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 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.”
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 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.”
Printing method is never a secondary detail. It shapes the entire life cycle of a product, from concept to customer. In today’s fashion industry, where margins are tighter and speed matters more than ever, technical knowledge has become a competitive advantage.
“The future of textile design belongs to professionals who can combine creativity with execution, aesthetics with practicality, and vision with production reality”.
Are we witnessing the reinvention of Merch driven by adaptive, digital technologies?
The commercial opportunity presented by printed, personalised merchandise is already a lucrative revenue stream; it is the core driver of growth in a multi-billion-pound industry. And the mandate for print businesses is clear: automate, adapt, and offer undeniable added value, or choose to gradually lose market share.
Powderless DTF is an important area of innovation. It deserves research, investment, and thoughtful development.
“But at its current stage, it often feels like the industry is attempting to commercialize the concept ahead of the underlying chemistry and system readiness”.
All Apparel Manufacturers face an Urgent Mandate: “Automate or be Left Behind”.
Industry leaders like Super Nova Sports and Ryozo International were struggling with severe pre-press bottlenecks and unsustainable fabric waste. By integrating AI Sublimation Software into their workflows, these forward-thinking businesses eliminated manual variable data entry, boosted fabric efficiency to over 80%, and reduced delivery times by more than half, establishing a highly profitable, agile, and environmentally responsible production model.
The Future of Manufacturing belongs to those who Embrace Connected Digital Ecosystems
“Whether you produce garments, car interiors, or home furnishings, the transition from creative concept to production-ready product often remains fragmented. Design teams work tirelessly to develop compelling materials, yet technical teams struggle to interpret these visions without losing data along the way.”
The European digital wallcovering marketplace is expanding at an impressive rate.
“For print professionals and interior designers, this transition presents a distinct set of challenges. Achieving flawless colour consistency, managing complex substrates, and meeting stringent environmental standards are no longer optional extras; they are fundamental requirements for commercial success.”
London, UK – August 2026 – The Royal College of Art (RCA) has announced the launch of the fourth RCA x Design for Good Academy, an ambitious live online short course that, for the first time, will open its places to the public alongside Design for Good alliance members and RCA students.
The programme begins in October 2026 and runs until March 2027.
Las Vegas, NV – August 2026 – Sun Chemical today announced its participation in PRINTING United Expo 2026, taking place 23-25 September 2026 at the Las Vegas Convention Centre.
Visitors are invited to booth C2880, where the company will present its latest advances in digital ink, textile, industrial, and sustainability-focused printing solutions designed to help printers transform their businesses.
At the heart of Sun Chemical's presence is a commitment to helping customers improve print quality, enhance sustainability, and optimise productivity.
Peterborough – August 2026 – The addition of embroidery to Snuggle Ltd’s in-house embellishment services, united DTF, DTG, Sublimation, UV and embroidery under a single roof at its UK headquarters.
The move positioned the company as one of the most comprehensive garment decoration operations in the industry.
The decision to invest in embroidery was driven directly by customer demand.
Milan, Italy – 26 August 2026 – Viscom, the international event dedicated to technologies, applications and materials for visual communication and the graphic arts, has revealed the key themes shaping its 2026 Conference programme.
Taking place on 28 and 29 October at the Allianz MiCo Convention Center in Milan, the event will explore how technological innovation, creativity and design capabilities are converging to transform the industry.
With its new Exhibition & Conference format, Viscom is strengthening its role as a hub for visual communication in Italy.
Matthews – NC – August 2026 – Fisher Textiles has announced the launch of its Enviro-Tex® fabric line, a range of sustainable textiles crafted from post-consumer recycled PET bottles.
The new offering delivers the quality, stretch, durability, and print performance customers expect, while helping reduce environmental impact across a wide variety of applications.
Enviro-Tex® is designed to meet the growing demand for sustainable materials without compromising on graphic quality.
Dubai, UAE – August 2026 – FESPA Middle East has announced FLEX, the FESPA Leadership Exchange, a landmark gathering of the print and signage industry's most influential decision-makers.
Taking place in Dubai, UAE, on 26 November 2026, the event will bring together the leaders shaping the future of the sector to exchange ideas, share perspectives and define the opportunities ahead.
As the market continues to evolve, FLEX responds to a clear need: the most valuable conversations happen among those driving change
Birmingham UK – August 2026 - Epson will showcase its latest ColorWorks colour-on-demand label printing solutions at PPMA Show 2026, taking place from 22–24 September at the NEC Birmingham.
Visitors to Epson’s stand (A54, Hall 5) will be able to discover how businesses can transform their labelling processes through in-house, full-colour label production that delivers greater flexibility, lower costs and reduced waste.
Paris, France – August 2026 – Optitex and NedGraphics will present their integrated design and manufacturing solutions at Première Vision Paris, taking place from 1st to 3rd September 2026 at Parc des Expositions, Paris Nord Villepinte, France.
Visitors can find the companies at Booth 3L11 in Hall 3, Smart Creation Area.
The joint appearance marks a significant opportunity for textile brands and manufacturers to experience first-hand how NedGraphics and Optitex deliver a unified workflow — one that connects textile design, colour refinement, and end product development within a single, seamless process.
WILMINGTON, Del., August 2026 – – DuPont has announced that its Artistri® Digital Printing Solutions are driving the next era of industrial direct-to-film (DTF) printing, moving beyond ink innovation to tackle the process challenges that now define productivity at scale.
Porthmadog, Wales – August 2026 – Vivid Laminating Technologies Ltd has completed the installation of its Razar print finishing system at Snowdonia Design & Print, marking the first Razar installation outside of England.
The milestone represents a significant step in the growing adoption of advanced, versatile finishing technology across the UK print sector.
Described as the "swiss army knife of print finishing", the Razar system brings a suite of high-precision capabilities to the Porthmadog-based printer
Sheffield, UK – Perfect Colours has been appointed the official UK distributor for Platinum Technologies International, the manufacturer formerly known as Liyu Technologies.
Announced in May at FESPA 2026, the partnership gives UK print businesses direct access to Platinum's full range of industrial large-format systems, backed by Perfect Colours' nationwide sales, installation, training, and engineering support.
Wednesday, August 26, 2026 - Richmond, VA: Drytac, the leading international manufacturer of self-adhesive materials for the large-format print and signage markets, is delighted to announce its plans for PRINTING United Expo 2026.
As Drytac continues its 50th anniversary celebrations, visitors will have the opportunity to experience new products, award-winning solutions and live applications across the show floor, highlighting five decades of expertise in adhesive science and coated media
Wakayama, Japan – August 2026 – SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD., a leading provider of digital textile solutions, will exhibit at Première Vision Paris, held from 1st to 3rd September 2026 at Paris Nord Villepinte in France.
The company will present its latest innovations in the event's "Smart Creation" area, a space dedicated to technologies that unite sustainability and innovation.
At the heart of SHIMA SEIKI's exhibit is its approach to Digital Product Creation (DPC), a workflow designed to optimise product development while reducing environmental impact.
Emmerich am Rhein, Nordrhein-Westfalen – August 2026 – Brother Industrial EMEA has announced the launch of a new white ink formula for its entire GTX series of textile printers.
Developed in response to evolving EU requirements, the new formulation meets the latest environmental and chemical standards while preserving the print quality and performance the brand is known for.
The new white ink reflects Brother's ongoing commitment to more sustainable textile production.
Clay Cross – Derbyshire – August 2026 – Resolute DTF has announced that free waste ink disposal is available to every printer customer as a core component of its service package.
The offering is designed to remove the administrative, legal, and financial burden of hazardous waste compliance from print shops across the UK, regardless of the machine model they operate or the volume they produce.
Danver Ma – August 2026 – Inkcups, a leading innovator in inkjet printing technology, has announced its participation in PRINTING United 2026, where it will showcase the Helix High Throw cylindrical UV printer.
The award-winning machine will be live on the show floor, printing on stemless wine tumblers and bowls throughout the event.
Attendees will have the opportunity to see the Helix High Throw in action across a wide range of applications, including handled drinkware, wide-diameter pieces such as mini kegs, plant pots, and more.
Coalville – Leicestershire – August 2026 – Innotech, one of the UK's leading independent media suppliers, has announced a new strategic partnership with China Print Supplies UK Ltd.
The collaboration will see China Print Supplies UK Ltd showcase a curated selection of Innotech materials at The Print Show, with an exclusive promotional offer available to attendees.
Shawnee, KS – August , 2026 – Nazdar Ink Technologies today announced the appointment of Edward (Ed) Baiden as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective 8th September 2026.
The appointment marks a significant milestone for Nazdar as the company builds on its century-long legacy and charts a course for its next chapter of growth and innovation across the global printing industry.
From September 23 – 25, at PRINTING United 2026 (Las Vegas Convention Center), Kongsberg and MultiCam will showcase how connected production workflows enhance precision, productivity, and scalability across print, display, packaging and signage applications.
Bacup – Lancashire-August 2026 – Super Wide-Digital, a family-run trade digital print company based in the North West of England, has confirmed its participation in The Print Show 2026.
The company will exhibit at stand P440, positioned at the heart of Hall 1 at the NEC, marking a significant step in its ongoing commitment to connecting with trade and creative professionals across the industry
London, UK – 20 August 2026 – AVA CAD/CAM, a leading provider of design software and solutions for the textile and fashion industry, has announced its highly anticipated Top 10 to Watch 2026 list, recognising ten outstanding graduating textile designers from universities across the United Kingdom.
The announcement follows AVA's attendance at New Designers, the annual exhibition showcasing the UK's most promising creative graduates
Roland DG South Africa has announced it will launch the new TrueVis VG4-540 and VG4-640 eco-solvent print and cut devices at the FESPA Africa and Sign Africa Expo.
The event is taking place from 8-10 September 2026, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, at Gallagher Convention Centre.
Altrincham – Cheshire – August 2926 – Friedmans Ltd, a UK-based textile manufacturer and digital printing specialist, has announced the expansion of its wholesale stretch fabric and digital printing services, offering designers, brands, and businesses an accessible route to fully customised fabric solutions with low minimum order quantities and fast turnaround times.
Frankfurt, Germany – August 2026 – Heimtextil, one of the world's leading trade fairs for home and contract textiles, has announced its return to Messe Frankfurt GmbH from 12 to 15 January 2027.
The event will once again transform its iconic home base into a showcase of the finest in woven, stitched, and draped textiles, reaffirming its position as the definitive gathering point for the global textile industry.
Rooted in the philosophy that everything starts at home, Heimtextil's return to Messe Frankfurt is a celebration of origins — both for the fair itself and for the broader world of interior textiles.
Derby – Derbyshire – UK – August 2026 – Vivid Laminating Technologies Ltd is pleased to announce that EBI Creative Print (Easibind International Ltd) has acquired not one, but two Veloblade Nexus cutting systems, reinforcing its position as one of the UK's most comprehensively equipped print facilities.
The purchase was made in partnership with Soyang Europe.
Goyang-si, South Korea – August 2026 – BARBIERI electronics, a leading innovator in colour measurement solutions, is set to exhibit at K-Print Korea, where the company will demonstrate its flagship Spectro LFP qb spectrophotometer at Booth L502.
Cape Town – South Africa – August 2026 – NUtec Digital Ink has announced that its Quartz Q50-HYB UV-curable hybrid ink has been awarded GREENGUARD Gold Certification and is now listed in the UL Spot database.
The certification marks a significant milestone in the company's ongoing commitment to developing high-performance ink solutions that meet the highest standards for environmental responsibility.
Tirana, Albania – August 2026 – Kridia ArtPrinting Solutions, an Albanian print and interior décor specialist, has announced its adoption of Roland DG's Dimense textured printing technology, positioning the company as the only provider of locally produced, custom embossed wallpaper in Albania.
By integrating the Dimense DA-640, the Dimense Module, and Roland DG Connect Designer into its production workflow, Kridia has significantly improved design efficiency, creative output, and turnaround times across its interior décor projects.
Echbolsheim – France – August 2026 – Caldera has announced that its Direct-to-Film software now supports the Brother DTRX100, one of the most advanced integrated direct-to-film (DTF) production systems available on the market today.
The development extends Caldera's growing portfolio of compatible DTF devices, offering print professionals greater flexibility in their choice of production hardware.
The Brother DTRX100 is a 32-inch roll-to-roll DTF printer engineered for high-volume, continuous production environments.
Rock Hill - SC – August 17, 2026 – SDL Atlas, a global leader in textile testing instruments, has announced the launch of the Vortex Elite, the most advanced instrument in its trusted Vortex series of AATCC Monograph wash testing equipment.
Building on the proven performance of the Vortex M6 and Vortex Plus, the Vortex Elite delivers high-precision, automatic dispensing of multiple liquid components, setting a new benchmark for accuracy, repeatability, and efficiency in textile wash testing.
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 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.”
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 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.”
Printing method is never a secondary detail. It shapes the entire life cycle of a product, from concept to customer. In today’s fashion industry, where margins are tighter and speed matters more than ever, technical knowledge has become a competitive advantage.
“The future of textile design belongs to professionals who can combine creativity with execution, aesthetics with practicality, and vision with production reality”.
Are we witnessing the reinvention of Merch driven by adaptive, digital technologies?
The commercial opportunity presented by printed, personalised merchandise is already a lucrative revenue stream; it is the core driver of growth in a multi-billion-pound industry. And the mandate for print businesses is clear: automate, adapt, and offer undeniable added value, or choose to gradually lose market share.
Powderless DTF is an important area of innovation. It deserves research, investment, and thoughtful development.
“But at its current stage, it often feels like the industry is attempting to commercialize the concept ahead of the underlying chemistry and system readiness”.
