will be exhibiting at Booth B80, Hall 4.
Coalville – Leicestershire – October 2026 – Innotech Digital & Display has concluded a successful first-time exhibition at The Print Show, held at the NEC over three days, unveiling its new Black Display Hardware Collection and demonstrating its materials in action through a series of industry partnerships.
The event marked a significant milestone for Innotech, offering the company its first opportunity to engage directly with the wider print community on this platform.
Visitors to the stand were able to explore product samples, view the newly launched Black Display Hardware Collection, and speak with the Innotech team about the latest developments in digital and display materials
Las Vegas – Nv -October 2026 – Durst Group AG has confirmed its first US customer orders for the Durst P5 350 CORE, following the system's debut at PRINTING United Expo.
The announcement caps a milestone year for the platform, which launched earlier in 2026 at FESPA Global Print in Barcelona and went on to win an EDP Award ahead of its US introduction.
The P5 350 CORE drew significant attention from attendees throughout the Expo, with interest converting directly into sales as the first American customers placed their orders on the show floor.
Altrincham- Cheshire – UK – October 2026 – Funkifabrics, a provider of fabrics for fashion and design, today highlighted a striking collection of garments created by renowned designer [theofficialglobegirls], which prominently features its textiles.
The collection showcases the versatility and quality of Funkifabrics' materials, reinforcing the company's commitment to supporting bold, creative expression across the fashion industry.
The collaboration, shared across Funkifabrics' social media channels, has already generated significant engagement from the fashion community, with many praising the craftsmanship and visual impact of the designs.
Belgrade, Serbia – October 2026 – Brother Industrial EMEA today announced that its GTX300 digital textile printer has been awarded the prestigious Gold Seal Award at Grafima 2026, the 46th International Fair of Graphic, Paper and Creative Industries, held in Belgrade.
The machine received top honours in the category "Digital Printing Machines for Textile Materials up to 160cm Wide", as judged by the fair's expert panel.
The Gold Seal Award recognises outstanding quality, innovation and professional capability within the graphic and textile printing industries.
Shanghai, China – October 2026 – FabricVision, a global innovator in textile production, has marked the successful completion of its first full year of operations, announcing ambitious expansion plans across both China and Europe.
The milestone was celebrated last week during China Expo in Shanghai, where the company convened with its team at Jinmao to review achievements and set strategic priorities for the year ahead.
The company's first year has been defined by rapid growth and deepening customer relationships, according to leadership.
Rapidity, a nearly 40-year-old London print and communications specialist, needed finishing equipment capable of matching the speed and complexity of its growing client roster, which includes Arsenal, Shell, and Aston Martin.
By partnering with Vivid Laminating Technologies and investing in three Veloblades, two Matrix systems, and an Easymount unit, Rapidity strengthened its production capabilities while maintaining the meticulous quality standards that have defined the business since 1986.
Klagenfurt - Austria – October 2026– Zimmer Austria, a global leader in textile printing and coating solutions, will be at IGATEX Pakistan 2026, one of the region's premier textile machinery exhibitions.
The company will exhibit its latest digital printing, screen printing, and coating technologies from 15–18 October 2026, at Hall 2, Booth F-2-09, in Karachi, Pakistan
Returning for the fifth time to Manchester’s GNCCF (Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair) are the GREEN GRADS,** 20 of the brightest of the UK’s new wave of eco-activists who have just graduated from universities all over the country, from Falmouth to Glasgow. The Fair runs from Thursday October 15 (private view) to Sunday October 18 (closes 4pm).
GREEN GRADS in the NORTH are taking over the 46 “changing cubicles” with their distinctive framework of blue cast iron, that fringe the gallery of Pool C, in the splendid Victoria Baths, Manchester. There is also a shop, curated by Laura Wigham, GREEN GRAD of 2024, with exclusive arts and crafts by GREEN GRAD makers from previous years.
Crewe, Cheshire – October 6th 2026 – Hybrid Services Ltd, the UK and Ireland distributor for Mimaki, has announced three dedicated demo days at its Crewe showroom, giving businesses a further opportunity to see the latest Mimaki machines in action.
Running from Tuesday 13th to Thursday 15th October, the drop-in sessions follow the machines' debut at The Print Show 2026 at the NEC Birmingham and are designed for those who missed the event, or want more time to explore the technology at their own pace.
Chesterfield, UK – October 2026 – Resolute DTF, a leading provider of direct-to-film printing solutions, has concluded its participation in The Print Show, last week, with an overwhelmingly positive response from attendees.
The event gave the company an opportunity to showcase its latest innovations in DTF and UV DTF printing technology to print businesses from across the industry.
Visitors to the Resolute DTF stand were given hands-on access to the company's expanding product range, including its R-JET PRO DTF and UVi-3D UV DTF printers, alongside its portfolio of inks, films, and finishing equipment.
Capurso, Italy – October - 2026 – Agfa Inkjet Solutions today announced that Digibux Print, an Italian digital print specialist, has invested in the Jeti Bronco H3300 HS, a 3.3-metre wide-format hybrid UV LED inkjet printer.
The investment marks a significant step in Digibux Print's evolution from digital print specialist to industrial production powerhouse, as the company expands its production capabilities to meet changing customer demands.
London, UK – 25 September 2026 – Sanderson Design Group PLC (AIM: SDG), the luxury interior furnishings group, today announced a 10-year licensing agreement with Dunelm for Designers Guild, the luxury interiors brand acquired by Dunelm in April 2025.
Under the Agreement, Sanderson Design Group has been granted the sole licence to design, manufacture and sell Designers Guild wallpapers, fabrics and paint worldwide.
The Agreement grants Sanderson Design Group access to Designers Guild's extensive archive design library, alongside the opportunity to create new designs under the brand, in exchange for a royalty fee paid to Dunelm
Zoetermeer - Netherlands - October 2026 – Papergraphics has announced that its Netherlands branch is now an accredited partner for Canon printers, bringing the acclaimed GP and PRO series to Dutch customers for the first time.
The accreditation builds on Papergraphics' long-standing Canon partnership in the UK, extending the same calibre of large-format printing hardware to the Dutch market.
Neuss – Germany – October 2026 – B-FLEX Italia has announced a partnership with Epson Deutschland GmbH to showcase the future of direct-to-film printing at the Epson Production Days event in October.
The collaboration will bring B-FLEX's DTF film and hot-melt powder together with Epson's SureColor G9000 printer in live, twin-roll demonstrations designed to show how materials and machinery combine to maximise both quality and output in real production settings
Las Vegas – NV – October 2026 – Greentex, a leading supplier of sustainable textiles for apparel, home goods and sportswear, successfully concluded its participation at Printing United 2026, where the company connected with customers, partners and industry professionals to showcase its latest eco-conscious fabric solutions.
The event brought together key players across the printing and textile industries, offering Greentex the opportunity to demonstrate how sustainable materials can meet the rigorous demands of modern digital printing and textile customisation.
Attendees had the chance to see live demonstrations of Greentex's fabric offerings, including its recycled polyester and BCI cotton ranges, both designed to reduce environmental impact without compromising on performance or quality.
Birmingham – UK – October 2026 – China Print Supplies UK Ltd has concluded a successful three-day exhibition at The Sign Show, where the company showcased its latest range of printers, cutting tables, and equipment bundles to industry professionals and visitors.
Throughout the event, the China Print Supplies UK team engaged with attendees, delivered live demonstrations of its machinery, and discussed how its growing product range can help signage and print businesses stay ahead in an increasingly competitive and sustainability-conscious market.
“We were thrilled with the turnout and engagement at this year's Sign Show. Conversations with visitors reinforced the direction we're taking as a business — one that puts innovation and responsible manufacturing at the forefront," said China Print Supplies UK Ltd.
Dorking – UK – October 2026 – FESPA has announced that its 2027 edition in Munich will bring together five specialist events into a single destination, offering exhibitors an unprecedented opportunity to reach audiences spanning print, signage, merchandising, wrapping and textiles.
The consolidated event reflects the increasingly interconnected nature of the speciality print and signage industries, where brands and suppliers are seeking more efficient ways to engage with buyers across multiple disciplines.
By combining five dedicated events, FESPA 2027 will enable exhibitors to showcase their offerings to a broader and more diverse audience, all within one venue
Leicester, UK – October 2026 – De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) will open a landmark exhibition celebrating the work of fashion icon Dame Zandra Rhodes, following her decision to donate a significant part of her personal archive to the university.
Zandra Rhodes: Archive Unfolded will showcase highlights from a donation spanning six decades of Rhodes' career, from 1964 to 2025, featuring thousands of objects including licensed work, press cuttings, film, opera material and colour transparencies.
The gift follows Dame Zandra's Honorary Doctorate of the Arts from DMU in 2023, when she announced her intention to place a key part of her archive with the university's Special Collections.
London, UK – September 2026 – ARTS THREAD hosted an in-person judging event for its Global Creative Graduate Showcase at the Zaha Hadid Gallery, Barbican, bringing together industry judges to evaluate the next generation of creative talent.
The event also marked the introduction of the ARTS THREAD Vault, a new initiative set to shape how creative work is archived and accessed.
The gathering reflects ARTS THREAD's ongoing commitment to supporting emerging creatives as they transition from education into industry, while also advancing the infrastructure that underpins creative recognition and opportunity on a global scale.
SOUTH NORMANTON, UK – October 2026 – Sun Chemical has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable innovation with the continued development of its Streamline™ aqueous ink solutions, as the graphics industry accelerates its transition towards water-based technology.
The shift comes amid rising demand for printing solutions that reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, minimise odour, and deliver vibrant, high-performance colour
Madrid, Spain – October 2026 – Roland DG, a global leader in digital printing and visual communication technology, is looking forward to its participation in C!Print Madrid 2027, taking place from 12 to 14 January 2027.
The company will present its evolving ecosystem of printing, automation, and branding solutions under its new positioning, "Make Your Mark," reflecting a shift from machine supplier to value-creation partner for brands and professionals across Europe.
Leicester, UK – October 2026 – VeriVide Limited, a leading provider of colour assessment and quality control solutions, today announced that it will take to the stage at the AATCC International Summit in Wilmington, United States, to present on the evolving landscape of colour evaluation technology.
Stephen Tongue and Chris Hipps, representing VeriVide, will deliver a session titled "Evolution of Visual and Digital Evaluation Tools for Color Assessment, Fastness Grading, and Stain Analysis."
The presentation will examine how colour evaluation practices have developed over time, exploring the enduring role of visual assessment alongside the growing adoption of digital tools for fastness grading and stain analysis.
GRADUATES 2022 - MEET TEXTILE DESIGNER YASMIN WASEEM
Welcome to the Texintel Graduates 2022 interview series showcasing a snapshot of talent creatives emerging from university here in the UK. In todays episode we interview Yasmin Waseem a final year Fashion Textiles Design student based in United Kingdom, graduating from De Montfort University, Leicester.
With a strong focus on sustainability, Yasmin's work incorporates sustainable fibres, digital embroidery and hand dyeing techniques. Yasmin's work, spotted in London, stands out as an example of the creativity of a new generation that strive to challenge traditional manufacturing processes. Her work is a nod to the return of couture and the creation of Apparel that we can and should treasure forever...
Welcome to the Texintel Graduates 2022 interview series showcasing a snapshot of talent creatives emerging from university here in the UK.
In todays episode we interview Yasmin Waseem a final year Fashion Textiles Design student based in United Kingdom, graduating from De Montfort University, Leicester. With a strong focus on sustainability, Yasmin's work incorporates sustainable fibres, digital embroidery and hand dyeing techniques.
Yasmin's work, spotted in London, stands out as an example of the creativity of a new generation that strive to challenge traditional manufacturing processes. Her work is a nod to the return of couture and the creation of Apparel that we can and should treasure forever...
Yasmin commented: "My final collection "Exploring Lost Worlds” is based on the hidden fossils being discovered and the textures surrounding them. My inspiration came from my photography of fossils, which i then translate into fabric. Through my research, it was highlighted how women are often dismissed within palaeontology, motivating me to create a collection that incorporates both rough and delicate textures. This inspiration allowed me to create this womenswear S/S 2022-23 collection consisting of beading, hand embroidery, and digital machine embroidery. My final collection highlights my passion for detailing, with hand and digital embroidery, along with the use of macrame”.
We wish Yasmin and her 2022 cohort every success and welcome them into the textile industry.
The 2027 FESPA Awards are now open for entry, and the message to businesses across textiles, apparel, interiors and beyond is simple: your work deserves recognition. Every gold winner featured here started in the same place every entrant does - with a project they believed was worth submitting.
As the only independent awards programme with 18 categories dedicated to print and signage, FESPA offers a genuinely global stage, with shortlisted entries displayed at FESPA Global Print Expo in Spring 2027.
Colour Is Too Important to Leave to Chance
Print will always be the part of the garment people see first.
But the sum of all parts — the fabric, the trims, the fasteners, the finish — is what determines whether a design actually delivers on its promise. Brands that continue to treat colour as a single creative decision, rather than a coordinated technical discipline spanning their entire supply chain, will keep paying for it in re-dips, delays, and disappointed design teams.
A Century of Textiles, and an Ever-changing World
Few companies can trace their roots back more than a century and still count themselves among their industry's innovators. Texia, headquartered in Monistrol de Montserrat, Spain, is one of them.
But the story of Texia is not simply one of longevity.
It is a story of continual reinvention. As the textile industry has grown more global and competitive, Texia has repeatedly reshaped its business, investing in technology, developing its own brands, and placing sustainability at the centre of its mission. In doing so, it offers a compelling example of how a heritage manufacturer can lead rather than follow through a period of profound industry change. Image Credit: Texia
What are we craving Ultimately?
The instinct to slow down while simultaneously optimising every measurable aspect of life isn't a passing curiosity. It's a structural response to a world that feels increasingly unstable, and it's reshaping what people expect from their homes, hotels, workplaces and healthcare environments alike.
For the design and manufacturing sectors, this means rethinking both product and process.
The Structual Shift is Real and its Already Here
Volumes are moving east, where digital production is accelerating rapidly. Consumer behaviour has shifted.
Demand is now driven by personalisation, shorter buying cycles, and an expectation of near-instant responsiveness. Regulatory pressure is intensifying, with supply chain transparency now a legal and commercial fact in many markets. And margins? They are under sustained, structural pressure.
This is not a temporary disruption. It is a fundamental reordering of how textile manufacturing must operate.
The Challenge: Standing Firm as the Industry Shifts
The wallpaper landscape has changed dramatically. Digital printing has lowered the barrier to entry, spawning countless direct-to-consumer brands and pushing much of the market towards faster, cheaper production.
At the same time, manufacturing in the UK has grown steadily harder - rising minimum wage, national insurance, energy and substrate costs all bear down on margins. Surface Print have embraced all of these challenges - and stand resolutely prepared for the future.
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 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.”
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.”
Shanghai – China -October 2026 – BARBIERI Electronics, a global leader in professional colour measurement solutions, has announced its participation in ALL IN PRINT CHINA 2026, taking place from 12–16 October 2026 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre.
The company will exhibit alongside its partner, Beijing Dingli Xintong Technology Co. Ltd, at Booth N2A219, where COO and Co-Managing Director Viktor Lazzeri will meet with customers, partners and print professionals from across the industry
Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) Ltd has reinforced its two‑ decade partnership with Epson by expanding the range of Epson wide format print technologies now available for live demonstration at its UK Client Engagement Centre (CEC) in Dunstable.
The move reflects Konica Minolta’s commitment to supporting the UK commercial print sector with a broader, more versatile portfolio and giving customers hands‑on access to leading solutions.
Bracknell – Berkshire - October 2026 - UFABRIK has added IGEPA Hungária to its expanding European distribution network, bringing its digital textile portfolio to customers across Hungary through one of the country’s leading print and visual communications suppliers.
The agreement will see IGEPA Hungária introduce the UFABRIK range to customers from its operations in Budapest and Nyíregyháza, with local stockholding, technical support, and wide-format availability up to 5 metres.
New York – NY – October 2026 – Optitex, a global leader in fashion technology solutions, has announced a significant update to its CutPlan software, introducing Purchase Order (PO) Wise capability as part of its O/26.1 release.
The new feature allows manufacturers to plan multiple Purchase Orders for the same style independently, addressing a long-standing inefficiency within the cut planning process.
United Kingdom – September 2026 – Inkloft, a new specialist digital printing business founded by Gary Weyman and Andy Hancock, has announced its entry into the direct-to-film (DTF) market.
The company has been appointed as a distributor of DuPont™ Artistri® DTF products, including P1600 inks and Artistri Jettable Adhesive JA1100, both now available to purchase online through inkloft.co.uk.
Peterborough, UK – October 2026 – Snuggle Ltd has today reaffirmed its commitment to redefining industrial garment decoration, combining high-volume output with environmentally responsible production methods at its Peterborough facility.
The announcement highlights the company's investment in water-based pigment ink digital printing technology, a move designed to cut the environmental footprint of large-scale apparel decoration without compromising on quality.
At the core of Snuggle's operation is industrial water-based pigment ink digital printing, which replaces the chemical-heavy alternatives traditionally used across the sector.
Manchester – October 2026 – Premier Digital Textiles has today highlighted its 33130 Achill Natural Linen, a beautifully understated fabric defined by timeless texture and natural character.
The luxurious fabric reflects the company's ongoing commitment to quality materials that serve both designers and the environment
Gent – Belgium – October 2026 – Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems has announced its participation in India CorrExpo 2026, following a successful week exhibiting at PRINTING United Expo 2026.
The company will showcase its latest advancements in digital cutting and routing technology, demonstrating how businesses across print, display, packaging and signage can achieve greater precision, productivity and scalability.
The event will take place from 14 to 16 October 2026 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai, where Kongsberg will be exhibiting at Booth B80, Hall 4.
Coalville – Leicestershire – October 2026 – Innotech Digital & Display has concluded a successful first-time exhibition at The Print Show, held at the NEC over three days, unveiling its new Black Display Hardware Collection and demonstrating its materials in action through a series of industry partnerships.
The event marked a significant milestone for Innotech, offering the company its first opportunity to engage directly with the wider print community on this platform.
Visitors to the stand were able to explore product samples, view the newly launched Black Display Hardware Collection, and speak with the Innotech team about the latest developments in digital and display materials
Las Vegas – Nv -October 2026 – Durst Group AG has confirmed its first US customer orders for the Durst P5 350 CORE, following the system's debut at PRINTING United Expo.
The announcement caps a milestone year for the platform, which launched earlier in 2026 at FESPA Global Print in Barcelona and went on to win an EDP Award ahead of its US introduction.
The P5 350 CORE drew significant attention from attendees throughout the Expo, with interest converting directly into sales as the first American customers placed their orders on the show floor.
Altrincham- Cheshire – UK – October 2026 – Funkifabrics, a provider of fabrics for fashion and design, today highlighted a striking collection of garments created by renowned designer [theofficialglobegirls], which prominently features its textiles.
The collection showcases the versatility and quality of Funkifabrics' materials, reinforcing the company's commitment to supporting bold, creative expression across the fashion industry.
The collaboration, shared across Funkifabrics' social media channels, has already generated significant engagement from the fashion community, with many praising the craftsmanship and visual impact of the designs.
Belgrade, Serbia – October 2026 – Brother Industrial EMEA today announced that its GTX300 digital textile printer has been awarded the prestigious Gold Seal Award at Grafima 2026, the 46th International Fair of Graphic, Paper and Creative Industries, held in Belgrade.
The machine received top honours in the category "Digital Printing Machines for Textile Materials up to 160cm Wide", as judged by the fair's expert panel.
The Gold Seal Award recognises outstanding quality, innovation and professional capability within the graphic and textile printing industries.
Shanghai, China – October 2026 – FabricVision, a global innovator in textile production, has marked the successful completion of its first full year of operations, announcing ambitious expansion plans across both China and Europe.
The milestone was celebrated last week during China Expo in Shanghai, where the company convened with its team at Jinmao to review achievements and set strategic priorities for the year ahead.
The company's first year has been defined by rapid growth and deepening customer relationships, according to leadership.
Rapidity, a nearly 40-year-old London print and communications specialist, needed finishing equipment capable of matching the speed and complexity of its growing client roster, which includes Arsenal, Shell, and Aston Martin.
By partnering with Vivid Laminating Technologies and investing in three Veloblades, two Matrix systems, and an Easymount unit, Rapidity strengthened its production capabilities while maintaining the meticulous quality standards that have defined the business since 1986.
Klagenfurt - Austria – October 2026– Zimmer Austria, a global leader in textile printing and coating solutions, will be at IGATEX Pakistan 2026, one of the region's premier textile machinery exhibitions.
The company will exhibit its latest digital printing, screen printing, and coating technologies from 15–18 October 2026, at Hall 2, Booth F-2-09, in Karachi, Pakistan
Returning for the fifth time to Manchester’s GNCCF (Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair) are the GREEN GRADS,** 20 of the brightest of the UK’s new wave of eco-activists who have just graduated from universities all over the country, from Falmouth to Glasgow. The Fair runs from Thursday October 15 (private view) to Sunday October 18 (closes 4pm).
GREEN GRADS in the NORTH are taking over the 46 “changing cubicles” with their distinctive framework of blue cast iron, that fringe the gallery of Pool C, in the splendid Victoria Baths, Manchester. There is also a shop, curated by Laura Wigham, GREEN GRAD of 2024, with exclusive arts and crafts by GREEN GRAD makers from previous years.
Crewe, Cheshire – October 6th 2026 – Hybrid Services Ltd, the UK and Ireland distributor for Mimaki, has announced three dedicated demo days at its Crewe showroom, giving businesses a further opportunity to see the latest Mimaki machines in action.
Running from Tuesday 13th to Thursday 15th October, the drop-in sessions follow the machines' debut at The Print Show 2026 at the NEC Birmingham and are designed for those who missed the event, or want more time to explore the technology at their own pace.
Chesterfield, UK – October 2026 – Resolute DTF, a leading provider of direct-to-film printing solutions, has concluded its participation in The Print Show, last week, with an overwhelmingly positive response from attendees.
The event gave the company an opportunity to showcase its latest innovations in DTF and UV DTF printing technology to print businesses from across the industry.
Visitors to the Resolute DTF stand were given hands-on access to the company's expanding product range, including its R-JET PRO DTF and UVi-3D UV DTF printers, alongside its portfolio of inks, films, and finishing equipment.
Capurso, Italy – October - 2026 – Agfa Inkjet Solutions today announced that Digibux Print, an Italian digital print specialist, has invested in the Jeti Bronco H3300 HS, a 3.3-metre wide-format hybrid UV LED inkjet printer.
The investment marks a significant step in Digibux Print's evolution from digital print specialist to industrial production powerhouse, as the company expands its production capabilities to meet changing customer demands.
London, UK – 25 September 2026 – Sanderson Design Group PLC (AIM: SDG), the luxury interior furnishings group, today announced a 10-year licensing agreement with Dunelm for Designers Guild, the luxury interiors brand acquired by Dunelm in April 2025.
Under the Agreement, Sanderson Design Group has been granted the sole licence to design, manufacture and sell Designers Guild wallpapers, fabrics and paint worldwide.
The Agreement grants Sanderson Design Group access to Designers Guild's extensive archive design library, alongside the opportunity to create new designs under the brand, in exchange for a royalty fee paid to Dunelm
Zoetermeer - Netherlands - October 2026 – Papergraphics has announced that its Netherlands branch is now an accredited partner for Canon printers, bringing the acclaimed GP and PRO series to Dutch customers for the first time.
The accreditation builds on Papergraphics' long-standing Canon partnership in the UK, extending the same calibre of large-format printing hardware to the Dutch market.
Neuss – Germany – October 2026 – B-FLEX Italia has announced a partnership with Epson Deutschland GmbH to showcase the future of direct-to-film printing at the Epson Production Days event in October.
The collaboration will bring B-FLEX's DTF film and hot-melt powder together with Epson's SureColor G9000 printer in live, twin-roll demonstrations designed to show how materials and machinery combine to maximise both quality and output in real production settings
Las Vegas – NV – October 2026 – Greentex, a leading supplier of sustainable textiles for apparel, home goods and sportswear, successfully concluded its participation at Printing United 2026, where the company connected with customers, partners and industry professionals to showcase its latest eco-conscious fabric solutions.
The event brought together key players across the printing and textile industries, offering Greentex the opportunity to demonstrate how sustainable materials can meet the rigorous demands of modern digital printing and textile customisation.