All Apparel Manufacturers face an Urgent Mandate: “Automate or be Left Behind”.
Industry leaders like Super Nova Sports and Ryozo International were struggling with severe pre-press bottlenecks and unsustainable fabric waste. By integrating AI Sublimation Software into their workflows, these forward-thinking businesses eliminated manual variable data entry, boosted fabric efficiency to over 80%, and reduced delivery times by more than half, establishing a highly profitable, agile, and environmentally responsible production model.
The Future of Manufacturing belongs to those who Embrace Connected Digital Ecosystems
“Whether you produce garments, car interiors, or home furnishings, the transition from creative concept to production-ready product often remains fragmented. Design teams work tirelessly to develop compelling materials, yet technical teams struggle to interpret these visions without losing data along the way.”
The European digital wallcovering marketplace is expanding at an impressive rate.
“For print professionals and interior designers, this transition presents a distinct set of challenges. Achieving flawless colour consistency, managing complex substrates, and meeting stringent environmental standards are no longer optional extras; they are fundamental requirements for commercial success.”
London, UK – August 2026 – The Royal College of Art (RCA) has announced the launch of the fourth RCA x Design for Good Academy, an ambitious live online short course that, for the first time, will open its places to the public alongside Design for Good alliance members and RCA students.
The programme begins in October 2026 and runs until March 2027.
Las Vegas, NV – August 2026 – Sun Chemical today announced its participation in PRINTING United Expo 2026, taking place 23-25 September 2026 at the Las Vegas Convention Centre.
Visitors are invited to booth C2880, where the company will present its latest advances in digital ink, textile, industrial, and sustainability-focused printing solutions designed to help printers transform their businesses.
At the heart of Sun Chemical's presence is a commitment to helping customers improve print quality, enhance sustainability, and optimise productivity.
Peterborough – August 2026 – The addition of embroidery to Snuggle Ltd’s in-house embellishment services, united DTF, DTG, Sublimation, UV and embroidery under a single roof at its UK headquarters.
The move positioned the company as one of the most comprehensive garment decoration operations in the industry.
The decision to invest in embroidery was driven directly by customer demand.
Milan, Italy – 26 August 2026 – Viscom, the international event dedicated to technologies, applications and materials for visual communication and the graphic arts, has revealed the key themes shaping its 2026 Conference programme.
Taking place on 28 and 29 October at the Allianz MiCo Convention Center in Milan, the event will explore how technological innovation, creativity and design capabilities are converging to transform the industry.
With its new Exhibition & Conference format, Viscom is strengthening its role as a hub for visual communication in Italy.
Matthews – NC – August 2026 – Fisher Textiles has announced the launch of its Enviro-Tex® fabric line, a range of sustainable textiles crafted from post-consumer recycled PET bottles.
The new offering delivers the quality, stretch, durability, and print performance customers expect, while helping reduce environmental impact across a wide variety of applications.
Enviro-Tex® is designed to meet the growing demand for sustainable materials without compromising on graphic quality.
Dubai, UAE – August 2026 – FESPA Middle East has announced FLEX, the FESPA Leadership Exchange, a landmark gathering of the print and signage industry's most influential decision-makers.
Taking place in Dubai, UAE, on 26 November 2026, the event will bring together the leaders shaping the future of the sector to exchange ideas, share perspectives and define the opportunities ahead.
As the market continues to evolve, FLEX responds to a clear need: the most valuable conversations happen among those driving change
Birmingham UK – August 2026 - Epson will showcase its latest ColorWorks colour-on-demand label printing solutions at PPMA Show 2026, taking place from 22–24 September at the NEC Birmingham.
Visitors to Epson’s stand (A54, Hall 5) will be able to discover how businesses can transform their labelling processes through in-house, full-colour label production that delivers greater flexibility, lower costs and reduced waste.
Paris, France – August 2026 – Optitex and NedGraphics will present their integrated design and manufacturing solutions at Première Vision Paris, taking place from 1st to 3rd September 2026 at Parc des Expositions, Paris Nord Villepinte, France.
Visitors can find the companies at Booth 3L11 in Hall 3, Smart Creation Area.
The joint appearance marks a significant opportunity for textile brands and manufacturers to experience first-hand how NedGraphics and Optitex deliver a unified workflow — one that connects textile design, colour refinement, and end product development within a single, seamless process.
WILMINGTON, Del., August 2026 – – DuPont has announced that its Artistri® Digital Printing Solutions are driving the next era of industrial direct-to-film (DTF) printing, moving beyond ink innovation to tackle the process challenges that now define productivity at scale.
Porthmadog, Wales – August 2026 – Vivid Laminating Technologies Ltd has completed the installation of its Razar print finishing system at Snowdonia Design & Print, marking the first Razar installation outside of England.
The milestone represents a significant step in the growing adoption of advanced, versatile finishing technology across the UK print sector.
Described as the "swiss army knife of print finishing", the Razar system brings a suite of high-precision capabilities to the Porthmadog-based printer
Sheffield, UK – Perfect Colours has been appointed the official UK distributor for Platinum Technologies International, the manufacturer formerly known as Liyu Technologies.
Announced in May at FESPA 2026, the partnership gives UK print businesses direct access to Platinum's full range of industrial large-format systems, backed by Perfect Colours' nationwide sales, installation, training, and engineering support.
Wednesday, August 26, 2026 - Richmond, VA: Drytac, the leading international manufacturer of self-adhesive materials for the large-format print and signage markets, is delighted to announce its plans for PRINTING United Expo 2026.
As Drytac continues its 50th anniversary celebrations, visitors will have the opportunity to experience new products, award-winning solutions and live applications across the show floor, highlighting five decades of expertise in adhesive science and coated media
Wakayama, Japan – August 2026 – SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD., a leading provider of digital textile solutions, will exhibit at Première Vision Paris, held from 1st to 3rd September 2026 at Paris Nord Villepinte in France.
The company will present its latest innovations in the event's "Smart Creation" area, a space dedicated to technologies that unite sustainability and innovation.
At the heart of SHIMA SEIKI's exhibit is its approach to Digital Product Creation (DPC), a workflow designed to optimise product development while reducing environmental impact.
Emmerich am Rhein, Nordrhein-Westfalen – August 2026 – Brother Industrial EMEA has announced the launch of a new white ink formula for its entire GTX series of textile printers.
Developed in response to evolving EU requirements, the new formulation meets the latest environmental and chemical standards while preserving the print quality and performance the brand is known for.
The new white ink reflects Brother's ongoing commitment to more sustainable textile production.
Clay Cross – Derbyshire – August 2026 – Resolute DTF has announced that free waste ink disposal is available to every printer customer as a core component of its service package.
The offering is designed to remove the administrative, legal, and financial burden of hazardous waste compliance from print shops across the UK, regardless of the machine model they operate or the volume they produce.
Danver Ma – August 2026 – Inkcups, a leading innovator in inkjet printing technology, has announced its participation in PRINTING United 2026, where it will showcase the Helix High Throw cylindrical UV printer.
The award-winning machine will be live on the show floor, printing on stemless wine tumblers and bowls throughout the event.
Attendees will have the opportunity to see the Helix High Throw in action across a wide range of applications, including handled drinkware, wide-diameter pieces such as mini kegs, plant pots, and more.
Coalville – Leicestershire – August 2026 – Innotech, one of the UK's leading independent media suppliers, has announced a new strategic partnership with China Print Supplies UK Ltd.
The collaboration will see China Print Supplies UK Ltd showcase a curated selection of Innotech materials at The Print Show, with an exclusive promotional offer available to attendees.
Shawnee, KS – August , 2026 – Nazdar Ink Technologies today announced the appointment of Edward (Ed) Baiden as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective 8th September 2026.
The appointment marks a significant milestone for Nazdar as the company builds on its century-long legacy and charts a course for its next chapter of growth and innovation across the global printing industry.
From September 23 – 25, at PRINTING United 2026 (Las Vegas Convention Center), Kongsberg and MultiCam will showcase how connected production workflows enhance precision, productivity, and scalability across print, display, packaging and signage applications.
Bacup – Lancashire-August 2026 – Super Wide-Digital, a family-run trade digital print company based in the North West of England, has confirmed its participation in The Print Show 2026.
The company will exhibit at stand P440, positioned at the heart of Hall 1 at the NEC, marking a significant step in its ongoing commitment to connecting with trade and creative professionals across the industry
London, UK – 20 August 2026 – AVA CAD/CAM, a leading provider of design software and solutions for the textile and fashion industry, has announced its highly anticipated Top 10 to Watch 2026 list, recognising ten outstanding graduating textile designers from universities across the United Kingdom.
The announcement follows AVA's attendance at New Designers, the annual exhibition showcasing the UK's most promising creative graduates
Roland DG South Africa has announced it will launch the new TrueVis VG4-540 and VG4-640 eco-solvent print and cut devices at the FESPA Africa and Sign Africa Expo.
The event is taking place from 8-10 September 2026, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, at Gallagher Convention Centre.
Altrincham – Cheshire – August 2926 – Friedmans Ltd, a UK-based textile manufacturer and digital printing specialist, has announced the expansion of its wholesale stretch fabric and digital printing services, offering designers, brands, and businesses an accessible route to fully customised fabric solutions with low minimum order quantities and fast turnaround times.
Frankfurt, Germany – August 2026 – Heimtextil, one of the world's leading trade fairs for home and contract textiles, has announced its return to Messe Frankfurt GmbH from 12 to 15 January 2027.
The event will once again transform its iconic home base into a showcase of the finest in woven, stitched, and draped textiles, reaffirming its position as the definitive gathering point for the global textile industry.
Rooted in the philosophy that everything starts at home, Heimtextil's return to Messe Frankfurt is a celebration of origins — both for the fair itself and for the broader world of interior textiles.
Derby – Derbyshire – UK – August 2026 – Vivid Laminating Technologies Ltd is pleased to announce that EBI Creative Print (Easibind International Ltd) has acquired not one, but two Veloblade Nexus cutting systems, reinforcing its position as one of the UK's most comprehensively equipped print facilities.
The purchase was made in partnership with Soyang Europe.
Goyang-si, South Korea – August 2026 – BARBIERI electronics, a leading innovator in colour measurement solutions, is set to exhibit at K-Print Korea, where the company will demonstrate its flagship Spectro LFP qb spectrophotometer at Booth L502.
Cape Town – South Africa – August 2026 – NUtec Digital Ink has announced that its Quartz Q50-HYB UV-curable hybrid ink has been awarded GREENGUARD Gold Certification and is now listed in the UL Spot database.
The certification marks a significant milestone in the company's ongoing commitment to developing high-performance ink solutions that meet the highest standards for environmental responsibility.
Tirana, Albania – August 2026 – Kridia ArtPrinting Solutions, an Albanian print and interior décor specialist, has announced its adoption of Roland DG's Dimense textured printing technology, positioning the company as the only provider of locally produced, custom embossed wallpaper in Albania.
By integrating the Dimense DA-640, the Dimense Module, and Roland DG Connect Designer into its production workflow, Kridia has significantly improved design efficiency, creative output, and turnaround times across its interior décor projects.
Echbolsheim – France – August 2026 – Caldera has announced that its Direct-to-Film software now supports the Brother DTRX100, one of the most advanced integrated direct-to-film (DTF) production systems available on the market today.
The development extends Caldera's growing portfolio of compatible DTF devices, offering print professionals greater flexibility in their choice of production hardware.
The Brother DTRX100 is a 32-inch roll-to-roll DTF printer engineered for high-volume, continuous production environments.
Rock Hill - SC – August 17, 2026 – SDL Atlas, a global leader in textile testing instruments, has announced the launch of the Vortex Elite, the most advanced instrument in its trusted Vortex series of AATCC Monograph wash testing equipment.
Building on the proven performance of the Vortex M6 and Vortex Plus, the Vortex Elite delivers high-precision, automatic dispensing of multiple liquid components, setting a new benchmark for accuracy, repeatability, and efficiency in textile wash testing.
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 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.”
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 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.”
Printing method is never a secondary detail. It shapes the entire life cycle of a product, from concept to customer. In today’s fashion industry, where margins are tighter and speed matters more than ever, technical knowledge has become a competitive advantage.
“The future of textile design belongs to professionals who can combine creativity with execution, aesthetics with practicality, and vision with production reality”.
Are we witnessing the reinvention of Merch driven by adaptive, digital technologies?
The commercial opportunity presented by printed, personalised merchandise is already a lucrative revenue stream; it is the core driver of growth in a multi-billion-pound industry. And the mandate for print businesses is clear: automate, adapt, and offer undeniable added value, or choose to gradually lose market share.
Powderless DTF is an important area of innovation. It deserves research, investment, and thoughtful development.
“But at its current stage, it often feels like the industry is attempting to commercialize the concept ahead of the underlying chemistry and system readiness”.
All Apparel Manufacturers face an Urgent Mandate: “Automate or be Left Behind”.
Industry leaders like Super Nova Sports and Ryozo International were struggling with severe pre-press bottlenecks and unsustainable fabric waste. By integrating AI Sublimation Software into their workflows, these forward-thinking businesses eliminated manual variable data entry, boosted fabric efficiency to over 80%, and reduced delivery times by more than half, establishing a highly profitable, agile, and environmentally responsible production model.
The Future of Manufacturing belongs to those who Embrace Connected Digital Ecosystems
“Whether you produce garments, car interiors, or home furnishings, the transition from creative concept to production-ready product often remains fragmented. Design teams work tirelessly to develop compelling materials, yet technical teams struggle to interpret these visions without losing data along the way.”