Attendees had the chance to see live demonstrations of Greentex's fabric offerings, including its recycled polyester and BCI cotton ranges, both designed to reduce environmental impact without compromising on performance or quality.
Birmingham – UK – October 2026 – China Print Supplies UK Ltd has concluded a successful three-day exhibition at The Sign Show, where the company showcased its latest range of printers, cutting tables, and equipment bundles to industry professionals and visitors.
Throughout the event, the China Print Supplies UK team engaged with attendees, delivered live demonstrations of its machinery, and discussed how its growing product range can help signage and print businesses stay ahead in an increasingly competitive and sustainability-conscious market.
“We were thrilled with the turnout and engagement at this year's Sign Show. Conversations with visitors reinforced the direction we're taking as a business — one that puts innovation and responsible manufacturing at the forefront," said China Print Supplies UK Ltd.
Dorking – UK – October 2026 – FESPA has announced that its 2027 edition in Munich will bring together five specialist events into a single destination, offering exhibitors an unprecedented opportunity to reach audiences spanning print, signage, merchandising, wrapping and textiles.
The consolidated event reflects the increasingly interconnected nature of the speciality print and signage industries, where brands and suppliers are seeking more efficient ways to engage with buyers across multiple disciplines.
By combining five dedicated events, FESPA 2027 will enable exhibitors to showcase their offerings to a broader and more diverse audience, all within one venue
Leicester, UK – October 2026 – De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) will open a landmark exhibition celebrating the work of fashion icon Dame Zandra Rhodes, following her decision to donate a significant part of her personal archive to the university.
Zandra Rhodes: Archive Unfolded will showcase highlights from a donation spanning six decades of Rhodes' career, from 1964 to 2025, featuring thousands of objects including licensed work, press cuttings, film, opera material and colour transparencies.
The gift follows Dame Zandra's Honorary Doctorate of the Arts from DMU in 2023, when she announced her intention to place a key part of her archive with the university's Special Collections.
London, UK – September 2026 – ARTS THREAD hosted an in-person judging event for its Global Creative Graduate Showcase at the Zaha Hadid Gallery, Barbican, bringing together industry judges to evaluate the next generation of creative talent.
The event also marked the introduction of the ARTS THREAD Vault, a new initiative set to shape how creative work is archived and accessed.
The gathering reflects ARTS THREAD's ongoing commitment to supporting emerging creatives as they transition from education into industry, while also advancing the infrastructure that underpins creative recognition and opportunity on a global scale.
SOUTH NORMANTON, UK – October 2026 – Sun Chemical has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable innovation with the continued development of its Streamline™ aqueous ink solutions, as the graphics industry accelerates its transition towards water-based technology.
The shift comes amid rising demand for printing solutions that reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, minimise odour, and deliver vibrant, high-performance colour
Madrid, Spain – October 2026 – Roland DG, a global leader in digital printing and visual communication technology, is looking forward to its participation in C!Print Madrid 2027, taking place from 12 to 14 January 2027.
The company will present its evolving ecosystem of printing, automation, and branding solutions under its new positioning, "Make Your Mark," reflecting a shift from machine supplier to value-creation partner for brands and professionals across Europe.
Leicester, UK – October 2026 – VeriVide Limited, a leading provider of colour assessment and quality control solutions, today announced that it will take to the stage at the AATCC International Summit in Wilmington, United States, to present on the evolving landscape of colour evaluation technology.
Stephen Tongue and Chris Hipps, representing VeriVide, will deliver a session titled "Evolution of Visual and Digital Evaluation Tools for Color Assessment, Fastness Grading, and Stain Analysis."
The presentation will examine how colour evaluation practices have developed over time, exploring the enduring role of visual assessment alongside the growing adoption of digital tools for fastness grading and stain analysis.
GRADUATES 2022 - MEET TEXTILE DESIGNER AIDAH CHISHTI
Welcome to the Texintel Graduates 2022 interview series showcasing a snapshot of talent creatives emerging from university here in the UK. In todays episode we interview Aidah Chishti a final year Fashion Textiles Design student based in United Kingdom, graduating from De Montfort University, Leicester. Aidah's work, spotted in London, stands out as an example of the creativity enabled by digital technology. The next generation are pushing the boundaries of print to chart a new future for the textile industry as we enter i4.0.
Welcome to the Texintel Graduates 2022 interview series showcasing a snapshot of talent creatives emerging from university here in the UK.
In todays episode we interview Aidah Chishti a final year Fashion Textiles Design student based in United Kingdom, graduating from De Montfort University, Leicester. Aidah's work, spotted in London, stands out as an example of the creativity enabled by digital technology.
The next generation are pushing the boundaries of print to chart a new future for the textile industry as we enter i4.0.
Aidah commented: "As a textile designer specialising in mixed media, I like to take an innovative approach to design. My work is inspired by bold, vivid colour and finding ways to combine a range of techniques. My final major project titled 'Wild Aura' inspired by nature focuses on shape, texture and repeat. I have taken a unique approach in this project using techniques such as laser cutting, sublimation printing and fabric manipulation. My project is heavily influenced by Paco Rabanne's chainmail collection. Aidah Chishti is a talented graduate and her work demonstrates her ability to push the boundaries of design to new heights. Her work is inspiring and thought provoking with many potential applications for both Fashion and Interior Decoration.
We wish Aidah and her 2022 cohort every success for the future.
The 2027 FESPA Awards are now open for entry, and the message to businesses across textiles, apparel, interiors and beyond is simple: your work deserves recognition. Every gold winner featured here started in the same place every entrant does - with a project they believed was worth submitting.
As the only independent awards programme with 18 categories dedicated to print and signage, FESPA offers a genuinely global stage, with shortlisted entries displayed at FESPA Global Print Expo in Spring 2027.
Colour Is Too Important to Leave to Chance
Print will always be the part of the garment people see first.
But the sum of all parts — the fabric, the trims, the fasteners, the finish — is what determines whether a design actually delivers on its promise. Brands that continue to treat colour as a single creative decision, rather than a coordinated technical discipline spanning their entire supply chain, will keep paying for it in re-dips, delays, and disappointed design teams.
A Century of Textiles, and an Ever-changing World
Few companies can trace their roots back more than a century and still count themselves among their industry's innovators. Texia, headquartered in Monistrol de Montserrat, Spain, is one of them.
But the story of Texia is not simply one of longevity.
It is a story of continual reinvention. As the textile industry has grown more global and competitive, Texia has repeatedly reshaped its business, investing in technology, developing its own brands, and placing sustainability at the centre of its mission. In doing so, it offers a compelling example of how a heritage manufacturer can lead rather than follow through a period of profound industry change. Image Credit: Texia
What are we craving Ultimately?
The instinct to slow down while simultaneously optimising every measurable aspect of life isn't a passing curiosity. It's a structural response to a world that feels increasingly unstable, and it's reshaping what people expect from their homes, hotels, workplaces and healthcare environments alike.
For the design and manufacturing sectors, this means rethinking both product and process.
The Structual Shift is Real and its Already Here
Volumes are moving east, where digital production is accelerating rapidly. Consumer behaviour has shifted.
Demand is now driven by personalisation, shorter buying cycles, and an expectation of near-instant responsiveness. Regulatory pressure is intensifying, with supply chain transparency now a legal and commercial fact in many markets. And margins? They are under sustained, structural pressure.
This is not a temporary disruption. It is a fundamental reordering of how textile manufacturing must operate.
The Challenge: Standing Firm as the Industry Shifts
The wallpaper landscape has changed dramatically. Digital printing has lowered the barrier to entry, spawning countless direct-to-consumer brands and pushing much of the market towards faster, cheaper production.
At the same time, manufacturing in the UK has grown steadily harder - rising minimum wage, national insurance, energy and substrate costs all bear down on margins. Surface Print have embraced all of these challenges - and stand resolutely prepared for the future.
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 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.”
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.”
Shanghai – China -October 2026 – BARBIERI Electronics, a global leader in professional colour measurement solutions, has announced its participation in ALL IN PRINT CHINA 2026, taking place from 12–16 October 2026 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre.
The company will exhibit alongside its partner, Beijing Dingli Xintong Technology Co. Ltd, at Booth N2A219, where COO and Co-Managing Director Viktor Lazzeri will meet with customers, partners and print professionals from across the industry
Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) Ltd has reinforced its two‑ decade partnership with Epson by expanding the range of Epson wide format print technologies now available for live demonstration at its UK Client Engagement Centre (CEC) in Dunstable.
The move reflects Konica Minolta’s commitment to supporting the UK commercial print sector with a broader, more versatile portfolio and giving customers hands‑on access to leading solutions.
Bracknell – Berkshire - October 2026 - UFABRIK has added IGEPA Hungária to its expanding European distribution network, bringing its digital textile portfolio to customers across Hungary through one of the country’s leading print and visual communications suppliers.
The agreement will see IGEPA Hungária introduce the UFABRIK range to customers from its operations in Budapest and Nyíregyháza, with local stockholding, technical support, and wide-format availability up to 5 metres.
New York – NY – October 2026 – Optitex, a global leader in fashion technology solutions, has announced a significant update to its CutPlan software, introducing Purchase Order (PO) Wise capability as part of its O/26.1 release.
The new feature allows manufacturers to plan multiple Purchase Orders for the same style independently, addressing a long-standing inefficiency within the cut planning process.
United Kingdom – September 2026 – Inkloft, a new specialist digital printing business founded by Gary Weyman and Andy Hancock, has announced its entry into the direct-to-film (DTF) market.
The company has been appointed as a distributor of DuPont™ Artistri® DTF products, including P1600 inks and Artistri Jettable Adhesive JA1100, both now available to purchase online through inkloft.co.uk.
Peterborough, UK – October 2026 – Snuggle Ltd has today reaffirmed its commitment to redefining industrial garment decoration, combining high-volume output with environmentally responsible production methods at its Peterborough facility.
The announcement highlights the company's investment in water-based pigment ink digital printing technology, a move designed to cut the environmental footprint of large-scale apparel decoration without compromising on quality.
At the core of Snuggle's operation is industrial water-based pigment ink digital printing, which replaces the chemical-heavy alternatives traditionally used across the sector.
Manchester – October 2026 – Premier Digital Textiles has today highlighted its 33130 Achill Natural Linen, a beautifully understated fabric defined by timeless texture and natural character.
The luxurious fabric reflects the company's ongoing commitment to quality materials that serve both designers and the environment
Gent – Belgium – October 2026 – Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems has announced its participation in India CorrExpo 2026, following a successful week exhibiting at PRINTING United Expo 2026.
The company will showcase its latest advancements in digital cutting and routing technology, demonstrating how businesses across print, display, packaging and signage can achieve greater precision, productivity and scalability.
The event will take place from 14 to 16 October 2026 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai, where Kongsberg will be exhibiting at Booth B80, Hall 4.
Coalville – Leicestershire – October 2026 – Innotech Digital & Display has concluded a successful first-time exhibition at The Print Show, held at the NEC over three days, unveiling its new Black Display Hardware Collection and demonstrating its materials in action through a series of industry partnerships.
The event marked a significant milestone for Innotech, offering the company its first opportunity to engage directly with the wider print community on this platform.
Visitors to the stand were able to explore product samples, view the newly launched Black Display Hardware Collection, and speak with the Innotech team about the latest developments in digital and display materials
Las Vegas – Nv -October 2026 – Durst Group AG has confirmed its first US customer orders for the Durst P5 350 CORE, following the system's debut at PRINTING United Expo.
The announcement caps a milestone year for the platform, which launched earlier in 2026 at FESPA Global Print in Barcelona and went on to win an EDP Award ahead of its US introduction.
The P5 350 CORE drew significant attention from attendees throughout the Expo, with interest converting directly into sales as the first American customers placed their orders on the show floor.
Altrincham- Cheshire – UK – October 2026 – Funkifabrics, a provider of fabrics for fashion and design, today highlighted a striking collection of garments created by renowned designer [theofficialglobegirls], which prominently features its textiles.
The collection showcases the versatility and quality of Funkifabrics' materials, reinforcing the company's commitment to supporting bold, creative expression across the fashion industry.
The collaboration, shared across Funkifabrics' social media channels, has already generated significant engagement from the fashion community, with many praising the craftsmanship and visual impact of the designs.
Belgrade, Serbia – October 2026 – Brother Industrial EMEA today announced that its GTX300 digital textile printer has been awarded the prestigious Gold Seal Award at Grafima 2026, the 46th International Fair of Graphic, Paper and Creative Industries, held in Belgrade.
The machine received top honours in the category "Digital Printing Machines for Textile Materials up to 160cm Wide", as judged by the fair's expert panel.
The Gold Seal Award recognises outstanding quality, innovation and professional capability within the graphic and textile printing industries.
Shanghai, China – October 2026 – FabricVision, a global innovator in textile production, has marked the successful completion of its first full year of operations, announcing ambitious expansion plans across both China and Europe.
The milestone was celebrated last week during China Expo in Shanghai, where the company convened with its team at Jinmao to review achievements and set strategic priorities for the year ahead.
The company's first year has been defined by rapid growth and deepening customer relationships, according to leadership.
Rapidity, a nearly 40-year-old London print and communications specialist, needed finishing equipment capable of matching the speed and complexity of its growing client roster, which includes Arsenal, Shell, and Aston Martin.
By partnering with Vivid Laminating Technologies and investing in three Veloblades, two Matrix systems, and an Easymount unit, Rapidity strengthened its production capabilities while maintaining the meticulous quality standards that have defined the business since 1986.
Klagenfurt - Austria – October 2026– Zimmer Austria, a global leader in textile printing and coating solutions, will be at IGATEX Pakistan 2026, one of the region's premier textile machinery exhibitions.
The company will exhibit its latest digital printing, screen printing, and coating technologies from 15–18 October 2026, at Hall 2, Booth F-2-09, in Karachi, Pakistan
Returning for the fifth time to Manchester’s GNCCF (Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair) are the GREEN GRADS,** 20 of the brightest of the UK’s new wave of eco-activists who have just graduated from universities all over the country, from Falmouth to Glasgow. The Fair runs from Thursday October 15 (private view) to Sunday October 18 (closes 4pm).
GREEN GRADS in the NORTH are taking over the 46 “changing cubicles” with their distinctive framework of blue cast iron, that fringe the gallery of Pool C, in the splendid Victoria Baths, Manchester. There is also a shop, curated by Laura Wigham, GREEN GRAD of 2024, with exclusive arts and crafts by GREEN GRAD makers from previous years.
Crewe, Cheshire – October 6th 2026 – Hybrid Services Ltd, the UK and Ireland distributor for Mimaki, has announced three dedicated demo days at its Crewe showroom, giving businesses a further opportunity to see the latest Mimaki machines in action.
Running from Tuesday 13th to Thursday 15th October, the drop-in sessions follow the machines' debut at The Print Show 2026 at the NEC Birmingham and are designed for those who missed the event, or want more time to explore the technology at their own pace.
Chesterfield, UK – October 2026 – Resolute DTF, a leading provider of direct-to-film printing solutions, has concluded its participation in The Print Show, last week, with an overwhelmingly positive response from attendees.
The event gave the company an opportunity to showcase its latest innovations in DTF and UV DTF printing technology to print businesses from across the industry.
Visitors to the Resolute DTF stand were given hands-on access to the company's expanding product range, including its R-JET PRO DTF and UVi-3D UV DTF printers, alongside its portfolio of inks, films, and finishing equipment.
Capurso, Italy – October - 2026 – Agfa Inkjet Solutions today announced that Digibux Print, an Italian digital print specialist, has invested in the Jeti Bronco H3300 HS, a 3.3-metre wide-format hybrid UV LED inkjet printer.
The investment marks a significant step in Digibux Print's evolution from digital print specialist to industrial production powerhouse, as the company expands its production capabilities to meet changing customer demands.
London, UK – 25 September 2026 – Sanderson Design Group PLC (AIM: SDG), the luxury interior furnishings group, today announced a 10-year licensing agreement with Dunelm for Designers Guild, the luxury interiors brand acquired by Dunelm in April 2025.
Under the Agreement, Sanderson Design Group has been granted the sole licence to design, manufacture and sell Designers Guild wallpapers, fabrics and paint worldwide.
The Agreement grants Sanderson Design Group access to Designers Guild's extensive archive design library, alongside the opportunity to create new designs under the brand, in exchange for a royalty fee paid to Dunelm
Zoetermeer - Netherlands - October 2026 – Papergraphics has announced that its Netherlands branch is now an accredited partner for Canon printers, bringing the acclaimed GP and PRO series to Dutch customers for the first time.
The accreditation builds on Papergraphics' long-standing Canon partnership in the UK, extending the same calibre of large-format printing hardware to the Dutch market.
Neuss – Germany – October 2026 – B-FLEX Italia has announced a partnership with Epson Deutschland GmbH to showcase the future of direct-to-film printing at the Epson Production Days event in October.
The collaboration will bring B-FLEX's DTF film and hot-melt powder together with Epson's SureColor G9000 printer in live, twin-roll demonstrations designed to show how materials and machinery combine to maximise both quality and output in real production settings
Las Vegas – NV – October 2026 – Greentex, a leading supplier of sustainable textiles for apparel, home goods and sportswear, successfully concluded its participation at Printing United 2026, where the company connected with customers, partners and industry professionals to showcase its latest eco-conscious fabric solutions.
The event brought together key players across the printing and textile industries, offering Greentex the opportunity to demonstrate how sustainable materials can meet the rigorous demands of modern digital printing and textile customisation.
Attendees had the chance to see live demonstrations of Greentex's fabric offerings, including its recycled polyester and BCI cotton ranges, both designed to reduce environmental impact without compromising on performance or quality.
Birmingham – UK – October 2026 – China Print Supplies UK Ltd has concluded a successful three-day exhibition at The Sign Show, where the company showcased its latest range of printers, cutting tables, and equipment bundles to industry professionals and visitors.
Throughout the event, the China Print Supplies UK team engaged with attendees, delivered live demonstrations of its machinery, and discussed how its growing product range can help signage and print businesses stay ahead in an increasingly competitive and sustainability-conscious market.
“We were thrilled with the turnout and engagement at this year's Sign Show. Conversations with visitors reinforced the direction we're taking as a business — one that puts innovation and responsible manufacturing at the forefront," said China Print Supplies UK Ltd.
Dorking – UK – October 2026 – FESPA has announced that its 2027 edition in Munich will bring together five specialist events into a single destination, offering exhibitors an unprecedented opportunity to reach audiences spanning print, signage, merchandising, wrapping and textiles.
The consolidated event reflects the increasingly interconnected nature of the speciality print and signage industries, where brands and suppliers are seeking more efficient ways to engage with buyers across multiple disciplines.
By combining five dedicated events, FESPA 2027 will enable exhibitors to showcase their offerings to a broader and more diverse audience, all within one venue
Leicester, UK – October 2026 – De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) will open a landmark exhibition celebrating the work of fashion icon Dame Zandra Rhodes, following her decision to donate a significant part of her personal archive to the university.
Zandra Rhodes: Archive Unfolded will showcase highlights from a donation spanning six decades of Rhodes' career, from 1964 to 2025, featuring thousands of objects including licensed work, press cuttings, film, opera material and colour transparencies.
The gift follows Dame Zandra's Honorary Doctorate of the Arts from DMU in 2023, when she announced her intention to place a key part of her archive with the university's Special Collections.
London, UK – September 2026 – ARTS THREAD hosted an in-person judging event for its Global Creative Graduate Showcase at the Zaha Hadid Gallery, Barbican, bringing together industry judges to evaluate the next generation of creative talent.
The event also marked the introduction of the ARTS THREAD Vault, a new initiative set to shape how creative work is archived and accessed.
The gathering reflects ARTS THREAD's ongoing commitment to supporting emerging creatives as they transition from education into industry, while also advancing the infrastructure that underpins creative recognition and opportunity on a global scale.
SOUTH NORMANTON, UK – October 2026 – Sun Chemical has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable innovation with the continued development of its Streamline™ aqueous ink solutions, as the graphics industry accelerates its transition towards water-based technology.
The shift comes amid rising demand for printing solutions that reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, minimise odour, and deliver vibrant, high-performance colour
Madrid, Spain – October 2026 – Roland DG, a global leader in digital printing and visual communication technology, is looking forward to its participation in C!Print Madrid 2027, taking place from 12 to 14 January 2027.
The company will present its evolving ecosystem of printing, automation, and branding solutions under its new positioning, "Make Your Mark," reflecting a shift from machine supplier to value-creation partner for brands and professionals across Europe.
Leicester, UK – October 2026 – VeriVide Limited, a leading provider of colour assessment and quality control solutions, today announced that it will take to the stage at the AATCC International Summit in Wilmington, United States, to present on the evolving landscape of colour evaluation technology.
Stephen Tongue and Chris Hipps, representing VeriVide, will deliver a session titled "Evolution of Visual and Digital Evaluation Tools for Color Assessment, Fastness Grading, and Stain Analysis."
The presentation will examine how colour evaluation practices have developed over time, exploring the enduring role of visual assessment alongside the growing adoption of digital tools for fastness grading and stain analysis.
GRADUATES 2022 - MEET TEXTILE DESIGNER ESMEE JACKSON
Welcome to the Texintel Graduates 2022 interview series showcasing a snapshot of talent creatives emerging from university here in the UK. In todays episode we interview Esmee Jackson a final year Fashion Textiles Design student based in United Kingdom, currently East Midlands and will soon be graduating from De Montfort University, Leicester. Esmee specialises in print and graphic design, as well as colour.”
Welcome to the Texintel Graduates 2022 interview series showcasing a snapshot of talent creatives emerging from university here in the UK.
In todays episode we interview Esmee Jackson a final year Fashion Textiles Design student based in United Kingdom, currently East Midlands and will soon be graduating from De Montfort University, Leicester. Esmee specialises in print and graphic design, as well as colour.
Esmee commented: "My speciality lies within print design and the ability to piece together a colour pallet suited to the mood and atmosphere of a theme or concept. I have a great understanding on the process of print design from start to finish, therefore am confident in programmes within Adobe Creative Suite, such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Using these programmes to create sharp graphics and designs which will later be put into print. Also, proficient in textile and garment decorations within print such as flocking, devore and the ability to mix up reactive, and acid dyes, and many more. I am interested in the industry of print and graphic design suited for fashion, textiles, interiors, and marketing practices. I am someone who is organised and, works well under pressure and adaptable to given briefs and projects, as well as multi-task, I believe I would be a great candidate to a design team. My work is available to view on Artsthread and Instagram".
Esmee is a passionate print creative with a bright future ahead of her. Her work is meticulous, well researched, playful and innovative and we look forward to watching her career flourish. We wish Esmee and her 2022 cohort every success for the future.
The 2027 FESPA Awards are now open for entry, and the message to businesses across textiles, apparel, interiors and beyond is simple: your work deserves recognition. Every gold winner featured here started in the same place every entrant does - with a project they believed was worth submitting.
As the only independent awards programme with 18 categories dedicated to print and signage, FESPA offers a genuinely global stage, with shortlisted entries displayed at FESPA Global Print Expo in Spring 2027.
Colour Is Too Important to Leave to Chance
Print will always be the part of the garment people see first.
But the sum of all parts — the fabric, the trims, the fasteners, the finish — is what determines whether a design actually delivers on its promise. Brands that continue to treat colour as a single creative decision, rather than a coordinated technical discipline spanning their entire supply chain, will keep paying for it in re-dips, delays, and disappointed design teams.
A Century of Textiles, and an Ever-changing World
Few companies can trace their roots back more than a century and still count themselves among their industry's innovators. Texia, headquartered in Monistrol de Montserrat, Spain, is one of them.
But the story of Texia is not simply one of longevity.
It is a story of continual reinvention. As the textile industry has grown more global and competitive, Texia has repeatedly reshaped its business, investing in technology, developing its own brands, and placing sustainability at the centre of its mission. In doing so, it offers a compelling example of how a heritage manufacturer can lead rather than follow through a period of profound industry change. Image Credit: Texia
What are we craving Ultimately?
The instinct to slow down while simultaneously optimising every measurable aspect of life isn't a passing curiosity. It's a structural response to a world that feels increasingly unstable, and it's reshaping what people expect from their homes, hotels, workplaces and healthcare environments alike.
For the design and manufacturing sectors, this means rethinking both product and process.
The Structual Shift is Real and its Already Here
Volumes are moving east, where digital production is accelerating rapidly. Consumer behaviour has shifted.
Demand is now driven by personalisation, shorter buying cycles, and an expectation of near-instant responsiveness. Regulatory pressure is intensifying, with supply chain transparency now a legal and commercial fact in many markets. And margins? They are under sustained, structural pressure.