The European digital wallcovering marketplace is expanding at an impressive rate.
“For print professionals and interior designers, this transition presents a distinct set of challenges. Achieving flawless colour consistency, managing complex substrates, and meeting stringent environmental standards are no longer optional extras; they are fundamental requirements for commercial success.”
London, UK – August 2026 – The Royal College of Art (RCA) has announced the launch of the fourth RCA x Design for Good Academy, an ambitious live online short course that, for the first time, will open its places to the public alongside Design for Good alliance members and RCA students.
The programme begins in October 2026 and runs until March 2027.
Las Vegas, NV – August 2026 – Sun Chemical today announced its participation in PRINTING United Expo 2026, taking place 23-25 September 2026 at the Las Vegas Convention Centre.
Visitors are invited to booth C2880, where the company will present its latest advances in digital ink, textile, industrial, and sustainability-focused printing solutions designed to help printers transform their businesses.
At the heart of Sun Chemical's presence is a commitment to helping customers improve print quality, enhance sustainability, and optimise productivity.
Peterborough – August 2026 – The addition of embroidery to Snuggle Ltd’s in-house embellishment services, united DTF, DTG, Sublimation, UV and embroidery under a single roof at its UK headquarters.
The move positioned the company as one of the most comprehensive garment decoration operations in the industry.
The decision to invest in embroidery was driven directly by customer demand.
Milan, Italy – 26 August 2026 – Viscom, the international event dedicated to technologies, applications and materials for visual communication and the graphic arts, has revealed the key themes shaping its 2026 Conference programme.
Taking place on 28 and 29 October at the Allianz MiCo Convention Center in Milan, the event will explore how technological innovation, creativity and design capabilities are converging to transform the industry.
With its new Exhibition & Conference format, Viscom is strengthening its role as a hub for visual communication in Italy.
Matthews – NC – August 2026 – Fisher Textiles has announced the launch of its Enviro-Tex® fabric line, a range of sustainable textiles crafted from post-consumer recycled PET bottles.
The new offering delivers the quality, stretch, durability, and print performance customers expect, while helping reduce environmental impact across a wide variety of applications.
Enviro-Tex® is designed to meet the growing demand for sustainable materials without compromising on graphic quality.
Dubai, UAE – August 2026 – FESPA Middle East has announced FLEX, the FESPA Leadership Exchange, a landmark gathering of the print and signage industry's most influential decision-makers.
Taking place in Dubai, UAE, on 26 November 2026, the event will bring together the leaders shaping the future of the sector to exchange ideas, share perspectives and define the opportunities ahead.
As the market continues to evolve, FLEX responds to a clear need: the most valuable conversations happen among those driving change
Birmingham UK – August 2026 - Epson will showcase its latest ColorWorks colour-on-demand label printing solutions at PPMA Show 2026, taking place from 22–24 September at the NEC Birmingham.
Visitors to Epson’s stand (A54, Hall 5) will be able to discover how businesses can transform their labelling processes through in-house, full-colour label production that delivers greater flexibility, lower costs and reduced waste.
Paris, France – August 2026 – Optitex and NedGraphics will present their integrated design and manufacturing solutions at Première Vision Paris, taking place from 1st to 3rd September 2026 at Parc des Expositions, Paris Nord Villepinte, France.
Visitors can find the companies at Booth 3L11 in Hall 3, Smart Creation Area.
The joint appearance marks a significant opportunity for textile brands and manufacturers to experience first-hand how NedGraphics and Optitex deliver a unified workflow — one that connects textile design, colour refinement, and end product development within a single, seamless process.
WILMINGTON, Del., August 2026 – – DuPont has announced that its Artistri® Digital Printing Solutions are driving the next era of industrial direct-to-film (DTF) printing, moving beyond ink innovation to tackle the process challenges that now define productivity at scale.
Porthmadog, Wales – August 2026 – Vivid Laminating Technologies Ltd has completed the installation of its Razar print finishing system at Snowdonia Design & Print, marking the first Razar installation outside of England.
The milestone represents a significant step in the growing adoption of advanced, versatile finishing technology across the UK print sector.
Described as the "swiss army knife of print finishing", the Razar system brings a suite of high-precision capabilities to the Porthmadog-based printer
Sheffield, UK – Perfect Colours has been appointed the official UK distributor for Platinum Technologies International, the manufacturer formerly known as Liyu Technologies.
Announced in May at FESPA 2026, the partnership gives UK print businesses direct access to Platinum's full range of industrial large-format systems, backed by Perfect Colours' nationwide sales, installation, training, and engineering support.
Wednesday, August 26, 2026 - Richmond, VA: Drytac, the leading international manufacturer of self-adhesive materials for the large-format print and signage markets, is delighted to announce its plans for PRINTING United Expo 2026.
As Drytac continues its 50th anniversary celebrations, visitors will have the opportunity to experience new products, award-winning solutions and live applications across the show floor, highlighting five decades of expertise in adhesive science and coated media
Wakayama, Japan – August 2026 – SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD., a leading provider of digital textile solutions, will exhibit at Première Vision Paris, held from 1st to 3rd September 2026 at Paris Nord Villepinte in France.
The company will present its latest innovations in the event's "Smart Creation" area, a space dedicated to technologies that unite sustainability and innovation.
At the heart of SHIMA SEIKI's exhibit is its approach to Digital Product Creation (DPC), a workflow designed to optimise product development while reducing environmental impact.
Emmerich am Rhein, Nordrhein-Westfalen – August 2026 – Brother Industrial EMEA has announced the launch of a new white ink formula for its entire GTX series of textile printers.
Developed in response to evolving EU requirements, the new formulation meets the latest environmental and chemical standards while preserving the print quality and performance the brand is known for.
The new white ink reflects Brother's ongoing commitment to more sustainable textile production.
Clay Cross – Derbyshire – August 2026 – Resolute DTF has announced that free waste ink disposal is available to every printer customer as a core component of its service package.
The offering is designed to remove the administrative, legal, and financial burden of hazardous waste compliance from print shops across the UK, regardless of the machine model they operate or the volume they produce.
Danver Ma – August 2026 – Inkcups, a leading innovator in inkjet printing technology, has announced its participation in PRINTING United 2026, where it will showcase the Helix High Throw cylindrical UV printer.
The award-winning machine will be live on the show floor, printing on stemless wine tumblers and bowls throughout the event.
Attendees will have the opportunity to see the Helix High Throw in action across a wide range of applications, including handled drinkware, wide-diameter pieces such as mini kegs, plant pots, and more.
Coalville – Leicestershire – August 2026 – Innotech, one of the UK's leading independent media suppliers, has announced a new strategic partnership with China Print Supplies UK Ltd.
The collaboration will see China Print Supplies UK Ltd showcase a curated selection of Innotech materials at The Print Show, with an exclusive promotional offer available to attendees.
Shawnee, KS – August , 2026 – Nazdar Ink Technologies today announced the appointment of Edward (Ed) Baiden as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective 8th September 2026.
The appointment marks a significant milestone for Nazdar as the company builds on its century-long legacy and charts a course for its next chapter of growth and innovation across the global printing industry.
From September 23 – 25, at PRINTING United 2026 (Las Vegas Convention Center), Kongsberg and MultiCam will showcase how connected production workflows enhance precision, productivity, and scalability across print, display, packaging and signage applications.
Bacup – Lancashire-August 2026 – Super Wide-Digital, a family-run trade digital print company based in the North West of England, has confirmed its participation in The Print Show 2026.
The company will exhibit at stand P440, positioned at the heart of Hall 1 at the NEC, marking a significant step in its ongoing commitment to connecting with trade and creative professionals across the industry
London, UK – 20 August 2026 – AVA CAD/CAM, a leading provider of design software and solutions for the textile and fashion industry, has announced its highly anticipated Top 10 to Watch 2026 list, recognising ten outstanding graduating textile designers from universities across the United Kingdom.
The announcement follows AVA's attendance at New Designers, the annual exhibition showcasing the UK's most promising creative graduates
Roland DG South Africa has announced it will launch the new TrueVis VG4-540 and VG4-640 eco-solvent print and cut devices at the FESPA Africa and Sign Africa Expo.
The event is taking place from 8-10 September 2026, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, at Gallagher Convention Centre.
Altrincham – Cheshire – August 2926 – Friedmans Ltd, a UK-based textile manufacturer and digital printing specialist, has announced the expansion of its wholesale stretch fabric and digital printing services, offering designers, brands, and businesses an accessible route to fully customised fabric solutions with low minimum order quantities and fast turnaround times.
Frankfurt, Germany – August 2026 – Heimtextil, one of the world's leading trade fairs for home and contract textiles, has announced its return to Messe Frankfurt GmbH from 12 to 15 January 2027.
The event will once again transform its iconic home base into a showcase of the finest in woven, stitched, and draped textiles, reaffirming its position as the definitive gathering point for the global textile industry.
Rooted in the philosophy that everything starts at home, Heimtextil's return to Messe Frankfurt is a celebration of origins — both for the fair itself and for the broader world of interior textiles.
Derby – Derbyshire – UK – August 2026 – Vivid Laminating Technologies Ltd is pleased to announce that EBI Creative Print (Easibind International Ltd) has acquired not one, but two Veloblade Nexus cutting systems, reinforcing its position as one of the UK's most comprehensively equipped print facilities.
The purchase was made in partnership with Soyang Europe.
Goyang-si, South Korea – August 2026 – BARBIERI electronics, a leading innovator in colour measurement solutions, is set to exhibit at K-Print Korea, where the company will demonstrate its flagship Spectro LFP qb spectrophotometer at Booth L502.
Cape Town – South Africa – August 2026 – NUtec Digital Ink has announced that its Quartz Q50-HYB UV-curable hybrid ink has been awarded GREENGUARD Gold Certification and is now listed in the UL Spot database.
The certification marks a significant milestone in the company's ongoing commitment to developing high-performance ink solutions that meet the highest standards for environmental responsibility.
Tirana, Albania – August 2026 – Kridia ArtPrinting Solutions, an Albanian print and interior décor specialist, has announced its adoption of Roland DG's Dimense textured printing technology, positioning the company as the only provider of locally produced, custom embossed wallpaper in Albania.
By integrating the Dimense DA-640, the Dimense Module, and Roland DG Connect Designer into its production workflow, Kridia has significantly improved design efficiency, creative output, and turnaround times across its interior décor projects.
Echbolsheim – France – August 2026 – Caldera has announced that its Direct-to-Film software now supports the Brother DTRX100, one of the most advanced integrated direct-to-film (DTF) production systems available on the market today.
The development extends Caldera's growing portfolio of compatible DTF devices, offering print professionals greater flexibility in their choice of production hardware.
The Brother DTRX100 is a 32-inch roll-to-roll DTF printer engineered for high-volume, continuous production environments.
Rock Hill - SC – August 17, 2026 – SDL Atlas, a global leader in textile testing instruments, has announced the launch of the Vortex Elite, the most advanced instrument in its trusted Vortex series of AATCC Monograph wash testing equipment.
Building on the proven performance of the Vortex M6 and Vortex Plus, the Vortex Elite delivers high-precision, automatic dispensing of multiple liquid components, setting a new benchmark for accuracy, repeatability, and efficiency in textile wash testing.
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 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.”
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 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.”
Printing method is never a secondary detail. It shapes the entire life cycle of a product, from concept to customer. In today’s fashion industry, where margins are tighter and speed matters more than ever, technical knowledge has become a competitive advantage.
“The future of textile design belongs to professionals who can combine creativity with execution, aesthetics with practicality, and vision with production reality”.
Are we witnessing the reinvention of Merch driven by adaptive, digital technologies?
The commercial opportunity presented by printed, personalised merchandise is already a lucrative revenue stream; it is the core driver of growth in a multi-billion-pound industry. And the mandate for print businesses is clear: automate, adapt, and offer undeniable added value, or choose to gradually lose market share.
Powderless DTF is an important area of innovation. It deserves research, investment, and thoughtful development.
“But at its current stage, it often feels like the industry is attempting to commercialize the concept ahead of the underlying chemistry and system readiness”.
All Apparel Manufacturers face an Urgent Mandate: “Automate or be Left Behind”.
Industry leaders like Super Nova Sports and Ryozo International were struggling with severe pre-press bottlenecks and unsustainable fabric waste. By integrating AI Sublimation Software into their workflows, these forward-thinking businesses eliminated manual variable data entry, boosted fabric efficiency to over 80%, and reduced delivery times by more than half, establishing a highly profitable, agile, and environmentally responsible production model.
The Future of Manufacturing belongs to those who Embrace Connected Digital Ecosystems
“Whether you produce garments, car interiors, or home furnishings, the transition from creative concept to production-ready product often remains fragmented. Design teams work tirelessly to develop compelling materials, yet technical teams struggle to interpret these visions without losing data along the way.”
The European digital wallcovering marketplace is expanding at an impressive rate.
“For print professionals and interior designers, this transition presents a distinct set of challenges. Achieving flawless colour consistency, managing complex substrates, and meeting stringent environmental standards are no longer optional extras; they are fundamental requirements for commercial success.”
London, UK – August 2026 – The Royal College of Art (RCA) has announced the launch of the fourth RCA x Design for Good Academy, an ambitious live online short course that, for the first time, will open its places to the public alongside Design for Good alliance members and RCA students.
The programme begins in October 2026 and runs until March 2027.
Las Vegas, NV – August 2026 – Sun Chemical today announced its participation in PRINTING United Expo 2026, taking place 23-25 September 2026 at the Las Vegas Convention Centre.
Visitors are invited to booth C2880, where the company will present its latest advances in digital ink, textile, industrial, and sustainability-focused printing solutions designed to help printers transform their businesses.