This is not a temporary disruption. It is a fundamental reordering of how textile manufacturing must operate.
The Challenge: Standing Firm as the Industry Shifts
The wallpaper landscape has changed dramatically. Digital printing has lowered the barrier to entry, spawning countless direct-to-consumer brands and pushing much of the market towards faster, cheaper production.
At the same time, manufacturing in the UK has grown steadily harder - rising minimum wage, national insurance, energy and substrate costs all bear down on margins. Surface Print have embraced all of these challenges - and stand resolutely prepared for the future.
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 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.”
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.”
Shanghai – China -October 2026 – BARBIERI Electronics, a global leader in professional colour measurement solutions, has announced its participation in ALL IN PRINT CHINA 2026, taking place from 12–16 October 2026 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre.
The company will exhibit alongside its partner, Beijing Dingli Xintong Technology Co. Ltd, at Booth N2A219, where COO and Co-Managing Director Viktor Lazzeri will meet with customers, partners and print professionals from across the industry
Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) Ltd has reinforced its two‑ decade partnership with Epson by expanding the range of Epson wide format print technologies now available for live demonstration at its UK Client Engagement Centre (CEC) in Dunstable.
The move reflects Konica Minolta’s commitment to supporting the UK commercial print sector with a broader, more versatile portfolio and giving customers hands‑on access to leading solutions.
Bracknell – Berkshire - October 2026 - UFABRIK has added IGEPA Hungária to its expanding European distribution network, bringing its digital textile portfolio to customers across Hungary through one of the country’s leading print and visual communications suppliers.
The agreement will see IGEPA Hungária introduce the UFABRIK range to customers from its operations in Budapest and Nyíregyháza, with local stockholding, technical support, and wide-format availability up to 5 metres.
New York – NY – October 2026 – Optitex, a global leader in fashion technology solutions, has announced a significant update to its CutPlan software, introducing Purchase Order (PO) Wise capability as part of its O/26.1 release.
The new feature allows manufacturers to plan multiple Purchase Orders for the same style independently, addressing a long-standing inefficiency within the cut planning process.
United Kingdom – September 2026 – Inkloft, a new specialist digital printing business founded by Gary Weyman and Andy Hancock, has announced its entry into the direct-to-film (DTF) market.
The company has been appointed as a distributor of DuPont™ Artistri® DTF products, including P1600 inks and Artistri Jettable Adhesive JA1100, both now available to purchase online through inkloft.co.uk.
Peterborough, UK – October 2026 – Snuggle Ltd has today reaffirmed its commitment to redefining industrial garment decoration, combining high-volume output with environmentally responsible production methods at its Peterborough facility.
The announcement highlights the company's investment in water-based pigment ink digital printing technology, a move designed to cut the environmental footprint of large-scale apparel decoration without compromising on quality.
At the core of Snuggle's operation is industrial water-based pigment ink digital printing, which replaces the chemical-heavy alternatives traditionally used across the sector.
Manchester – October 2026 – Premier Digital Textiles has today highlighted its 33130 Achill Natural Linen, a beautifully understated fabric defined by timeless texture and natural character.
The luxurious fabric reflects the company's ongoing commitment to quality materials that serve both designers and the environment
Gent – Belgium – October 2026 – Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems has announced its participation in India CorrExpo 2026, following a successful week exhibiting at PRINTING United Expo 2026.
The company will showcase its latest advancements in digital cutting and routing technology, demonstrating how businesses across print, display, packaging and signage can achieve greater precision, productivity and scalability.
The event will take place from 14 to 16 October 2026 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai, where Kongsberg will be exhibiting at Booth B80, Hall 4.
Coalville – Leicestershire – October 2026 – Innotech Digital & Display has concluded a successful first-time exhibition at The Print Show, held at the NEC over three days, unveiling its new Black Display Hardware Collection and demonstrating its materials in action through a series of industry partnerships.
The event marked a significant milestone for Innotech, offering the company its first opportunity to engage directly with the wider print community on this platform.
Visitors to the stand were able to explore product samples, view the newly launched Black Display Hardware Collection, and speak with the Innotech team about the latest developments in digital and display materials
Las Vegas – Nv -October 2026 – Durst Group AG has confirmed its first US customer orders for the Durst P5 350 CORE, following the system's debut at PRINTING United Expo.
The announcement caps a milestone year for the platform, which launched earlier in 2026 at FESPA Global Print in Barcelona and went on to win an EDP Award ahead of its US introduction.
The P5 350 CORE drew significant attention from attendees throughout the Expo, with interest converting directly into sales as the first American customers placed their orders on the show floor.
Altrincham- Cheshire – UK – October 2026 – Funkifabrics, a provider of fabrics for fashion and design, today highlighted a striking collection of garments created by renowned designer [theofficialglobegirls], which prominently features its textiles.
The collection showcases the versatility and quality of Funkifabrics' materials, reinforcing the company's commitment to supporting bold, creative expression across the fashion industry.
The collaboration, shared across Funkifabrics' social media channels, has already generated significant engagement from the fashion community, with many praising the craftsmanship and visual impact of the designs.
Belgrade, Serbia – October 2026 – Brother Industrial EMEA today announced that its GTX300 digital textile printer has been awarded the prestigious Gold Seal Award at Grafima 2026, the 46th International Fair of Graphic, Paper and Creative Industries, held in Belgrade.
The machine received top honours in the category "Digital Printing Machines for Textile Materials up to 160cm Wide", as judged by the fair's expert panel.
The Gold Seal Award recognises outstanding quality, innovation and professional capability within the graphic and textile printing industries.
Shanghai, China – October 2026 – FabricVision, a global innovator in textile production, has marked the successful completion of its first full year of operations, announcing ambitious expansion plans across both China and Europe.
The milestone was celebrated last week during China Expo in Shanghai, where the company convened with its team at Jinmao to review achievements and set strategic priorities for the year ahead.
The company's first year has been defined by rapid growth and deepening customer relationships, according to leadership.
Rapidity, a nearly 40-year-old London print and communications specialist, needed finishing equipment capable of matching the speed and complexity of its growing client roster, which includes Arsenal, Shell, and Aston Martin.
By partnering with Vivid Laminating Technologies and investing in three Veloblades, two Matrix systems, and an Easymount unit, Rapidity strengthened its production capabilities while maintaining the meticulous quality standards that have defined the business since 1986.
Klagenfurt - Austria – October 2026– Zimmer Austria, a global leader in textile printing and coating solutions, will be at IGATEX Pakistan 2026, one of the region's premier textile machinery exhibitions.
The company will exhibit its latest digital printing, screen printing, and coating technologies from 15–18 October 2026, at Hall 2, Booth F-2-09, in Karachi, Pakistan
Returning for the fifth time to Manchester’s GNCCF (Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair) are the GREEN GRADS,** 20 of the brightest of the UK’s new wave of eco-activists who have just graduated from universities all over the country, from Falmouth to Glasgow. The Fair runs from Thursday October 15 (private view) to Sunday October 18 (closes 4pm).
GREEN GRADS in the NORTH are taking over the 46 “changing cubicles” with their distinctive framework of blue cast iron, that fringe the gallery of Pool C, in the splendid Victoria Baths, Manchester. There is also a shop, curated by Laura Wigham, GREEN GRAD of 2024, with exclusive arts and crafts by GREEN GRAD makers from previous years.
Crewe, Cheshire – October 6th 2026 – Hybrid Services Ltd, the UK and Ireland distributor for Mimaki, has announced three dedicated demo days at its Crewe showroom, giving businesses a further opportunity to see the latest Mimaki machines in action.
Running from Tuesday 13th to Thursday 15th October, the drop-in sessions follow the machines' debut at The Print Show 2026 at the NEC Birmingham and are designed for those who missed the event, or want more time to explore the technology at their own pace.
Chesterfield, UK – October 2026 – Resolute DTF, a leading provider of direct-to-film printing solutions, has concluded its participation in The Print Show, last week, with an overwhelmingly positive response from attendees.
The event gave the company an opportunity to showcase its latest innovations in DTF and UV DTF printing technology to print businesses from across the industry.
Visitors to the Resolute DTF stand were given hands-on access to the company's expanding product range, including its R-JET PRO DTF and UVi-3D UV DTF printers, alongside its portfolio of inks, films, and finishing equipment.
Capurso, Italy – October - 2026 – Agfa Inkjet Solutions today announced that Digibux Print, an Italian digital print specialist, has invested in the Jeti Bronco H3300 HS, a 3.3-metre wide-format hybrid UV LED inkjet printer.
The investment marks a significant step in Digibux Print's evolution from digital print specialist to industrial production powerhouse, as the company expands its production capabilities to meet changing customer demands.
London, UK – 25 September 2026 – Sanderson Design Group PLC (AIM: SDG), the luxury interior furnishings group, today announced a 10-year licensing agreement with Dunelm for Designers Guild, the luxury interiors brand acquired by Dunelm in April 2025.
Under the Agreement, Sanderson Design Group has been granted the sole licence to design, manufacture and sell Designers Guild wallpapers, fabrics and paint worldwide.
The Agreement grants Sanderson Design Group access to Designers Guild's extensive archive design library, alongside the opportunity to create new designs under the brand, in exchange for a royalty fee paid to Dunelm
Zoetermeer - Netherlands - October 2026 – Papergraphics has announced that its Netherlands branch is now an accredited partner for Canon printers, bringing the acclaimed GP and PRO series to Dutch customers for the first time.
The accreditation builds on Papergraphics' long-standing Canon partnership in the UK, extending the same calibre of large-format printing hardware to the Dutch market.
Neuss – Germany – October 2026 – B-FLEX Italia has announced a partnership with Epson Deutschland GmbH to showcase the future of direct-to-film printing at the Epson Production Days event in October.
The collaboration will bring B-FLEX's DTF film and hot-melt powder together with Epson's SureColor G9000 printer in live, twin-roll demonstrations designed to show how materials and machinery combine to maximise both quality and output in real production settings
Las Vegas – NV – October 2026 – Greentex, a leading supplier of sustainable textiles for apparel, home goods and sportswear, successfully concluded its participation at Printing United 2026, where the company connected with customers, partners and industry professionals to showcase its latest eco-conscious fabric solutions.
The event brought together key players across the printing and textile industries, offering Greentex the opportunity to demonstrate how sustainable materials can meet the rigorous demands of modern digital printing and textile customisation.
Attendees had the chance to see live demonstrations of Greentex's fabric offerings, including its recycled polyester and BCI cotton ranges, both designed to reduce environmental impact without compromising on performance or quality.
Birmingham – UK – October 2026 – China Print Supplies UK Ltd has concluded a successful three-day exhibition at The Sign Show, where the company showcased its latest range of printers, cutting tables, and equipment bundles to industry professionals and visitors.
Throughout the event, the China Print Supplies UK team engaged with attendees, delivered live demonstrations of its machinery, and discussed how its growing product range can help signage and print businesses stay ahead in an increasingly competitive and sustainability-conscious market.
“We were thrilled with the turnout and engagement at this year's Sign Show. Conversations with visitors reinforced the direction we're taking as a business — one that puts innovation and responsible manufacturing at the forefront," said China Print Supplies UK Ltd.
Dorking – UK – October 2026 – FESPA has announced that its 2027 edition in Munich will bring together five specialist events into a single destination, offering exhibitors an unprecedented opportunity to reach audiences spanning print, signage, merchandising, wrapping and textiles.
The consolidated event reflects the increasingly interconnected nature of the speciality print and signage industries, where brands and suppliers are seeking more efficient ways to engage with buyers across multiple disciplines.
By combining five dedicated events, FESPA 2027 will enable exhibitors to showcase their offerings to a broader and more diverse audience, all within one venue
Leicester, UK – October 2026 – De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) will open a landmark exhibition celebrating the work of fashion icon Dame Zandra Rhodes, following her decision to donate a significant part of her personal archive to the university.
Zandra Rhodes: Archive Unfolded will showcase highlights from a donation spanning six decades of Rhodes' career, from 1964 to 2025, featuring thousands of objects including licensed work, press cuttings, film, opera material and colour transparencies.
The gift follows Dame Zandra's Honorary Doctorate of the Arts from DMU in 2023, when she announced her intention to place a key part of her archive with the university's Special Collections.