At the heart of Sun Chemical's presence is a commitment to helping customers improve print quality, enhance sustainability, and optimise productivity.
Peterborough – August 2026 – The addition of embroidery to Snuggle Ltd’s in-house embellishment services, united DTF, DTG, Sublimation, UV and embroidery under a single roof at its UK headquarters.
The move positioned the company as one of the most comprehensive garment decoration operations in the industry.
The decision to invest in embroidery was driven directly by customer demand.
Milan, Italy – 26 August 2026 – Viscom, the international event dedicated to technologies, applications and materials for visual communication and the graphic arts, has revealed the key themes shaping its 2026 Conference programme.
Taking place on 28 and 29 October at the Allianz MiCo Convention Center in Milan, the event will explore how technological innovation, creativity and design capabilities are converging to transform the industry.
With its new Exhibition & Conference format, Viscom is strengthening its role as a hub for visual communication in Italy.
Matthews – NC – August 2026 – Fisher Textiles has announced the launch of its Enviro-Tex® fabric line, a range of sustainable textiles crafted from post-consumer recycled PET bottles.
The new offering delivers the quality, stretch, durability, and print performance customers expect, while helping reduce environmental impact across a wide variety of applications.
Enviro-Tex® is designed to meet the growing demand for sustainable materials without compromising on graphic quality.
Dubai, UAE – August 2026 – FESPA Middle East has announced FLEX, the FESPA Leadership Exchange, a landmark gathering of the print and signage industry's most influential decision-makers.
Taking place in Dubai, UAE, on 26 November 2026, the event will bring together the leaders shaping the future of the sector to exchange ideas, share perspectives and define the opportunities ahead.
As the market continues to evolve, FLEX responds to a clear need: the most valuable conversations happen among those driving change
Birmingham UK – August 2026 - Epson will showcase its latest ColorWorks colour-on-demand label printing solutions at PPMA Show 2026, taking place from 22–24 September at the NEC Birmingham.
Visitors to Epson’s stand (A54, Hall 5) will be able to discover how businesses can transform their labelling processes through in-house, full-colour label production that delivers greater flexibility, lower costs and reduced waste.
Paris, France – August 2026 – Optitex and NedGraphics will present their integrated design and manufacturing solutions at Première Vision Paris, taking place from 1st to 3rd September 2026 at Parc des Expositions, Paris Nord Villepinte, France.
Visitors can find the companies at Booth 3L11 in Hall 3, Smart Creation Area.
The joint appearance marks a significant opportunity for textile brands and manufacturers to experience first-hand how NedGraphics and Optitex deliver a unified workflow — one that connects textile design, colour refinement, and end product development within a single, seamless process.
WILMINGTON, Del., August 2026 – – DuPont has announced that its Artistri® Digital Printing Solutions are driving the next era of industrial direct-to-film (DTF) printing, moving beyond ink innovation to tackle the process challenges that now define productivity at scale.
Porthmadog, Wales – August 2026 – Vivid Laminating Technologies Ltd has completed the installation of its Razar print finishing system at Snowdonia Design & Print, marking the first Razar installation outside of England.
The milestone represents a significant step in the growing adoption of advanced, versatile finishing technology across the UK print sector.
Described as the "swiss army knife of print finishing", the Razar system brings a suite of high-precision capabilities to the Porthmadog-based printer
Sheffield, UK – Perfect Colours has been appointed the official UK distributor for Platinum Technologies International, the manufacturer formerly known as Liyu Technologies.
Announced in May at FESPA 2026, the partnership gives UK print businesses direct access to Platinum's full range of industrial large-format systems, backed by Perfect Colours' nationwide sales, installation, training, and engineering support.
Wednesday, August 26, 2026 - Richmond, VA: Drytac, the leading international manufacturer of self-adhesive materials for the large-format print and signage markets, is delighted to announce its plans for PRINTING United Expo 2026.
As Drytac continues its 50th anniversary celebrations, visitors will have the opportunity to experience new products, award-winning solutions and live applications across the show floor, highlighting five decades of expertise in adhesive science and coated media
Wakayama, Japan – August 2026 – SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD., a leading provider of digital textile solutions, will exhibit at Première Vision Paris, held from 1st to 3rd September 2026 at Paris Nord Villepinte in France.
The company will present its latest innovations in the event's "Smart Creation" area, a space dedicated to technologies that unite sustainability and innovation.
At the heart of SHIMA SEIKI's exhibit is its approach to Digital Product Creation (DPC), a workflow designed to optimise product development while reducing environmental impact.
Emmerich am Rhein, Nordrhein-Westfalen – August 2026 – Brother Industrial EMEA has announced the launch of a new white ink formula for its entire GTX series of textile printers.
Developed in response to evolving EU requirements, the new formulation meets the latest environmental and chemical standards while preserving the print quality and performance the brand is known for.
The new white ink reflects Brother's ongoing commitment to more sustainable textile production.
Clay Cross – Derbyshire – August 2026 – Resolute DTF has announced that free waste ink disposal is available to every printer customer as a core component of its service package.
The offering is designed to remove the administrative, legal, and financial burden of hazardous waste compliance from print shops across the UK, regardless of the machine model they operate or the volume they produce.
Danver Ma – August 2026 – Inkcups, a leading innovator in inkjet printing technology, has announced its participation in PRINTING United 2026, where it will showcase the Helix High Throw cylindrical UV printer.
The award-winning machine will be live on the show floor, printing on stemless wine tumblers and bowls throughout the event.
Attendees will have the opportunity to see the Helix High Throw in action across a wide range of applications, including handled drinkware, wide-diameter pieces such as mini kegs, plant pots, and more.
Coalville – Leicestershire – August 2026 – Innotech, one of the UK's leading independent media suppliers, has announced a new strategic partnership with China Print Supplies UK Ltd.
The collaboration will see China Print Supplies UK Ltd showcase a curated selection of Innotech materials at The Print Show, with an exclusive promotional offer available to attendees.
Shawnee, KS – August , 2026 – Nazdar Ink Technologies today announced the appointment of Edward (Ed) Baiden as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective 8th September 2026.
The appointment marks a significant milestone for Nazdar as the company builds on its century-long legacy and charts a course for its next chapter of growth and innovation across the global printing industry.
From September 23 – 25, at PRINTING United 2026 (Las Vegas Convention Center), Kongsberg and MultiCam will showcase how connected production workflows enhance precision, productivity, and scalability across print, display, packaging and signage applications.
Bacup – Lancashire-August 2026 – Super Wide-Digital, a family-run trade digital print company based in the North West of England, has confirmed its participation in The Print Show 2026.
The company will exhibit at stand P440, positioned at the heart of Hall 1 at the NEC, marking a significant step in its ongoing commitment to connecting with trade and creative professionals across the industry
London, UK – 20 August 2026 – AVA CAD/CAM, a leading provider of design software and solutions for the textile and fashion industry, has announced its highly anticipated Top 10 to Watch 2026 list, recognising ten outstanding graduating textile designers from universities across the United Kingdom.
The announcement follows AVA's attendance at New Designers, the annual exhibition showcasing the UK's most promising creative graduates
Roland DG South Africa has announced it will launch the new TrueVis VG4-540 and VG4-640 eco-solvent print and cut devices at the FESPA Africa and Sign Africa Expo.
The event is taking place from 8-10 September 2026, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, at Gallagher Convention Centre.
Altrincham – Cheshire – August 2926 – Friedmans Ltd, a UK-based textile manufacturer and digital printing specialist, has announced the expansion of its wholesale stretch fabric and digital printing services, offering designers, brands, and businesses an accessible route to fully customised fabric solutions with low minimum order quantities and fast turnaround times.
Frankfurt, Germany – August 2026 – Heimtextil, one of the world's leading trade fairs for home and contract textiles, has announced its return to Messe Frankfurt GmbH from 12 to 15 January 2027.
The event will once again transform its iconic home base into a showcase of the finest in woven, stitched, and draped textiles, reaffirming its position as the definitive gathering point for the global textile industry.
Rooted in the philosophy that everything starts at home, Heimtextil's return to Messe Frankfurt is a celebration of origins — both for the fair itself and for the broader world of interior textiles.
Derby – Derbyshire – UK – August 2026 – Vivid Laminating Technologies Ltd is pleased to announce that EBI Creative Print (Easibind International Ltd) has acquired not one, but two Veloblade Nexus cutting systems, reinforcing its position as one of the UK's most comprehensively equipped print facilities.
The purchase was made in partnership with Soyang Europe.
Goyang-si, South Korea – August 2026 – BARBIERI electronics, a leading innovator in colour measurement solutions, is set to exhibit at K-Print Korea, where the company will demonstrate its flagship Spectro LFP qb spectrophotometer at Booth L502.
Cape Town – South Africa – August 2026 – NUtec Digital Ink has announced that its Quartz Q50-HYB UV-curable hybrid ink has been awarded GREENGUARD Gold Certification and is now listed in the UL Spot database.
The certification marks a significant milestone in the company's ongoing commitment to developing high-performance ink solutions that meet the highest standards for environmental responsibility.
Tirana, Albania – August 2026 – Kridia ArtPrinting Solutions, an Albanian print and interior décor specialist, has announced its adoption of Roland DG's Dimense textured printing technology, positioning the company as the only provider of locally produced, custom embossed wallpaper in Albania.
By integrating the Dimense DA-640, the Dimense Module, and Roland DG Connect Designer into its production workflow, Kridia has significantly improved design efficiency, creative output, and turnaround times across its interior décor projects.
Echbolsheim – France – August 2026 – Caldera has announced that its Direct-to-Film software now supports the Brother DTRX100, one of the most advanced integrated direct-to-film (DTF) production systems available on the market today.
The development extends Caldera's growing portfolio of compatible DTF devices, offering print professionals greater flexibility in their choice of production hardware.
The Brother DTRX100 is a 32-inch roll-to-roll DTF printer engineered for high-volume, continuous production environments.
Rock Hill - SC – August 17, 2026 – SDL Atlas, a global leader in textile testing instruments, has announced the launch of the Vortex Elite, the most advanced instrument in its trusted Vortex series of AATCC Monograph wash testing equipment.
Building on the proven performance of the Vortex M6 and Vortex Plus, the Vortex Elite delivers high-precision, automatic dispensing of multiple liquid components, setting a new benchmark for accuracy, repeatability, and efficiency in textile wash testing.
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 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.”
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 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.”
Printing method is never a secondary detail. It shapes the entire life cycle of a product, from concept to customer. In today’s fashion industry, where margins are tighter and speed matters more than ever, technical knowledge has become a competitive advantage.
“The future of textile design belongs to professionals who can combine creativity with execution, aesthetics with practicality, and vision with production reality”.
Are we witnessing the reinvention of Merch driven by adaptive, digital technologies?
The commercial opportunity presented by printed, personalised merchandise is already a lucrative revenue stream; it is the core driver of growth in a multi-billion-pound industry. And the mandate for print businesses is clear: automate, adapt, and offer undeniable added value, or choose to gradually lose market share.
Powderless DTF is an important area of innovation. It deserves research, investment, and thoughtful development.
“But at its current stage, it often feels like the industry is attempting to commercialize the concept ahead of the underlying chemistry and system readiness”.
All Apparel Manufacturers face an Urgent Mandate: “Automate or be Left Behind”.
Industry leaders like Super Nova Sports and Ryozo International were struggling with severe pre-press bottlenecks and unsustainable fabric waste. By integrating AI Sublimation Software into their workflows, these forward-thinking businesses eliminated manual variable data entry, boosted fabric efficiency to over 80%, and reduced delivery times by more than half, establishing a highly profitable, agile, and environmentally responsible production model.
The Future of Manufacturing belongs to those who Embrace Connected Digital Ecosystems
“Whether you produce garments, car interiors, or home furnishings, the transition from creative concept to production-ready product often remains fragmented. Design teams work tirelessly to develop compelling materials, yet technical teams struggle to interpret these visions without losing data along the way.”
The European digital wallcovering marketplace is expanding at an impressive rate.
“For print professionals and interior designers, this transition presents a distinct set of challenges. Achieving flawless colour consistency, managing complex substrates, and meeting stringent environmental standards are no longer optional extras; they are fundamental requirements for commercial success.”
London, UK – August 2026 – The Royal College of Art (RCA) has announced the launch of the fourth RCA x Design for Good Academy, an ambitious live online short course that, for the first time, will open its places to the public alongside Design for Good alliance members and RCA students.
The programme begins in October 2026 and runs until March 2027.
Las Vegas, NV – August 2026 – Sun Chemical today announced its participation in PRINTING United Expo 2026, taking place 23-25 September 2026 at the Las Vegas Convention Centre.
Visitors are invited to booth C2880, where the company will present its latest advances in digital ink, textile, industrial, and sustainability-focused printing solutions designed to help printers transform their businesses.
At the heart of Sun Chemical's presence is a commitment to helping customers improve print quality, enhance sustainability, and optimise productivity.
Peterborough – August 2026 – The addition of embroidery to Snuggle Ltd’s in-house embellishment services, united DTF, DTG, Sublimation, UV and embroidery under a single roof at its UK headquarters.
The move positioned the company as one of the most comprehensive garment decoration operations in the industry.
The decision to invest in embroidery was driven directly by customer demand.
Milan, Italy – 26 August 2026 – Viscom, the international event dedicated to technologies, applications and materials for visual communication and the graphic arts, has revealed the key themes shaping its 2026 Conference programme.
Taking place on 28 and 29 October at the Allianz MiCo Convention Center in Milan, the event will explore how technological innovation, creativity and design capabilities are converging to transform the industry.