London, UK – September 2026 – ARTS THREAD hosted an in-person judging event for its Global Creative Graduate Showcase at the Zaha Hadid Gallery, Barbican, bringing together industry judges to evaluate the next generation of creative talent.
The event also marked the introduction of the ARTS THREAD Vault, a new initiative set to shape how creative work is archived and accessed.
The gathering reflects ARTS THREAD's ongoing commitment to supporting emerging creatives as they transition from education into industry, while also advancing the infrastructure that underpins creative recognition and opportunity on a global scale.
SOUTH NORMANTON, UK – October 2026 – Sun Chemical has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable innovation with the continued development of its Streamline™ aqueous ink solutions, as the graphics industry accelerates its transition towards water-based technology.
The shift comes amid rising demand for printing solutions that reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, minimise odour, and deliver vibrant, high-performance colour
Madrid, Spain – October 2026 – Roland DG, a global leader in digital printing and visual communication technology, is looking forward to its participation in C!Print Madrid 2027, taking place from 12 to 14 January 2027.
The company will present its evolving ecosystem of printing, automation, and branding solutions under its new positioning, "Make Your Mark," reflecting a shift from machine supplier to value-creation partner for brands and professionals across Europe.
Leicester, UK – October 2026 – VeriVide Limited, a leading provider of colour assessment and quality control solutions, today announced that it will take to the stage at the AATCC International Summit in Wilmington, United States, to present on the evolving landscape of colour evaluation technology.
Stephen Tongue and Chris Hipps, representing VeriVide, will deliver a session titled "Evolution of Visual and Digital Evaluation Tools for Color Assessment, Fastness Grading, and Stain Analysis."
The presentation will examine how colour evaluation practices have developed over time, exploring the enduring role of visual assessment alongside the growing adoption of digital tools for fastness grading and stain analysis.
GRADUATES 2022 - MEET TEXTILE DESIGNER EVIE SCOTT
Welcome to the Texintel Graduates 2022 interview series showcasing a snapshot of talent creatives emerging from university here in the UK. In todays episode we interview Evie Scott (BA Hons) Textile graduate of Art University Bournemouth. Evie's work, spotted in London, stands out as an example of the creativity enabled by digital technology. The next generation are pushing the boundaries of print to chart a new future for the textile industry as we enter i4.0.
Welcome to the Texintel Graduates 2022 interview series showcasing a snapshot of talent creatives emerging from university here in the UK.
In todays episode we interview Evie Scott (BA Hons) Textile graduate of Art University Bournemouth. Evie's work, spotted in London, stands out as an example of the creativity enabled by digital technology.
The next generation are pushing the boundaries of print to chart a new future for the textile industry as we enter i4.0.
Evie commented: "I am an innovative and passionate BA (HONS) Textiles student graduating from the Arts University, Bournemouth. I enjoy keeping my printing processes broad, often combining digital printing, hand-screen printing, laser etch and UV printing to achieve versatile and innovative designs for interior fabrics, wallpapers and hard surfaces. When printing, I work with additional mediums such as flocking, foils, metallic binders and spot-gloss with UV printing.
I love elevating my prints this way, pushing the surface textures and finishes to create an additional layer of interest and innovation. I use a wide range of drawing techniques within my designs enabling various brush strokes and drawn marks to be visible, such as watercolour, gouache and fine-liner. The ability to use my drawing skills alongside CAD and modern print techniques is an important tool in the creation of a broad range of versatile designs that are adaptable for a wide market. This is an area I hope will lead me to working across the boundaries of the design industry in the future".
Evie Scott is a talented, driven creative with an inherent eye for style. Her work embodies her passion for print and we look forward to watching her career flourish. We wish Evie and her 2022 cohort every success for the future.
The 2027 FESPA Awards are now open for entry, and the message to businesses across textiles, apparel, interiors and beyond is simple: your work deserves recognition. Every gold winner featured here started in the same place every entrant does - with a project they believed was worth submitting.
As the only independent awards programme with 18 categories dedicated to print and signage, FESPA offers a genuinely global stage, with shortlisted entries displayed at FESPA Global Print Expo in Spring 2027.
Colour Is Too Important to Leave to Chance
Print will always be the part of the garment people see first.
But the sum of all parts — the fabric, the trims, the fasteners, the finish — is what determines whether a design actually delivers on its promise. Brands that continue to treat colour as a single creative decision, rather than a coordinated technical discipline spanning their entire supply chain, will keep paying for it in re-dips, delays, and disappointed design teams.
A Century of Textiles, and an Ever-changing World
Few companies can trace their roots back more than a century and still count themselves among their industry's innovators. Texia, headquartered in Monistrol de Montserrat, Spain, is one of them.
But the story of Texia is not simply one of longevity.
It is a story of continual reinvention. As the textile industry has grown more global and competitive, Texia has repeatedly reshaped its business, investing in technology, developing its own brands, and placing sustainability at the centre of its mission. In doing so, it offers a compelling example of how a heritage manufacturer can lead rather than follow through a period of profound industry change. Image Credit: Texia
What are we craving Ultimately?
The instinct to slow down while simultaneously optimising every measurable aspect of life isn't a passing curiosity. It's a structural response to a world that feels increasingly unstable, and it's reshaping what people expect from their homes, hotels, workplaces and healthcare environments alike.
For the design and manufacturing sectors, this means rethinking both product and process.
The Structual Shift is Real and its Already Here
Volumes are moving east, where digital production is accelerating rapidly. Consumer behaviour has shifted.
Demand is now driven by personalisation, shorter buying cycles, and an expectation of near-instant responsiveness. Regulatory pressure is intensifying, with supply chain transparency now a legal and commercial fact in many markets. And margins? They are under sustained, structural pressure.
This is not a temporary disruption. It is a fundamental reordering of how textile manufacturing must operate.
The Challenge: Standing Firm as the Industry Shifts
The wallpaper landscape has changed dramatically. Digital printing has lowered the barrier to entry, spawning countless direct-to-consumer brands and pushing much of the market towards faster, cheaper production.
At the same time, manufacturing in the UK has grown steadily harder - rising minimum wage, national insurance, energy and substrate costs all bear down on margins. Surface Print have embraced all of these challenges - and stand resolutely prepared for the future.
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 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.”
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.”
Shanghai – China -October 2026 – BARBIERI Electronics, a global leader in professional colour measurement solutions, has announced its participation in ALL IN PRINT CHINA 2026, taking place from 12–16 October 2026 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre.
The company will exhibit alongside its partner, Beijing Dingli Xintong Technology Co. Ltd, at Booth N2A219, where COO and Co-Managing Director Viktor Lazzeri will meet with customers, partners and print professionals from across the industry
Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) Ltd has reinforced its two‑ decade partnership with Epson by expanding the range of Epson wide format print technologies now available for live demonstration at its UK Client Engagement Centre (CEC) in Dunstable.
The move reflects Konica Minolta’s commitment to supporting the UK commercial print sector with a broader, more versatile portfolio and giving customers hands‑on access to leading solutions.
Bracknell – Berkshire - October 2026 - UFABRIK has added IGEPA Hungária to its expanding European distribution network, bringing its digital textile portfolio to customers across Hungary through one of the country’s leading print and visual communications suppliers.
The agreement will see IGEPA Hungária introduce the UFABRIK range to customers from its operations in Budapest and Nyíregyháza, with local stockholding, technical support, and wide-format availability up to 5 metres.
New York – NY – October 2026 – Optitex, a global leader in fashion technology solutions, has announced a significant update to its CutPlan software, introducing Purchase Order (PO) Wise capability as part of its O/26.1 release.
The new feature allows manufacturers to plan multiple Purchase Orders for the same style independently, addressing a long-standing inefficiency within the cut planning process.
United Kingdom – September 2026 – Inkloft, a new specialist digital printing business founded by Gary Weyman and Andy Hancock, has announced its entry into the direct-to-film (DTF) market.
The company has been appointed as a distributor of DuPont™ Artistri® DTF products, including P1600 inks and Artistri Jettable Adhesive JA1100, both now available to purchase online through inkloft.co.uk.
Peterborough, UK – October 2026 – Snuggle Ltd has today reaffirmed its commitment to redefining industrial garment decoration, combining high-volume output with environmentally responsible production methods at its Peterborough facility.
The announcement highlights the company's investment in water-based pigment ink digital printing technology, a move designed to cut the environmental footprint of large-scale apparel decoration without compromising on quality.
At the core of Snuggle's operation is industrial water-based pigment ink digital printing, which replaces the chemical-heavy alternatives traditionally used across the sector.
Manchester – October 2026 – Premier Digital Textiles has today highlighted its 33130 Achill Natural Linen, a beautifully understated fabric defined by timeless texture and natural character.
The luxurious fabric reflects the company's ongoing commitment to quality materials that serve both designers and the environment
Gent – Belgium – October 2026 – Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems has announced its participation in India CorrExpo 2026, following a successful week exhibiting at PRINTING United Expo 2026.
The company will showcase its latest advancements in digital cutting and routing technology, demonstrating how businesses across print, display, packaging and signage can achieve greater precision, productivity and scalability.
The event will take place from 14 to 16 October 2026 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai, where Kongsberg will be exhibiting at Booth B80, Hall 4.
Coalville – Leicestershire – October 2026 – Innotech Digital & Display has concluded a successful first-time exhibition at The Print Show, held at the NEC over three days, unveiling its new Black Display Hardware Collection and demonstrating its materials in action through a series of industry partnerships.
The event marked a significant milestone for Innotech, offering the company its first opportunity to engage directly with the wider print community on this platform.
Visitors to the stand were able to explore product samples, view the newly launched Black Display Hardware Collection, and speak with the Innotech team about the latest developments in digital and display materials
Las Vegas – Nv -October 2026 – Durst Group AG has confirmed its first US customer orders for the Durst P5 350 CORE, following the system's debut at PRINTING United Expo.
The announcement caps a milestone year for the platform, which launched earlier in 2026 at FESPA Global Print in Barcelona and went on to win an EDP Award ahead of its US introduction.
The P5 350 CORE drew significant attention from attendees throughout the Expo, with interest converting directly into sales as the first American customers placed their orders on the show floor.
Altrincham- Cheshire – UK – October 2026 – Funkifabrics, a provider of fabrics for fashion and design, today highlighted a striking collection of garments created by renowned designer [theofficialglobegirls], which prominently features its textiles.
The collection showcases the versatility and quality of Funkifabrics' materials, reinforcing the company's commitment to supporting bold, creative expression across the fashion industry.
The collaboration, shared across Funkifabrics' social media channels, has already generated significant engagement from the fashion community, with many praising the craftsmanship and visual impact of the designs.
Belgrade, Serbia – October 2026 – Brother Industrial EMEA today announced that its GTX300 digital textile printer has been awarded the prestigious Gold Seal Award at Grafima 2026, the 46th International Fair of Graphic, Paper and Creative Industries, held in Belgrade.
The machine received top honours in the category "Digital Printing Machines for Textile Materials up to 160cm Wide", as judged by the fair's expert panel.
The Gold Seal Award recognises outstanding quality, innovation and professional capability within the graphic and textile printing industries.
Shanghai, China – October 2026 – FabricVision, a global innovator in textile production, has marked the successful completion of its first full year of operations, announcing ambitious expansion plans across both China and Europe.
The milestone was celebrated last week during China Expo in Shanghai, where the company convened with its team at Jinmao to review achievements and set strategic priorities for the year ahead.
The company's first year has been defined by rapid growth and deepening customer relationships, according to leadership.
Rapidity, a nearly 40-year-old London print and communications specialist, needed finishing equipment capable of matching the speed and complexity of its growing client roster, which includes Arsenal, Shell, and Aston Martin.
By partnering with Vivid Laminating Technologies and investing in three Veloblades, two Matrix systems, and an Easymount unit, Rapidity strengthened its production capabilities while maintaining the meticulous quality standards that have defined the business since 1986.
Klagenfurt - Austria – October 2026– Zimmer Austria, a global leader in textile printing and coating solutions, will be at IGATEX Pakistan 2026, one of the region's premier textile machinery exhibitions.
The company will exhibit its latest digital printing, screen printing, and coating technologies from 15–18 October 2026, at Hall 2, Booth F-2-09, in Karachi, Pakistan
Returning for the fifth time to Manchester’s GNCCF (Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair) are the GREEN GRADS,** 20 of the brightest of the UK’s new wave of eco-activists who have just graduated from universities all over the country, from Falmouth to Glasgow. The Fair runs from Thursday October 15 (private view) to Sunday October 18 (closes 4pm).
GREEN GRADS in the NORTH are taking over the 46 “changing cubicles” with their distinctive framework of blue cast iron, that fringe the gallery of Pool C, in the splendid Victoria Baths, Manchester. There is also a shop, curated by Laura Wigham, GREEN GRAD of 2024, with exclusive arts and crafts by GREEN GRAD makers from previous years.
Crewe, Cheshire – October 6th 2026 – Hybrid Services Ltd, the UK and Ireland distributor for Mimaki, has announced three dedicated demo days at its Crewe showroom, giving businesses a further opportunity to see the latest Mimaki machines in action.
Running from Tuesday 13th to Thursday 15th October, the drop-in sessions follow the machines' debut at The Print Show 2026 at the NEC Birmingham and are designed for those who missed the event, or want more time to explore the technology at their own pace.
Chesterfield, UK – October 2026 – Resolute DTF, a leading provider of direct-to-film printing solutions, has concluded its participation in The Print Show, last week, with an overwhelmingly positive response from attendees.
The event gave the company an opportunity to showcase its latest innovations in DTF and UV DTF printing technology to print businesses from across the industry.
Visitors to the Resolute DTF stand were given hands-on access to the company's expanding product range, including its R-JET PRO DTF and UVi-3D UV DTF printers, alongside its portfolio of inks, films, and finishing equipment.
Capurso, Italy – October - 2026 – Agfa Inkjet Solutions today announced that Digibux Print, an Italian digital print specialist, has invested in the Jeti Bronco H3300 HS, a 3.3-metre wide-format hybrid UV LED inkjet printer.
The investment marks a significant step in Digibux Print's evolution from digital print specialist to industrial production powerhouse, as the company expands its production capabilities to meet changing customer demands.
London, UK – 25 September 2026 – Sanderson Design Group PLC (AIM: SDG), the luxury interior furnishings group, today announced a 10-year licensing agreement with Dunelm for Designers Guild, the luxury interiors brand acquired by Dunelm in April 2025.
Under the Agreement, Sanderson Design Group has been granted the sole licence to design, manufacture and sell Designers Guild wallpapers, fabrics and paint worldwide.
The Agreement grants Sanderson Design Group access to Designers Guild's extensive archive design library, alongside the opportunity to create new designs under the brand, in exchange for a royalty fee paid to Dunelm
Zoetermeer - Netherlands - October 2026 – Papergraphics has announced that its Netherlands branch is now an accredited partner for Canon printers, bringing the acclaimed GP and PRO series to Dutch customers for the first time.
The accreditation builds on Papergraphics' long-standing Canon partnership in the UK, extending the same calibre of large-format printing hardware to the Dutch market.
Neuss – Germany – October 2026 – B-FLEX Italia has announced a partnership with Epson Deutschland GmbH to showcase the future of direct-to-film printing at the Epson Production Days event in October.
The collaboration will bring B-FLEX's DTF film and hot-melt powder together with Epson's SureColor G9000 printer in live, twin-roll demonstrations designed to show how materials and machinery combine to maximise both quality and output in real production settings
Las Vegas – NV – October 2026 – Greentex, a leading supplier of sustainable textiles for apparel, home goods and sportswear, successfully concluded its participation at Printing United 2026, where the company connected with customers, partners and industry professionals to showcase its latest eco-conscious fabric solutions.
The event brought together key players across the printing and textile industries, offering Greentex the opportunity to demonstrate how sustainable materials can meet the rigorous demands of modern digital printing and textile customisation.
Attendees had the chance to see live demonstrations of Greentex's fabric offerings, including its recycled polyester and BCI cotton ranges, both designed to reduce environmental impact without compromising on performance or quality.
Birmingham – UK – October 2026 – China Print Supplies UK Ltd has concluded a successful three-day exhibition at The Sign Show, where the company showcased its latest range of printers, cutting tables, and equipment bundles to industry professionals and visitors.
Throughout the event, the China Print Supplies UK team engaged with attendees, delivered live demonstrations of its machinery, and discussed how its growing product range can help signage and print businesses stay ahead in an increasingly competitive and sustainability-conscious market.
“We were thrilled with the turnout and engagement at this year's Sign Show. Conversations with visitors reinforced the direction we're taking as a business — one that puts innovation and responsible manufacturing at the forefront," said China Print Supplies UK Ltd.
Dorking – UK – October 2026 – FESPA has announced that its 2027 edition in Munich will bring together five specialist events into a single destination, offering exhibitors an unprecedented opportunity to reach audiences spanning print, signage, merchandising, wrapping and textiles.
The consolidated event reflects the increasingly interconnected nature of the speciality print and signage industries, where brands and suppliers are seeking more efficient ways to engage with buyers across multiple disciplines.
By combining five dedicated events, FESPA 2027 will enable exhibitors to showcase their offerings to a broader and more diverse audience, all within one venue
Leicester, UK – October 2026 – De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) will open a landmark exhibition celebrating the work of fashion icon Dame Zandra Rhodes, following her decision to donate a significant part of her personal archive to the university.
Zandra Rhodes: Archive Unfolded will showcase highlights from a donation spanning six decades of Rhodes' career, from 1964 to 2025, featuring thousands of objects including licensed work, press cuttings, film, opera material and colour transparencies.
The gift follows Dame Zandra's Honorary Doctorate of the Arts from DMU in 2023, when she announced her intention to place a key part of her archive with the university's Special Collections.
London, UK – September 2026 – ARTS THREAD hosted an in-person judging event for its Global Creative Graduate Showcase at the Zaha Hadid Gallery, Barbican, bringing together industry judges to evaluate the next generation of creative talent.
The event also marked the introduction of the ARTS THREAD Vault, a new initiative set to shape how creative work is archived and accessed.
The gathering reflects ARTS THREAD's ongoing commitment to supporting emerging creatives as they transition from education into industry, while also advancing the infrastructure that underpins creative recognition and opportunity on a global scale.
SOUTH NORMANTON, UK – October 2026 – Sun Chemical has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable innovation with the continued development of its Streamline™ aqueous ink solutions, as the graphics industry accelerates its transition towards water-based technology.
The shift comes amid rising demand for printing solutions that reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, minimise odour, and deliver vibrant, high-performance colour
Madrid, Spain – October 2026 – Roland DG, a global leader in digital printing and visual communication technology, is looking forward to its participation in C!Print Madrid 2027, taking place from 12 to 14 January 2027.
The company will present its evolving ecosystem of printing, automation, and branding solutions under its new positioning, "Make Your Mark," reflecting a shift from machine supplier to value-creation partner for brands and professionals across Europe.
Leicester, UK – October 2026 – VeriVide Limited, a leading provider of colour assessment and quality control solutions, today announced that it will take to the stage at the AATCC International Summit in Wilmington, United States, to present on the evolving landscape of colour evaluation technology.
Stephen Tongue and Chris Hipps, representing VeriVide, will deliver a session titled "Evolution of Visual and Digital Evaluation Tools for Color Assessment, Fastness Grading, and Stain Analysis."
The presentation will examine how colour evaluation practices have developed over time, exploring the enduring role of visual assessment alongside the growing adoption of digital tools for fastness grading and stain analysis.
GRADUATES 2022 - MEET TEXTILE DESIGNER LILY ELO
In todays episode we interview Lily Elo, a 1st class (BA Hons) Textile graduate of Nottingham Trent University. Lily's work, spotted in London, stands out as an example of the creativity enabled by digital technology. The next generation are pushing the boundaries of print to chart a new future for the textile industry as we enter i4.0.
Lily has sourced recycled polyester for her fashion collection "Interference" which was produced using an Epson desktop dye sublimation printer, creating printed fabrics by layering texture and print using a heat transfer press.
The results speak for themselves. We wish Lily and her 2022 cohort every success for the future.
Welcome to the Texintel Graduates 2022 interview series showcasing a snapshot of talent creatives emerging from university here in the UK.
In todays episode we interview Lily Elo, a 1st class (BA Hons) Textile graduate of Nottingham Trent University. Lily's work, spotted in London, stands out as an example of the creativity enabled by digital technology.
The next generation are pushing the boundaries of print to chart a new future for the textile industry as we enter i4.0. Lily Elo commented:
"Throughout my time studying, I have developed an abstract digital style, exploring multi-media approaches to enhance my expressive visual research skills. My current project INTERFERENCE focuses on the phenomena of light interference creating an iridescent colour spectrum. Through utilising multimedia scanography I created colour distortions and abstract organic forms, culminating in escapist psychedelic compositions."
Lily has sourced recycled polyester for her fashion collection "Interference" which was produced using an Epson desktop dye sublimation printer, creating printed fabrics by layering texture and print using a heat transfer press.
The results speak for themselves. We wish Lily and her 2022 cohort every success for the future.
The 2027 FESPA Awards are now open for entry, and the message to businesses across textiles, apparel, interiors and beyond is simple: your work deserves recognition. Every gold winner featured here started in the same place every entrant does - with a project they believed was worth submitting.
As the only independent awards programme with 18 categories dedicated to print and signage, FESPA offers a genuinely global stage, with shortlisted entries displayed at FESPA Global Print Expo in Spring 2027.
Colour Is Too Important to Leave to Chance
Print will always be the part of the garment people see first.
But the sum of all parts — the fabric, the trims, the fasteners, the finish — is what determines whether a design actually delivers on its promise. Brands that continue to treat colour as a single creative decision, rather than a coordinated technical discipline spanning their entire supply chain, will keep paying for it in re-dips, delays, and disappointed design teams.
A Century of Textiles, and an Ever-changing World
Few companies can trace their roots back more than a century and still count themselves among their industry's innovators. Texia, headquartered in Monistrol de Montserrat, Spain, is one of them.
But the story of Texia is not simply one of longevity.
It is a story of continual reinvention. As the textile industry has grown more global and competitive, Texia has repeatedly reshaped its business, investing in technology, developing its own brands, and placing sustainability at the centre of its mission. In doing so, it offers a compelling example of how a heritage manufacturer can lead rather than follow through a period of profound industry change. Image Credit: Texia
What are we craving Ultimately?
The instinct to slow down while simultaneously optimising every measurable aspect of life isn't a passing curiosity. It's a structural response to a world that feels increasingly unstable, and it's reshaping what people expect from their homes, hotels, workplaces and healthcare environments alike.
For the design and manufacturing sectors, this means rethinking both product and process.
The Structual Shift is Real and its Already Here
Volumes are moving east, where digital production is accelerating rapidly. Consumer behaviour has shifted.
Demand is now driven by personalisation, shorter buying cycles, and an expectation of near-instant responsiveness. Regulatory pressure is intensifying, with supply chain transparency now a legal and commercial fact in many markets. And margins? They are under sustained, structural pressure.
This is not a temporary disruption. It is a fundamental reordering of how textile manufacturing must operate.
The Challenge: Standing Firm as the Industry Shifts
The wallpaper landscape has changed dramatically. Digital printing has lowered the barrier to entry, spawning countless direct-to-consumer brands and pushing much of the market towards faster, cheaper production.
At the same time, manufacturing in the UK has grown steadily harder - rising minimum wage, national insurance, energy and substrate costs all bear down on margins. Surface Print have embraced all of these challenges - and stand resolutely prepared for the future.
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 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.”
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.”
Shanghai – China -October 2026 – BARBIERI Electronics, a global leader in professional colour measurement solutions, has announced its participation in ALL IN PRINT CHINA 2026, taking place from 12–16 October 2026 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre.
The company will exhibit alongside its partner, Beijing Dingli Xintong Technology Co. Ltd, at Booth N2A219, where COO and Co-Managing Director Viktor Lazzeri will meet with customers, partners and print professionals from across the industry
Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) Ltd has reinforced its two‑ decade partnership with Epson by expanding the range of Epson wide format print technologies now available for live demonstration at its UK Client Engagement Centre (CEC) in Dunstable.
The move reflects Konica Minolta’s commitment to supporting the UK commercial print sector with a broader, more versatile portfolio and giving customers hands‑on access to leading solutions.
Bracknell – Berkshire - October 2026 - UFABRIK has added IGEPA Hungária to its expanding European distribution network, bringing its digital textile portfolio to customers across Hungary through one of the country’s leading print and visual communications suppliers.
The agreement will see IGEPA Hungária introduce the UFABRIK range to customers from its operations in Budapest and Nyíregyháza, with local stockholding, technical support, and wide-format availability up to 5 metres.