With its new Exhibition & Conference format, Viscom is strengthening its role as a hub for visual communication in Italy.
Matthews – NC – August 2026 – Fisher Textiles has announced the launch of its Enviro-Tex® fabric line, a range of sustainable textiles crafted from post-consumer recycled PET bottles.
The new offering delivers the quality, stretch, durability, and print performance customers expect, while helping reduce environmental impact across a wide variety of applications.
Enviro-Tex® is designed to meet the growing demand for sustainable materials without compromising on graphic quality.
Dubai, UAE – August 2026 – FESPA Middle East has announced FLEX, the FESPA Leadership Exchange, a landmark gathering of the print and signage industry's most influential decision-makers.
Taking place in Dubai, UAE, on 26 November 2026, the event will bring together the leaders shaping the future of the sector to exchange ideas, share perspectives and define the opportunities ahead.
As the market continues to evolve, FLEX responds to a clear need: the most valuable conversations happen among those driving change
Birmingham UK – August 2026 - Epson will showcase its latest ColorWorks colour-on-demand label printing solutions at PPMA Show 2026, taking place from 22–24 September at the NEC Birmingham.
Visitors to Epson’s stand (A54, Hall 5) will be able to discover how businesses can transform their labelling processes through in-house, full-colour label production that delivers greater flexibility, lower costs and reduced waste.
Paris, France – August 2026 – Optitex and NedGraphics will present their integrated design and manufacturing solutions at Première Vision Paris, taking place from 1st to 3rd September 2026 at Parc des Expositions, Paris Nord Villepinte, France.
Visitors can find the companies at Booth 3L11 in Hall 3, Smart Creation Area.
The joint appearance marks a significant opportunity for textile brands and manufacturers to experience first-hand how NedGraphics and Optitex deliver a unified workflow — one that connects textile design, colour refinement, and end product development within a single, seamless process.
WILMINGTON, Del., August 2026 – – DuPont has announced that its Artistri® Digital Printing Solutions are driving the next era of industrial direct-to-film (DTF) printing, moving beyond ink innovation to tackle the process challenges that now define productivity at scale.
Porthmadog, Wales – August 2026 – Vivid Laminating Technologies Ltd has completed the installation of its Razar print finishing system at Snowdonia Design & Print, marking the first Razar installation outside of England.
The milestone represents a significant step in the growing adoption of advanced, versatile finishing technology across the UK print sector.
Described as the "swiss army knife of print finishing", the Razar system brings a suite of high-precision capabilities to the Porthmadog-based printer
Sheffield, UK – Perfect Colours has been appointed the official UK distributor for Platinum Technologies International, the manufacturer formerly known as Liyu Technologies.
Announced in May at FESPA 2026, the partnership gives UK print businesses direct access to Platinum's full range of industrial large-format systems, backed by Perfect Colours' nationwide sales, installation, training, and engineering support.
Wednesday, August 26, 2026 - Richmond, VA: Drytac, the leading international manufacturer of self-adhesive materials for the large-format print and signage markets, is delighted to announce its plans for PRINTING United Expo 2026.
As Drytac continues its 50th anniversary celebrations, visitors will have the opportunity to experience new products, award-winning solutions and live applications across the show floor, highlighting five decades of expertise in adhesive science and coated media
Wakayama, Japan – August 2026 – SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD., a leading provider of digital textile solutions, will exhibit at Première Vision Paris, held from 1st to 3rd September 2026 at Paris Nord Villepinte in France.
The company will present its latest innovations in the event's "Smart Creation" area, a space dedicated to technologies that unite sustainability and innovation.
At the heart of SHIMA SEIKI's exhibit is its approach to Digital Product Creation (DPC), a workflow designed to optimise product development while reducing environmental impact.
Emmerich am Rhein, Nordrhein-Westfalen – August 2026 – Brother Industrial EMEA has announced the launch of a new white ink formula for its entire GTX series of textile printers.
Developed in response to evolving EU requirements, the new formulation meets the latest environmental and chemical standards while preserving the print quality and performance the brand is known for.
The new white ink reflects Brother's ongoing commitment to more sustainable textile production.
Clay Cross – Derbyshire – August 2026 – Resolute DTF has announced that free waste ink disposal is available to every printer customer as a core component of its service package.
The offering is designed to remove the administrative, legal, and financial burden of hazardous waste compliance from print shops across the UK, regardless of the machine model they operate or the volume they produce.
Danver Ma – August 2026 – Inkcups, a leading innovator in inkjet printing technology, has announced its participation in PRINTING United 2026, where it will showcase the Helix High Throw cylindrical UV printer.
The award-winning machine will be live on the show floor, printing on stemless wine tumblers and bowls throughout the event.
Attendees will have the opportunity to see the Helix High Throw in action across a wide range of applications, including handled drinkware, wide-diameter pieces such as mini kegs, plant pots, and more.
Coalville – Leicestershire – August 2026 – Innotech, one of the UK's leading independent media suppliers, has announced a new strategic partnership with China Print Supplies UK Ltd.
The collaboration will see China Print Supplies UK Ltd showcase a curated selection of Innotech materials at The Print Show, with an exclusive promotional offer available to attendees.
Shawnee, KS – August , 2026 – Nazdar Ink Technologies today announced the appointment of Edward (Ed) Baiden as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective 8th September 2026.
The appointment marks a significant milestone for Nazdar as the company builds on its century-long legacy and charts a course for its next chapter of growth and innovation across the global printing industry.
From September 23 – 25, at PRINTING United 2026 (Las Vegas Convention Center), Kongsberg and MultiCam will showcase how connected production workflows enhance precision, productivity, and scalability across print, display, packaging and signage applications.
Bacup – Lancashire-August 2026 – Super Wide-Digital, a family-run trade digital print company based in the North West of England, has confirmed its participation in The Print Show 2026.
The company will exhibit at stand P440, positioned at the heart of Hall 1 at the NEC, marking a significant step in its ongoing commitment to connecting with trade and creative professionals across the industry
London, UK – 20 August 2026 – AVA CAD/CAM, a leading provider of design software and solutions for the textile and fashion industry, has announced its highly anticipated Top 10 to Watch 2026 list, recognising ten outstanding graduating textile designers from universities across the United Kingdom.
The announcement follows AVA's attendance at New Designers, the annual exhibition showcasing the UK's most promising creative graduates
Roland DG South Africa has announced it will launch the new TrueVis VG4-540 and VG4-640 eco-solvent print and cut devices at the FESPA Africa and Sign Africa Expo.
The event is taking place from 8-10 September 2026, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, at Gallagher Convention Centre.
Altrincham – Cheshire – August 2926 – Friedmans Ltd, a UK-based textile manufacturer and digital printing specialist, has announced the expansion of its wholesale stretch fabric and digital printing services, offering designers, brands, and businesses an accessible route to fully customised fabric solutions with low minimum order quantities and fast turnaround times.
Frankfurt, Germany – August 2026 – Heimtextil, one of the world's leading trade fairs for home and contract textiles, has announced its return to Messe Frankfurt GmbH from 12 to 15 January 2027.
The event will once again transform its iconic home base into a showcase of the finest in woven, stitched, and draped textiles, reaffirming its position as the definitive gathering point for the global textile industry.
Rooted in the philosophy that everything starts at home, Heimtextil's return to Messe Frankfurt is a celebration of origins — both for the fair itself and for the broader world of interior textiles.
Derby – Derbyshire – UK – August 2026 – Vivid Laminating Technologies Ltd is pleased to announce that EBI Creative Print (Easibind International Ltd) has acquired not one, but two Veloblade Nexus cutting systems, reinforcing its position as one of the UK's most comprehensively equipped print facilities.
The purchase was made in partnership with Soyang Europe.
Goyang-si, South Korea – August 2026 – BARBIERI electronics, a leading innovator in colour measurement solutions, is set to exhibit at K-Print Korea, where the company will demonstrate its flagship Spectro LFP qb spectrophotometer at Booth L502.
Cape Town – South Africa – August 2026 – NUtec Digital Ink has announced that its Quartz Q50-HYB UV-curable hybrid ink has been awarded GREENGUARD Gold Certification and is now listed in the UL Spot database.
The certification marks a significant milestone in the company's ongoing commitment to developing high-performance ink solutions that meet the highest standards for environmental responsibility.
Tirana, Albania – August 2026 – Kridia ArtPrinting Solutions, an Albanian print and interior décor specialist, has announced its adoption of Roland DG's Dimense textured printing technology, positioning the company as the only provider of locally produced, custom embossed wallpaper in Albania.
By integrating the Dimense DA-640, the Dimense Module, and Roland DG Connect Designer into its production workflow, Kridia has significantly improved design efficiency, creative output, and turnaround times across its interior décor projects.
Echbolsheim – France – August 2026 – Caldera has announced that its Direct-to-Film software now supports the Brother DTRX100, one of the most advanced integrated direct-to-film (DTF) production systems available on the market today.
The development extends Caldera's growing portfolio of compatible DTF devices, offering print professionals greater flexibility in their choice of production hardware.
The Brother DTRX100 is a 32-inch roll-to-roll DTF printer engineered for high-volume, continuous production environments.
Rock Hill - SC – August 17, 2026 – SDL Atlas, a global leader in textile testing instruments, has announced the launch of the Vortex Elite, the most advanced instrument in its trusted Vortex series of AATCC Monograph wash testing equipment.
Building on the proven performance of the Vortex M6 and Vortex Plus, the Vortex Elite delivers high-precision, automatic dispensing of multiple liquid components, setting a new benchmark for accuracy, repeatability, and efficiency in textile wash testing.
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 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.”
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 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.”
Printing method is never a secondary detail. It shapes the entire life cycle of a product, from concept to customer. In today’s fashion industry, where margins are tighter and speed matters more than ever, technical knowledge has become a competitive advantage.
“The future of textile design belongs to professionals who can combine creativity with execution, aesthetics with practicality, and vision with production reality”.
Are we witnessing the reinvention of Merch driven by adaptive, digital technologies?
The commercial opportunity presented by printed, personalised merchandise is already a lucrative revenue stream; it is the core driver of growth in a multi-billion-pound industry. And the mandate for print businesses is clear: automate, adapt, and offer undeniable added value, or choose to gradually lose market share.
Powderless DTF is an important area of innovation. It deserves research, investment, and thoughtful development.
“But at its current stage, it often feels like the industry is attempting to commercialize the concept ahead of the underlying chemistry and system readiness”.
All Apparel Manufacturers face an Urgent Mandate: “Automate or be Left Behind”.
Industry leaders like Super Nova Sports and Ryozo International were struggling with severe pre-press bottlenecks and unsustainable fabric waste. By integrating AI Sublimation Software into their workflows, these forward-thinking businesses eliminated manual variable data entry, boosted fabric efficiency to over 80%, and reduced delivery times by more than half, establishing a highly profitable, agile, and environmentally responsible production model.
The Future of Manufacturing belongs to those who Embrace Connected Digital Ecosystems
“Whether you produce garments, car interiors, or home furnishings, the transition from creative concept to production-ready product often remains fragmented. Design teams work tirelessly to develop compelling materials, yet technical teams struggle to interpret these visions without losing data along the way.”
The European digital wallcovering marketplace is expanding at an impressive rate.
“For print professionals and interior designers, this transition presents a distinct set of challenges. Achieving flawless colour consistency, managing complex substrates, and meeting stringent environmental standards are no longer optional extras; they are fundamental requirements for commercial success.”
London, UK – August 2026 – The Royal College of Art (RCA) has announced the launch of the fourth RCA x Design for Good Academy, an ambitious live online short course that, for the first time, will open its places to the public alongside Design for Good alliance members and RCA students.
The programme begins in October 2026 and runs until March 2027.
Las Vegas, NV – August 2026 – Sun Chemical today announced its participation in PRINTING United Expo 2026, taking place 23-25 September 2026 at the Las Vegas Convention Centre.
Visitors are invited to booth C2880, where the company will present its latest advances in digital ink, textile, industrial, and sustainability-focused printing solutions designed to help printers transform their businesses.
At the heart of Sun Chemical's presence is a commitment to helping customers improve print quality, enhance sustainability, and optimise productivity.
Peterborough – August 2026 – The addition of embroidery to Snuggle Ltd’s in-house embellishment services, united DTF, DTG, Sublimation, UV and embroidery under a single roof at its UK headquarters.
The move positioned the company as one of the most comprehensive garment decoration operations in the industry.
The decision to invest in embroidery was driven directly by customer demand.
Milan, Italy – 26 August 2026 – Viscom, the international event dedicated to technologies, applications and materials for visual communication and the graphic arts, has revealed the key themes shaping its 2026 Conference programme.
Taking place on 28 and 29 October at the Allianz MiCo Convention Center in Milan, the event will explore how technological innovation, creativity and design capabilities are converging to transform the industry.
With its new Exhibition & Conference format, Viscom is strengthening its role as a hub for visual communication in Italy.
Matthews – NC – August 2026 – Fisher Textiles has announced the launch of its Enviro-Tex® fabric line, a range of sustainable textiles crafted from post-consumer recycled PET bottles.
The new offering delivers the quality, stretch, durability, and print performance customers expect, while helping reduce environmental impact across a wide variety of applications.
Enviro-Tex® is designed to meet the growing demand for sustainable materials without compromising on graphic quality.
Dubai, UAE – August 2026 – FESPA Middle East has announced FLEX, the FESPA Leadership Exchange, a landmark gathering of the print and signage industry's most influential decision-makers.
Taking place in Dubai, UAE, on 26 November 2026, the event will bring together the leaders shaping the future of the sector to exchange ideas, share perspectives and define the opportunities ahead.
As the market continues to evolve, FLEX responds to a clear need: the most valuable conversations happen among those driving change
Birmingham UK – August 2026 - Epson will showcase its latest ColorWorks colour-on-demand label printing solutions at PPMA Show 2026, taking place from 22–24 September at the NEC Birmingham.
Visitors to Epson’s stand (A54, Hall 5) will be able to discover how businesses can transform their labelling processes through in-house, full-colour label production that delivers greater flexibility, lower costs and reduced waste.
Paris, France – August 2026 – Optitex and NedGraphics will present their integrated design and manufacturing solutions at Première Vision Paris, taking place from 1st to 3rd September 2026 at Parc des Expositions, Paris Nord Villepinte, France.
Visitors can find the companies at Booth 3L11 in Hall 3, Smart Creation Area.
The joint appearance marks a significant opportunity for textile brands and manufacturers to experience first-hand how NedGraphics and Optitex deliver a unified workflow — one that connects textile design, colour refinement, and end product development within a single, seamless process.
WILMINGTON, Del., August 2026 – – DuPont has announced that its Artistri® Digital Printing Solutions are driving the next era of industrial direct-to-film (DTF) printing, moving beyond ink innovation to tackle the process challenges that now define productivity at scale.
Porthmadog, Wales – August 2026 – Vivid Laminating Technologies Ltd has completed the installation of its Razar print finishing system at Snowdonia Design & Print, marking the first Razar installation outside of England.
The milestone represents a significant step in the growing adoption of advanced, versatile finishing technology across the UK print sector.
Described as the "swiss army knife of print finishing", the Razar system brings a suite of high-precision capabilities to the Porthmadog-based printer
Sheffield, UK – Perfect Colours has been appointed the official UK distributor for Platinum Technologies International, the manufacturer formerly known as Liyu Technologies.
Announced in May at FESPA 2026, the partnership gives UK print businesses direct access to Platinum's full range of industrial large-format systems, backed by Perfect Colours' nationwide sales, installation, training, and engineering support.
Wednesday, August 26, 2026 - Richmond, VA: Drytac, the leading international manufacturer of self-adhesive materials for the large-format print and signage markets, is delighted to announce its plans for PRINTING United Expo 2026.
As Drytac continues its 50th anniversary celebrations, visitors will have the opportunity to experience new products, award-winning solutions and live applications across the show floor, highlighting five decades of expertise in adhesive science and coated media
Wakayama, Japan – August 2026 – SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD., a leading provider of digital textile solutions, will exhibit at Première Vision Paris, held from 1st to 3rd September 2026 at Paris Nord Villepinte in France.
The company will present its latest innovations in the event's "Smart Creation" area, a space dedicated to technologies that unite sustainability and innovation.
At the heart of SHIMA SEIKI's exhibit is its approach to Digital Product Creation (DPC), a workflow designed to optimise product development while reducing environmental impact.
Emmerich am Rhein, Nordrhein-Westfalen – August 2026 – Brother Industrial EMEA has announced the launch of a new white ink formula for its entire GTX series of textile printers.
Developed in response to evolving EU requirements, the new formulation meets the latest environmental and chemical standards while preserving the print quality and performance the brand is known for.
The new white ink reflects Brother's ongoing commitment to more sustainable textile production.
Clay Cross – Derbyshire – August 2026 – Resolute DTF has announced that free waste ink disposal is available to every printer customer as a core component of its service package.
The offering is designed to remove the administrative, legal, and financial burden of hazardous waste compliance from print shops across the UK, regardless of the machine model they operate or the volume they produce.
Danver Ma – August 2026 – Inkcups, a leading innovator in inkjet printing technology, has announced its participation in PRINTING United 2026, where it will showcase the Helix High Throw cylindrical UV printer.
The award-winning machine will be live on the show floor, printing on stemless wine tumblers and bowls throughout the event.
Attendees will have the opportunity to see the Helix High Throw in action across a wide range of applications, including handled drinkware, wide-diameter pieces such as mini kegs, plant pots, and more.
Coalville – Leicestershire – August 2026 – Innotech, one of the UK's leading independent media suppliers, has announced a new strategic partnership with China Print Supplies UK Ltd.
The collaboration will see China Print Supplies UK Ltd showcase a curated selection of Innotech materials at The Print Show, with an exclusive promotional offer available to attendees.
Shawnee, KS – August , 2026 – Nazdar Ink Technologies today announced the appointment of Edward (Ed) Baiden as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective 8th September 2026.
The appointment marks a significant milestone for Nazdar as the company builds on its century-long legacy and charts a course for its next chapter of growth and innovation across the global printing industry.
From September 23 – 25, at PRINTING United 2026 (Las Vegas Convention Center), Kongsberg and MultiCam will showcase how connected production workflows enhance precision, productivity, and scalability across print, display, packaging and signage applications.
Bacup – Lancashire-August 2026 – Super Wide-Digital, a family-run trade digital print company based in the North West of England, has confirmed its participation in The Print Show 2026.
The company will exhibit at stand P440, positioned at the heart of Hall 1 at the NEC, marking a significant step in its ongoing commitment to connecting with trade and creative professionals across the industry
London, UK – 20 August 2026 – AVA CAD/CAM, a leading provider of design software and solutions for the textile and fashion industry, has announced its highly anticipated Top 10 to Watch 2026 list, recognising ten outstanding graduating textile designers from universities across the United Kingdom.
The announcement follows AVA's attendance at New Designers, the annual exhibition showcasing the UK's most promising creative graduates
Roland DG South Africa has announced it will launch the new TrueVis VG4-540 and VG4-640 eco-solvent print and cut devices at the FESPA Africa and Sign Africa Expo.
The event is taking place from 8-10 September 2026, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, at Gallagher Convention Centre.
Altrincham – Cheshire – August 2926 – Friedmans Ltd, a UK-based textile manufacturer and digital printing specialist, has announced the expansion of its wholesale stretch fabric and digital printing services, offering designers, brands, and businesses an accessible route to fully customised fabric solutions with low minimum order quantities and fast turnaround times.
Frankfurt, Germany – August 2026 – Heimtextil, one of the world's leading trade fairs for home and contract textiles, has announced its return to Messe Frankfurt GmbH from 12 to 15 January 2027.
The event will once again transform its iconic home base into a showcase of the finest in woven, stitched, and draped textiles, reaffirming its position as the definitive gathering point for the global textile industry.
Rooted in the philosophy that everything starts at home, Heimtextil's return to Messe Frankfurt is a celebration of origins — both for the fair itself and for the broader world of interior textiles.
Derby – Derbyshire – UK – August 2026 – Vivid Laminating Technologies Ltd is pleased to announce that EBI Creative Print (Easibind International Ltd) has acquired not one, but two Veloblade Nexus cutting systems, reinforcing its position as one of the UK's most comprehensively equipped print facilities.
The purchase was made in partnership with Soyang Europe.
Goyang-si, South Korea – August 2026 – BARBIERI electronics, a leading innovator in colour measurement solutions, is set to exhibit at K-Print Korea, where the company will demonstrate its flagship Spectro LFP qb spectrophotometer at Booth L502.
Cape Town – South Africa – August 2026 – NUtec Digital Ink has announced that its Quartz Q50-HYB UV-curable hybrid ink has been awarded GREENGUARD Gold Certification and is now listed in the UL Spot database.
The certification marks a significant milestone in the company's ongoing commitment to developing high-performance ink solutions that meet the highest standards for environmental responsibility.
Tirana, Albania – August 2026 – Kridia ArtPrinting Solutions, an Albanian print and interior décor specialist, has announced its adoption of Roland DG's Dimense textured printing technology, positioning the company as the only provider of locally produced, custom embossed wallpaper in Albania.
By integrating the Dimense DA-640, the Dimense Module, and Roland DG Connect Designer into its production workflow, Kridia has significantly improved design efficiency, creative output, and turnaround times across its interior décor projects.
Echbolsheim – France – August 2026 – Caldera has announced that its Direct-to-Film software now supports the Brother DTRX100, one of the most advanced integrated direct-to-film (DTF) production systems available on the market today.
The development extends Caldera's growing portfolio of compatible DTF devices, offering print professionals greater flexibility in their choice of production hardware.
The Brother DTRX100 is a 32-inch roll-to-roll DTF printer engineered for high-volume, continuous production environments.
Rock Hill - SC – August 17, 2026 – SDL Atlas, a global leader in textile testing instruments, has announced the launch of the Vortex Elite, the most advanced instrument in its trusted Vortex series of AATCC Monograph wash testing equipment.
Building on the proven performance of the Vortex M6 and Vortex Plus, the Vortex Elite delivers high-precision, automatic dispensing of multiple liquid components, setting a new benchmark for accuracy, repeatability, and efficiency in textile wash testing.
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 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.”
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 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.”
Printing method is never a secondary detail. It shapes the entire life cycle of a product, from concept to customer. In today’s fashion industry, where margins are tighter and speed matters more than ever, technical knowledge has become a competitive advantage.
“The future of textile design belongs to professionals who can combine creativity with execution, aesthetics with practicality, and vision with production reality”.
Are we witnessing the reinvention of Merch driven by adaptive, digital technologies?
The commercial opportunity presented by printed, personalised merchandise is already a lucrative revenue stream; it is the core driver of growth in a multi-billion-pound industry. And the mandate for print businesses is clear: automate, adapt, and offer undeniable added value, or choose to gradually lose market share.
Powderless DTF is an important area of innovation. It deserves research, investment, and thoughtful development.
“But at its current stage, it often feels like the industry is attempting to commercialize the concept ahead of the underlying chemistry and system readiness”.
All Apparel Manufacturers face an Urgent Mandate: “Automate or be Left Behind”.
Industry leaders like Super Nova Sports and Ryozo International were struggling with severe pre-press bottlenecks and unsustainable fabric waste. By integrating AI Sublimation Software into their workflows, these forward-thinking businesses eliminated manual variable data entry, boosted fabric efficiency to over 80%, and reduced delivery times by more than half, establishing a highly profitable, agile, and environmentally responsible production model.
The Future of Manufacturing belongs to those who Embrace Connected Digital Ecosystems
“Whether you produce garments, car interiors, or home furnishings, the transition from creative concept to production-ready product often remains fragmented. Design teams work tirelessly to develop compelling materials, yet technical teams struggle to interpret these visions without losing data along the way.”
The European digital wallcovering marketplace is expanding at an impressive rate.
“For print professionals and interior designers, this transition presents a distinct set of challenges. Achieving flawless colour consistency, managing complex substrates, and meeting stringent environmental standards are no longer optional extras; they are fundamental requirements for commercial success.”
London, UK – August 2026 – The Royal College of Art (RCA) has announced the launch of the fourth RCA x Design for Good Academy, an ambitious live online short course that, for the first time, will open its places to the public alongside Design for Good alliance members and RCA students.
The programme begins in October 2026 and runs until March 2027.
Las Vegas, NV – August 2026 – Sun Chemical today announced its participation in PRINTING United Expo 2026, taking place 23-25 September 2026 at the Las Vegas Convention Centre.
Visitors are invited to booth C2880, where the company will present its latest advances in digital ink, textile, industrial, and sustainability-focused printing solutions designed to help printers transform their businesses.
At the heart of Sun Chemical's presence is a commitment to helping customers improve print quality, enhance sustainability, and optimise productivity.
Peterborough – August 2026 – The addition of embroidery to Snuggle Ltd’s in-house embellishment services, united DTF, DTG, Sublimation, UV and embroidery under a single roof at its UK headquarters.
The move positioned the company as one of the most comprehensive garment decoration operations in the industry.
The decision to invest in embroidery was driven directly by customer demand.
Milan, Italy – 26 August 2026 – Viscom, the international event dedicated to technologies, applications and materials for visual communication and the graphic arts, has revealed the key themes shaping its 2026 Conference programme.
Taking place on 28 and 29 October at the Allianz MiCo Convention Center in Milan, the event will explore how technological innovation, creativity and design capabilities are converging to transform the industry.
With its new Exhibition & Conference format, Viscom is strengthening its role as a hub for visual communication in Italy.
Matthews – NC – August 2026 – Fisher Textiles has announced the launch of its Enviro-Tex® fabric line, a range of sustainable textiles crafted from post-consumer recycled PET bottles.
The new offering delivers the quality, stretch, durability, and print performance customers expect, while helping reduce environmental impact across a wide variety of applications.
Enviro-Tex® is designed to meet the growing demand for sustainable materials without compromising on graphic quality.
Dubai, UAE – August 2026 – FESPA Middle East has announced FLEX, the FESPA Leadership Exchange, a landmark gathering of the print and signage industry's most influential decision-makers.
Taking place in Dubai, UAE, on 26 November 2026, the event will bring together the leaders shaping the future of the sector to exchange ideas, share perspectives and define the opportunities ahead.
As the market continues to evolve, FLEX responds to a clear need: the most valuable conversations happen among those driving change
Birmingham UK – August 2026 - Epson will showcase its latest ColorWorks colour-on-demand label printing solutions at PPMA Show 2026, taking place from 22–24 September at the NEC Birmingham.
Visitors to Epson’s stand (A54, Hall 5) will be able to discover how businesses can transform their labelling processes through in-house, full-colour label production that delivers greater flexibility, lower costs and reduced waste.
Paris, France – August 2026 – Optitex and NedGraphics will present their integrated design and manufacturing solutions at Première Vision Paris, taking place from 1st to 3rd September 2026 at Parc des Expositions, Paris Nord Villepinte, France.