New York – NY – October 2026 – Optitex, a global leader in fashion technology solutions, has announced a significant update to its CutPlan software, introducing Purchase Order (PO) Wise capability as part of its O/26.1 release.
The new feature allows manufacturers to plan multiple Purchase Orders for the same style independently, addressing a long-standing inefficiency within the cut planning process.
United Kingdom – September 2026 – Inkloft, a new specialist digital printing business founded by Gary Weyman and Andy Hancock, has announced its entry into the direct-to-film (DTF) market.
The company has been appointed as a distributor of DuPont™ Artistri® DTF products, including P1600 inks and Artistri Jettable Adhesive JA1100, both now available to purchase online through inkloft.co.uk.
Peterborough, UK – October 2026 – Snuggle Ltd has today reaffirmed its commitment to redefining industrial garment decoration, combining high-volume output with environmentally responsible production methods at its Peterborough facility.
The announcement highlights the company's investment in water-based pigment ink digital printing technology, a move designed to cut the environmental footprint of large-scale apparel decoration without compromising on quality.
At the core of Snuggle's operation is industrial water-based pigment ink digital printing, which replaces the chemical-heavy alternatives traditionally used across the sector.
Manchester – October 2026 – Premier Digital Textiles has today highlighted its 33130 Achill Natural Linen, a beautifully understated fabric defined by timeless texture and natural character.
The luxurious fabric reflects the company's ongoing commitment to quality materials that serve both designers and the environment
Gent – Belgium – October 2026 – Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems has announced its participation in India CorrExpo 2026, following a successful week exhibiting at PRINTING United Expo 2026.
The company will showcase its latest advancements in digital cutting and routing technology, demonstrating how businesses across print, display, packaging and signage can achieve greater precision, productivity and scalability.
The event will take place from 14 to 16 October 2026 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai, where Kongsberg will be exhibiting at Booth B80, Hall 4.
Coalville – Leicestershire – October 2026 – Innotech Digital & Display has concluded a successful first-time exhibition at The Print Show, held at the NEC over three days, unveiling its new Black Display Hardware Collection and demonstrating its materials in action through a series of industry partnerships.
The event marked a significant milestone for Innotech, offering the company its first opportunity to engage directly with the wider print community on this platform.
Visitors to the stand were able to explore product samples, view the newly launched Black Display Hardware Collection, and speak with the Innotech team about the latest developments in digital and display materials
Las Vegas – Nv -October 2026 – Durst Group AG has confirmed its first US customer orders for the Durst P5 350 CORE, following the system's debut at PRINTING United Expo.
The announcement caps a milestone year for the platform, which launched earlier in 2026 at FESPA Global Print in Barcelona and went on to win an EDP Award ahead of its US introduction.
The P5 350 CORE drew significant attention from attendees throughout the Expo, with interest converting directly into sales as the first American customers placed their orders on the show floor.
Altrincham- Cheshire – UK – October 2026 – Funkifabrics, a provider of fabrics for fashion and design, today highlighted a striking collection of garments created by renowned designer [theofficialglobegirls], which prominently features its textiles.
The collection showcases the versatility and quality of Funkifabrics' materials, reinforcing the company's commitment to supporting bold, creative expression across the fashion industry.
The collaboration, shared across Funkifabrics' social media channels, has already generated significant engagement from the fashion community, with many praising the craftsmanship and visual impact of the designs.
Belgrade, Serbia – October 2026 – Brother Industrial EMEA today announced that its GTX300 digital textile printer has been awarded the prestigious Gold Seal Award at Grafima 2026, the 46th International Fair of Graphic, Paper and Creative Industries, held in Belgrade.
The machine received top honours in the category "Digital Printing Machines for Textile Materials up to 160cm Wide", as judged by the fair's expert panel.
The Gold Seal Award recognises outstanding quality, innovation and professional capability within the graphic and textile printing industries.
Shanghai, China – October 2026 – FabricVision, a global innovator in textile production, has marked the successful completion of its first full year of operations, announcing ambitious expansion plans across both China and Europe.
The milestone was celebrated last week during China Expo in Shanghai, where the company convened with its team at Jinmao to review achievements and set strategic priorities for the year ahead.
The company's first year has been defined by rapid growth and deepening customer relationships, according to leadership.
Rapidity, a nearly 40-year-old London print and communications specialist, needed finishing equipment capable of matching the speed and complexity of its growing client roster, which includes Arsenal, Shell, and Aston Martin.
By partnering with Vivid Laminating Technologies and investing in three Veloblades, two Matrix systems, and an Easymount unit, Rapidity strengthened its production capabilities while maintaining the meticulous quality standards that have defined the business since 1986.
Klagenfurt - Austria – October 2026– Zimmer Austria, a global leader in textile printing and coating solutions, will be at IGATEX Pakistan 2026, one of the region's premier textile machinery exhibitions.
The company will exhibit its latest digital printing, screen printing, and coating technologies from 15–18 October 2026, at Hall 2, Booth F-2-09, in Karachi, Pakistan
Returning for the fifth time to Manchester’s GNCCF (Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair) are the GREEN GRADS,** 20 of the brightest of the UK’s new wave of eco-activists who have just graduated from universities all over the country, from Falmouth to Glasgow. The Fair runs from Thursday October 15 (private view) to Sunday October 18 (closes 4pm).
GREEN GRADS in the NORTH are taking over the 46 “changing cubicles” with their distinctive framework of blue cast iron, that fringe the gallery of Pool C, in the splendid Victoria Baths, Manchester. There is also a shop, curated by Laura Wigham, GREEN GRAD of 2024, with exclusive arts and crafts by GREEN GRAD makers from previous years.
Crewe, Cheshire – October 6th 2026 – Hybrid Services Ltd, the UK and Ireland distributor for Mimaki, has announced three dedicated demo days at its Crewe showroom, giving businesses a further opportunity to see the latest Mimaki machines in action.
Running from Tuesday 13th to Thursday 15th October, the drop-in sessions follow the machines' debut at The Print Show 2026 at the NEC Birmingham and are designed for those who missed the event, or want more time to explore the technology at their own pace.
Chesterfield, UK – October 2026 – Resolute DTF, a leading provider of direct-to-film printing solutions, has concluded its participation in The Print Show, last week, with an overwhelmingly positive response from attendees.
The event gave the company an opportunity to showcase its latest innovations in DTF and UV DTF printing technology to print businesses from across the industry.
Visitors to the Resolute DTF stand were given hands-on access to the company's expanding product range, including its R-JET PRO DTF and UVi-3D UV DTF printers, alongside its portfolio of inks, films, and finishing equipment.
Capurso, Italy – October - 2026 – Agfa Inkjet Solutions today announced that Digibux Print, an Italian digital print specialist, has invested in the Jeti Bronco H3300 HS, a 3.3-metre wide-format hybrid UV LED inkjet printer.
The investment marks a significant step in Digibux Print's evolution from digital print specialist to industrial production powerhouse, as the company expands its production capabilities to meet changing customer demands.
London, UK – 25 September 2026 – Sanderson Design Group PLC (AIM: SDG), the luxury interior furnishings group, today announced a 10-year licensing agreement with Dunelm for Designers Guild, the luxury interiors brand acquired by Dunelm in April 2025.
Under the Agreement, Sanderson Design Group has been granted the sole licence to design, manufacture and sell Designers Guild wallpapers, fabrics and paint worldwide.
The Agreement grants Sanderson Design Group access to Designers Guild's extensive archive design library, alongside the opportunity to create new designs under the brand, in exchange for a royalty fee paid to Dunelm
Zoetermeer - Netherlands - October 2026 – Papergraphics has announced that its Netherlands branch is now an accredited partner for Canon printers, bringing the acclaimed GP and PRO series to Dutch customers for the first time.
The accreditation builds on Papergraphics' long-standing Canon partnership in the UK, extending the same calibre of large-format printing hardware to the Dutch market.
Neuss – Germany – October 2026 – B-FLEX Italia has announced a partnership with Epson Deutschland GmbH to showcase the future of direct-to-film printing at the Epson Production Days event in October.
The collaboration will bring B-FLEX's DTF film and hot-melt powder together with Epson's SureColor G9000 printer in live, twin-roll demonstrations designed to show how materials and machinery combine to maximise both quality and output in real production settings
Las Vegas – NV – October 2026 – Greentex, a leading supplier of sustainable textiles for apparel, home goods and sportswear, successfully concluded its participation at Printing United 2026, where the company connected with customers, partners and industry professionals to showcase its latest eco-conscious fabric solutions.
The event brought together key players across the printing and textile industries, offering Greentex the opportunity to demonstrate how sustainable materials can meet the rigorous demands of modern digital printing and textile customisation.
Attendees had the chance to see live demonstrations of Greentex's fabric offerings, including its recycled polyester and BCI cotton ranges, both designed to reduce environmental impact without compromising on performance or quality.
Birmingham – UK – October 2026 – China Print Supplies UK Ltd has concluded a successful three-day exhibition at The Sign Show, where the company showcased its latest range of printers, cutting tables, and equipment bundles to industry professionals and visitors.
Throughout the event, the China Print Supplies UK team engaged with attendees, delivered live demonstrations of its machinery, and discussed how its growing product range can help signage and print businesses stay ahead in an increasingly competitive and sustainability-conscious market.
“We were thrilled with the turnout and engagement at this year's Sign Show. Conversations with visitors reinforced the direction we're taking as a business — one that puts innovation and responsible manufacturing at the forefront," said China Print Supplies UK Ltd.
Dorking – UK – October 2026 – FESPA has announced that its 2027 edition in Munich will bring together five specialist events into a single destination, offering exhibitors an unprecedented opportunity to reach audiences spanning print, signage, merchandising, wrapping and textiles.
The consolidated event reflects the increasingly interconnected nature of the speciality print and signage industries, where brands and suppliers are seeking more efficient ways to engage with buyers across multiple disciplines.
By combining five dedicated events, FESPA 2027 will enable exhibitors to showcase their offerings to a broader and more diverse audience, all within one venue
Leicester, UK – October 2026 – De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) will open a landmark exhibition celebrating the work of fashion icon Dame Zandra Rhodes, following her decision to donate a significant part of her personal archive to the university.
Zandra Rhodes: Archive Unfolded will showcase highlights from a donation spanning six decades of Rhodes' career, from 1964 to 2025, featuring thousands of objects including licensed work, press cuttings, film, opera material and colour transparencies.
The gift follows Dame Zandra's Honorary Doctorate of the Arts from DMU in 2023, when she announced her intention to place a key part of her archive with the university's Special Collections.
London, UK – September 2026 – ARTS THREAD hosted an in-person judging event for its Global Creative Graduate Showcase at the Zaha Hadid Gallery, Barbican, bringing together industry judges to evaluate the next generation of creative talent.
The event also marked the introduction of the ARTS THREAD Vault, a new initiative set to shape how creative work is archived and accessed.
The gathering reflects ARTS THREAD's ongoing commitment to supporting emerging creatives as they transition from education into industry, while also advancing the infrastructure that underpins creative recognition and opportunity on a global scale.
SOUTH NORMANTON, UK – October 2026 – Sun Chemical has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable innovation with the continued development of its Streamline™ aqueous ink solutions, as the graphics industry accelerates its transition towards water-based technology.
The shift comes amid rising demand for printing solutions that reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, minimise odour, and deliver vibrant, high-performance colour
Madrid, Spain – October 2026 – Roland DG, a global leader in digital printing and visual communication technology, is looking forward to its participation in C!Print Madrid 2027, taking place from 12 to 14 January 2027.
The company will present its evolving ecosystem of printing, automation, and branding solutions under its new positioning, "Make Your Mark," reflecting a shift from machine supplier to value-creation partner for brands and professionals across Europe.
Leicester, UK – October 2026 – VeriVide Limited, a leading provider of colour assessment and quality control solutions, today announced that it will take to the stage at the AATCC International Summit in Wilmington, United States, to present on the evolving landscape of colour evaluation technology.
Stephen Tongue and Chris Hipps, representing VeriVide, will deliver a session titled "Evolution of Visual and Digital Evaluation Tools for Color Assessment, Fastness Grading, and Stain Analysis."
The presentation will examine how colour evaluation practices have developed over time, exploring the enduring role of visual assessment alongside the growing adoption of digital tools for fastness grading and stain analysis.