Visitors can find the companies at Booth 3L11 in Hall 3, Smart Creation Area.
The joint appearance marks a significant opportunity for textile brands and manufacturers to experience first-hand how NedGraphics and Optitex deliver a unified workflow — one that connects textile design, colour refinement, and end product development within a single, seamless process.
WILMINGTON, Del., August 2026 – – DuPont has announced that its Artistri® Digital Printing Solutions are driving the next era of industrial direct-to-film (DTF) printing, moving beyond ink innovation to tackle the process challenges that now define productivity at scale.
Porthmadog, Wales – August 2026 – Vivid Laminating Technologies Ltd has completed the installation of its Razar print finishing system at Snowdonia Design & Print, marking the first Razar installation outside of England.
The milestone represents a significant step in the growing adoption of advanced, versatile finishing technology across the UK print sector.
Described as the "swiss army knife of print finishing", the Razar system brings a suite of high-precision capabilities to the Porthmadog-based printer
Sheffield, UK – Perfect Colours has been appointed the official UK distributor for Platinum Technologies International, the manufacturer formerly known as Liyu Technologies.
Announced in May at FESPA 2026, the partnership gives UK print businesses direct access to Platinum's full range of industrial large-format systems, backed by Perfect Colours' nationwide sales, installation, training, and engineering support.
Wednesday, August 26, 2026 - Richmond, VA: Drytac, the leading international manufacturer of self-adhesive materials for the large-format print and signage markets, is delighted to announce its plans for PRINTING United Expo 2026.
As Drytac continues its 50th anniversary celebrations, visitors will have the opportunity to experience new products, award-winning solutions and live applications across the show floor, highlighting five decades of expertise in adhesive science and coated media
Wakayama, Japan – August 2026 – SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD., a leading provider of digital textile solutions, will exhibit at Première Vision Paris, held from 1st to 3rd September 2026 at Paris Nord Villepinte in France.
The company will present its latest innovations in the event's "Smart Creation" area, a space dedicated to technologies that unite sustainability and innovation.
At the heart of SHIMA SEIKI's exhibit is its approach to Digital Product Creation (DPC), a workflow designed to optimise product development while reducing environmental impact.
Emmerich am Rhein, Nordrhein-Westfalen – August 2026 – Brother Industrial EMEA has announced the launch of a new white ink formula for its entire GTX series of textile printers.
Developed in response to evolving EU requirements, the new formulation meets the latest environmental and chemical standards while preserving the print quality and performance the brand is known for.
The new white ink reflects Brother's ongoing commitment to more sustainable textile production.
Clay Cross – Derbyshire – August 2026 – Resolute DTF has announced that free waste ink disposal is available to every printer customer as a core component of its service package.
The offering is designed to remove the administrative, legal, and financial burden of hazardous waste compliance from print shops across the UK, regardless of the machine model they operate or the volume they produce.
Danver Ma – August 2026 – Inkcups, a leading innovator in inkjet printing technology, has announced its participation in PRINTING United 2026, where it will showcase the Helix High Throw cylindrical UV printer.
The award-winning machine will be live on the show floor, printing on stemless wine tumblers and bowls throughout the event.
Attendees will have the opportunity to see the Helix High Throw in action across a wide range of applications, including handled drinkware, wide-diameter pieces such as mini kegs, plant pots, and more.
Coalville – Leicestershire – August 2026 – Innotech, one of the UK's leading independent media suppliers, has announced a new strategic partnership with China Print Supplies UK Ltd.
The collaboration will see China Print Supplies UK Ltd showcase a curated selection of Innotech materials at The Print Show, with an exclusive promotional offer available to attendees.
Shawnee, KS – August , 2026 – Nazdar Ink Technologies today announced the appointment of Edward (Ed) Baiden as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective 8th September 2026.
The appointment marks a significant milestone for Nazdar as the company builds on its century-long legacy and charts a course for its next chapter of growth and innovation across the global printing industry.
From September 23 – 25, at PRINTING United 2026 (Las Vegas Convention Center), Kongsberg and MultiCam will showcase how connected production workflows enhance precision, productivity, and scalability across print, display, packaging and signage applications.
Bacup – Lancashire-August 2026 – Super Wide-Digital, a family-run trade digital print company based in the North West of England, has confirmed its participation in The Print Show 2026.
The company will exhibit at stand P440, positioned at the heart of Hall 1 at the NEC, marking a significant step in its ongoing commitment to connecting with trade and creative professionals across the industry
London, UK – 20 August 2026 – AVA CAD/CAM, a leading provider of design software and solutions for the textile and fashion industry, has announced its highly anticipated Top 10 to Watch 2026 list, recognising ten outstanding graduating textile designers from universities across the United Kingdom.
The announcement follows AVA's attendance at New Designers, the annual exhibition showcasing the UK's most promising creative graduates
Roland DG South Africa has announced it will launch the new TrueVis VG4-540 and VG4-640 eco-solvent print and cut devices at the FESPA Africa and Sign Africa Expo.
The event is taking place from 8-10 September 2026, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, at Gallagher Convention Centre.
Altrincham – Cheshire – August 2926 – Friedmans Ltd, a UK-based textile manufacturer and digital printing specialist, has announced the expansion of its wholesale stretch fabric and digital printing services, offering designers, brands, and businesses an accessible route to fully customised fabric solutions with low minimum order quantities and fast turnaround times.
Frankfurt, Germany – August 2026 – Heimtextil, one of the world's leading trade fairs for home and contract textiles, has announced its return to Messe Frankfurt GmbH from 12 to 15 January 2027.
The event will once again transform its iconic home base into a showcase of the finest in woven, stitched, and draped textiles, reaffirming its position as the definitive gathering point for the global textile industry.
Rooted in the philosophy that everything starts at home, Heimtextil's return to Messe Frankfurt is a celebration of origins — both for the fair itself and for the broader world of interior textiles.
Derby – Derbyshire – UK – August 2026 – Vivid Laminating Technologies Ltd is pleased to announce that EBI Creative Print (Easibind International Ltd) has acquired not one, but two Veloblade Nexus cutting systems, reinforcing its position as one of the UK's most comprehensively equipped print facilities.
The purchase was made in partnership with Soyang Europe.
Goyang-si, South Korea – August 2026 – BARBIERI electronics, a leading innovator in colour measurement solutions, is set to exhibit at K-Print Korea, where the company will demonstrate its flagship Spectro LFP qb spectrophotometer at Booth L502.
Cape Town – South Africa – August 2026 – NUtec Digital Ink has announced that its Quartz Q50-HYB UV-curable hybrid ink has been awarded GREENGUARD Gold Certification and is now listed in the UL Spot database.
The certification marks a significant milestone in the company's ongoing commitment to developing high-performance ink solutions that meet the highest standards for environmental responsibility.
Tirana, Albania – August 2026 – Kridia ArtPrinting Solutions, an Albanian print and interior décor specialist, has announced its adoption of Roland DG's Dimense textured printing technology, positioning the company as the only provider of locally produced, custom embossed wallpaper in Albania.
By integrating the Dimense DA-640, the Dimense Module, and Roland DG Connect Designer into its production workflow, Kridia has significantly improved design efficiency, creative output, and turnaround times across its interior décor projects.
Echbolsheim – France – August 2026 – Caldera has announced that its Direct-to-Film software now supports the Brother DTRX100, one of the most advanced integrated direct-to-film (DTF) production systems available on the market today.
The development extends Caldera's growing portfolio of compatible DTF devices, offering print professionals greater flexibility in their choice of production hardware.
The Brother DTRX100 is a 32-inch roll-to-roll DTF printer engineered for high-volume, continuous production environments.
Rock Hill - SC – August 17, 2026 – SDL Atlas, a global leader in textile testing instruments, has announced the launch of the Vortex Elite, the most advanced instrument in its trusted Vortex series of AATCC Monograph wash testing equipment.
Building on the proven performance of the Vortex M6 and Vortex Plus, the Vortex Elite delivers high-precision, automatic dispensing of multiple liquid components, setting a new benchmark for accuracy, repeatability, and efficiency in textile wash testing.
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 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.”
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 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.”
Printing method is never a secondary detail. It shapes the entire life cycle of a product, from concept to customer. In today’s fashion industry, where margins are tighter and speed matters more than ever, technical knowledge has become a competitive advantage.
“The future of textile design belongs to professionals who can combine creativity with execution, aesthetics with practicality, and vision with production reality”.
Are we witnessing the reinvention of Merch driven by adaptive, digital technologies?
The commercial opportunity presented by printed, personalised merchandise is already a lucrative revenue stream; it is the core driver of growth in a multi-billion-pound industry. And the mandate for print businesses is clear: automate, adapt, and offer undeniable added value, or choose to gradually lose market share.
Powderless DTF is an important area of innovation. It deserves research, investment, and thoughtful development.
“But at its current stage, it often feels like the industry is attempting to commercialize the concept ahead of the underlying chemistry and system readiness”.
All Apparel Manufacturers face an Urgent Mandate: “Automate or be Left Behind”.
Industry leaders like Super Nova Sports and Ryozo International were struggling with severe pre-press bottlenecks and unsustainable fabric waste. By integrating AI Sublimation Software into their workflows, these forward-thinking businesses eliminated manual variable data entry, boosted fabric efficiency to over 80%, and reduced delivery times by more than half, establishing a highly profitable, agile, and environmentally responsible production model.
The Future of Manufacturing belongs to those who Embrace Connected Digital Ecosystems
“Whether you produce garments, car interiors, or home furnishings, the transition from creative concept to production-ready product often remains fragmented. Design teams work tirelessly to develop compelling materials, yet technical teams struggle to interpret these visions without losing data along the way.”
The European digital wallcovering marketplace is expanding at an impressive rate.
“For print professionals and interior designers, this transition presents a distinct set of challenges. Achieving flawless colour consistency, managing complex substrates, and meeting stringent environmental standards are no longer optional extras; they are fundamental requirements for commercial success.”
London, UK – August 2026 – The Royal College of Art (RCA) has announced the launch of the fourth RCA x Design for Good Academy, an ambitious live online short course that, for the first time, will open its places to the public alongside Design for Good alliance members and RCA students.
The programme begins in October 2026 and runs until March 2027.
Las Vegas, NV – August 2026 – Sun Chemical today announced its participation in PRINTING United Expo 2026, taking place 23-25 September 2026 at the Las Vegas Convention Centre.
Visitors are invited to booth C2880, where the company will present its latest advances in digital ink, textile, industrial, and sustainability-focused printing solutions designed to help printers transform their businesses.
At the heart of Sun Chemical's presence is a commitment to helping customers improve print quality, enhance sustainability, and optimise productivity.
Peterborough – August 2026 – The addition of embroidery to Snuggle Ltd’s in-house embellishment services, united DTF, DTG, Sublimation, UV and embroidery under a single roof at its UK headquarters.
The move positioned the company as one of the most comprehensive garment decoration operations in the industry.
The decision to invest in embroidery was driven directly by customer demand.
Milan, Italy – 26 August 2026 – Viscom, the international event dedicated to technologies, applications and materials for visual communication and the graphic arts, has revealed the key themes shaping its 2026 Conference programme.
Taking place on 28 and 29 October at the Allianz MiCo Convention Center in Milan, the event will explore how technological innovation, creativity and design capabilities are converging to transform the industry.
With its new Exhibition & Conference format, Viscom is strengthening its role as a hub for visual communication in Italy.
Matthews – NC – August 2026 – Fisher Textiles has announced the launch of its Enviro-Tex® fabric line, a range of sustainable textiles crafted from post-consumer recycled PET bottles.
The new offering delivers the quality, stretch, durability, and print performance customers expect, while helping reduce environmental impact across a wide variety of applications.
Enviro-Tex® is designed to meet the growing demand for sustainable materials without compromising on graphic quality.
Dubai, UAE – August 2026 – FESPA Middle East has announced FLEX, the FESPA Leadership Exchange, a landmark gathering of the print and signage industry's most influential decision-makers.
Taking place in Dubai, UAE, on 26 November 2026, the event will bring together the leaders shaping the future of the sector to exchange ideas, share perspectives and define the opportunities ahead.
As the market continues to evolve, FLEX responds to a clear need: the most valuable conversations happen among those driving change
Birmingham UK – August 2026 - Epson will showcase its latest ColorWorks colour-on-demand label printing solutions at PPMA Show 2026, taking place from 22–24 September at the NEC Birmingham.
Visitors to Epson’s stand (A54, Hall 5) will be able to discover how businesses can transform their labelling processes through in-house, full-colour label production that delivers greater flexibility, lower costs and reduced waste.
Paris, France – August 2026 – Optitex and NedGraphics will present their integrated design and manufacturing solutions at Première Vision Paris, taking place from 1st to 3rd September 2026 at Parc des Expositions, Paris Nord Villepinte, France.
Visitors can find the companies at Booth 3L11 in Hall 3, Smart Creation Area.
The joint appearance marks a significant opportunity for textile brands and manufacturers to experience first-hand how NedGraphics and Optitex deliver a unified workflow — one that connects textile design, colour refinement, and end product development within a single, seamless process.
WILMINGTON, Del., August 2026 – – DuPont has announced that its Artistri® Digital Printing Solutions are driving the next era of industrial direct-to-film (DTF) printing, moving beyond ink innovation to tackle the process challenges that now define productivity at scale.
Porthmadog, Wales – August 2026 – Vivid Laminating Technologies Ltd has completed the installation of its Razar print finishing system at Snowdonia Design & Print, marking the first Razar installation outside of England.
The milestone represents a significant step in the growing adoption of advanced, versatile finishing technology across the UK print sector.
Described as the "swiss army knife of print finishing", the Razar system brings a suite of high-precision capabilities to the Porthmadog-based printer
Sheffield, UK – Perfect Colours has been appointed the official UK distributor for Platinum Technologies International, the manufacturer formerly known as Liyu Technologies.
Announced in May at FESPA 2026, the partnership gives UK print businesses direct access to Platinum's full range of industrial large-format systems, backed by Perfect Colours' nationwide sales, installation, training, and engineering support.
Wednesday, August 26, 2026 - Richmond, VA: Drytac, the leading international manufacturer of self-adhesive materials for the large-format print and signage markets, is delighted to announce its plans for PRINTING United Expo 2026.
As Drytac continues its 50th anniversary celebrations, visitors will have the opportunity to experience new products, award-winning solutions and live applications across the show floor, highlighting five decades of expertise in adhesive science and coated media
Wakayama, Japan – August 2026 – SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD., a leading provider of digital textile solutions, will exhibit at Première Vision Paris, held from 1st to 3rd September 2026 at Paris Nord Villepinte in France.
The company will present its latest innovations in the event's "Smart Creation" area, a space dedicated to technologies that unite sustainability and innovation.
At the heart of SHIMA SEIKI's exhibit is its approach to Digital Product Creation (DPC), a workflow designed to optimise product development while reducing environmental impact.
Emmerich am Rhein, Nordrhein-Westfalen – August 2026 – Brother Industrial EMEA has announced the launch of a new white ink formula for its entire GTX series of textile printers.
Developed in response to evolving EU requirements, the new formulation meets the latest environmental and chemical standards while preserving the print quality and performance the brand is known for.
The new white ink reflects Brother's ongoing commitment to more sustainable textile production.
Clay Cross – Derbyshire – August 2026 – Resolute DTF has announced that free waste ink disposal is available to every printer customer as a core component of its service package.
The offering is designed to remove the administrative, legal, and financial burden of hazardous waste compliance from print shops across the UK, regardless of the machine model they operate or the volume they produce.
Danver Ma – August 2026 – Inkcups, a leading innovator in inkjet printing technology, has announced its participation in PRINTING United 2026, where it will showcase the Helix High Throw cylindrical UV printer.
The award-winning machine will be live on the show floor, printing on stemless wine tumblers and bowls throughout the event.
Attendees will have the opportunity to see the Helix High Throw in action across a wide range of applications, including handled drinkware, wide-diameter pieces such as mini kegs, plant pots, and more.
Coalville – Leicestershire – August 2026 – Innotech, one of the UK's leading independent media suppliers, has announced a new strategic partnership with China Print Supplies UK Ltd.
The collaboration will see China Print Supplies UK Ltd showcase a curated selection of Innotech materials at The Print Show, with an exclusive promotional offer available to attendees.
Shawnee, KS – August , 2026 – Nazdar Ink Technologies today announced the appointment of Edward (Ed) Baiden as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective 8th September 2026.
The appointment marks a significant milestone for Nazdar as the company builds on its century-long legacy and charts a course for its next chapter of growth and innovation across the global printing industry.
From September 23 – 25, at PRINTING United 2026 (Las Vegas Convention Center), Kongsberg and MultiCam will showcase how connected production workflows enhance precision, productivity, and scalability across print, display, packaging and signage applications.
Bacup – Lancashire-August 2026 – Super Wide-Digital, a family-run trade digital print company based in the North West of England, has confirmed its participation in The Print Show 2026.
The company will exhibit at stand P440, positioned at the heart of Hall 1 at the NEC, marking a significant step in its ongoing commitment to connecting with trade and creative professionals across the industry
London, UK – 20 August 2026 – AVA CAD/CAM, a leading provider of design software and solutions for the textile and fashion industry, has announced its highly anticipated Top 10 to Watch 2026 list, recognising ten outstanding graduating textile designers from universities across the United Kingdom.
The announcement follows AVA's attendance at New Designers, the annual exhibition showcasing the UK's most promising creative graduates
Roland DG South Africa has announced it will launch the new TrueVis VG4-540 and VG4-640 eco-solvent print and cut devices at the FESPA Africa and Sign Africa Expo.
The event is taking place from 8-10 September 2026, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, at Gallagher Convention Centre.
Altrincham – Cheshire – August 2926 – Friedmans Ltd, a UK-based textile manufacturer and digital printing specialist, has announced the expansion of its wholesale stretch fabric and digital printing services, offering designers, brands, and businesses an accessible route to fully customised fabric solutions with low minimum order quantities and fast turnaround times.
Frankfurt, Germany – August 2026 – Heimtextil, one of the world's leading trade fairs for home and contract textiles, has announced its return to Messe Frankfurt GmbH from 12 to 15 January 2027.
The event will once again transform its iconic home base into a showcase of the finest in woven, stitched, and draped textiles, reaffirming its position as the definitive gathering point for the global textile industry.
Rooted in the philosophy that everything starts at home, Heimtextil's return to Messe Frankfurt is a celebration of origins — both for the fair itself and for the broader world of interior textiles.
Derby – Derbyshire – UK – August 2026 – Vivid Laminating Technologies Ltd is pleased to announce that EBI Creative Print (Easibind International Ltd) has acquired not one, but two Veloblade Nexus cutting systems, reinforcing its position as one of the UK's most comprehensively equipped print facilities.
The purchase was made in partnership with Soyang Europe.
Goyang-si, South Korea – August 2026 – BARBIERI electronics, a leading innovator in colour measurement solutions, is set to exhibit at K-Print Korea, where the company will demonstrate its flagship Spectro LFP qb spectrophotometer at Booth L502.
Cape Town – South Africa – August 2026 – NUtec Digital Ink has announced that its Quartz Q50-HYB UV-curable hybrid ink has been awarded GREENGUARD Gold Certification and is now listed in the UL Spot database.
The certification marks a significant milestone in the company's ongoing commitment to developing high-performance ink solutions that meet the highest standards for environmental responsibility.
Tirana, Albania – August 2026 – Kridia ArtPrinting Solutions, an Albanian print and interior décor specialist, has announced its adoption of Roland DG's Dimense textured printing technology, positioning the company as the only provider of locally produced, custom embossed wallpaper in Albania.
By integrating the Dimense DA-640, the Dimense Module, and Roland DG Connect Designer into its production workflow, Kridia has significantly improved design efficiency, creative output, and turnaround times across its interior décor projects.
Echbolsheim – France – August 2026 – Caldera has announced that its Direct-to-Film software now supports the Brother DTRX100, one of the most advanced integrated direct-to-film (DTF) production systems available on the market today.
The development extends Caldera's growing portfolio of compatible DTF devices, offering print professionals greater flexibility in their choice of production hardware.
The Brother DTRX100 is a 32-inch roll-to-roll DTF printer engineered for high-volume, continuous production environments.
Rock Hill - SC – August 17, 2026 – SDL Atlas, a global leader in textile testing instruments, has announced the launch of the Vortex Elite, the most advanced instrument in its trusted Vortex series of AATCC Monograph wash testing equipment.
Building on the proven performance of the Vortex M6 and Vortex Plus, the Vortex Elite delivers high-precision, automatic dispensing of multiple liquid components, setting a new benchmark for accuracy, repeatability, and efficiency in textile wash testing.
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 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.”
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 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.”
Printing method is never a secondary detail. It shapes the entire life cycle of a product, from concept to customer. In today’s fashion industry, where margins are tighter and speed matters more than ever, technical knowledge has become a competitive advantage.
“The future of textile design belongs to professionals who can combine creativity with execution, aesthetics with practicality, and vision with production reality”.
Are we witnessing the reinvention of Merch driven by adaptive, digital technologies?
The commercial opportunity presented by printed, personalised merchandise is already a lucrative revenue stream; it is the core driver of growth in a multi-billion-pound industry. And the mandate for print businesses is clear: automate, adapt, and offer undeniable added value, or choose to gradually lose market share.
Powderless DTF is an important area of innovation. It deserves research, investment, and thoughtful development.
“But at its current stage, it often feels like the industry is attempting to commercialize the concept ahead of the underlying chemistry and system readiness”.
All Apparel Manufacturers face an Urgent Mandate: “Automate or be Left Behind”.
Industry leaders like Super Nova Sports and Ryozo International were struggling with severe pre-press bottlenecks and unsustainable fabric waste. By integrating AI Sublimation Software into their workflows, these forward-thinking businesses eliminated manual variable data entry, boosted fabric efficiency to over 80%, and reduced delivery times by more than half, establishing a highly profitable, agile, and environmentally responsible production model.
The Future of Manufacturing belongs to those who Embrace Connected Digital Ecosystems
“Whether you produce garments, car interiors, or home furnishings, the transition from creative concept to production-ready product often remains fragmented. Design teams work tirelessly to develop compelling materials, yet technical teams struggle to interpret these visions without losing data along the way.”
The European digital wallcovering marketplace is expanding at an impressive rate.
“For print professionals and interior designers, this transition presents a distinct set of challenges. Achieving flawless colour consistency, managing complex substrates, and meeting stringent environmental standards are no longer optional extras; they are fundamental requirements for commercial success.”
London, UK – August 2026 – The Royal College of Art (RCA) has announced the launch of the fourth RCA x Design for Good Academy, an ambitious live online short course that, for the first time, will open its places to the public alongside Design for Good alliance members and RCA students.
The programme begins in October 2026 and runs until March 2027.
Las Vegas, NV – August 2026 – Sun Chemical today announced its participation in PRINTING United Expo 2026, taking place 23-25 September 2026 at the Las Vegas Convention Centre.
Visitors are invited to booth C2880, where the company will present its latest advances in digital ink, textile, industrial, and sustainability-focused printing solutions designed to help printers transform their businesses.
At the heart of Sun Chemical's presence is a commitment to helping customers improve print quality, enhance sustainability, and optimise productivity.
Peterborough – August 2026 – The addition of embroidery to Snuggle Ltd’s in-house embellishment services, united DTF, DTG, Sublimation, UV and embroidery under a single roof at its UK headquarters.
The move positioned the company as one of the most comprehensive garment decoration operations in the industry.
The decision to invest in embroidery was driven directly by customer demand.
Milan, Italy – 26 August 2026 – Viscom, the international event dedicated to technologies, applications and materials for visual communication and the graphic arts, has revealed the key themes shaping its 2026 Conference programme.
Taking place on 28 and 29 October at the Allianz MiCo Convention Center in Milan, the event will explore how technological innovation, creativity and design capabilities are converging to transform the industry.
With its new Exhibition & Conference format, Viscom is strengthening its role as a hub for visual communication in Italy.
Matthews – NC – August 2026 – Fisher Textiles has announced the launch of its Enviro-Tex® fabric line, a range of sustainable textiles crafted from post-consumer recycled PET bottles.
The new offering delivers the quality, stretch, durability, and print performance customers expect, while helping reduce environmental impact across a wide variety of applications.
Enviro-Tex® is designed to meet the growing demand for sustainable materials without compromising on graphic quality.
Dubai, UAE – August 2026 – FESPA Middle East has announced FLEX, the FESPA Leadership Exchange, a landmark gathering of the print and signage industry's most influential decision-makers.
Taking place in Dubai, UAE, on 26 November 2026, the event will bring together the leaders shaping the future of the sector to exchange ideas, share perspectives and define the opportunities ahead.
As the market continues to evolve, FLEX responds to a clear need: the most valuable conversations happen among those driving change
Birmingham UK – August 2026 - Epson will showcase its latest ColorWorks colour-on-demand label printing solutions at PPMA Show 2026, taking place from 22–24 September at the NEC Birmingham.
Visitors to Epson’s stand (A54, Hall 5) will be able to discover how businesses can transform their labelling processes through in-house, full-colour label production that delivers greater flexibility, lower costs and reduced waste.
Paris, France – August 2026 – Optitex and NedGraphics will present their integrated design and manufacturing solutions at Première Vision Paris, taking place from 1st to 3rd September 2026 at Parc des Expositions, Paris Nord Villepinte, France.
Visitors can find the companies at Booth 3L11 in Hall 3, Smart Creation Area.
The joint appearance marks a significant opportunity for textile brands and manufacturers to experience first-hand how NedGraphics and Optitex deliver a unified workflow — one that connects textile design, colour refinement, and end product development within a single, seamless process.
WILMINGTON, Del., August 2026 – – DuPont has announced that its Artistri® Digital Printing Solutions are driving the next era of industrial direct-to-film (DTF) printing, moving beyond ink innovation to tackle the process challenges that now define productivity at scale.
Porthmadog, Wales – August 2026 – Vivid Laminating Technologies Ltd has completed the installation of its Razar print finishing system at Snowdonia Design & Print, marking the first Razar installation outside of England.
The milestone represents a significant step in the growing adoption of advanced, versatile finishing technology across the UK print sector.
Described as the "swiss army knife of print finishing", the Razar system brings a suite of high-precision capabilities to the Porthmadog-based printer
Sheffield, UK – Perfect Colours has been appointed the official UK distributor for Platinum Technologies International, the manufacturer formerly known as Liyu Technologies.
Announced in May at FESPA 2026, the partnership gives UK print businesses direct access to Platinum's full range of industrial large-format systems, backed by Perfect Colours' nationwide sales, installation, training, and engineering support.
Wednesday, August 26, 2026 - Richmond, VA: Drytac, the leading international manufacturer of self-adhesive materials for the large-format print and signage markets, is delighted to announce its plans for PRINTING United Expo 2026.
As Drytac continues its 50th anniversary celebrations, visitors will have the opportunity to experience new products, award-winning solutions and live applications across the show floor, highlighting five decades of expertise in adhesive science and coated media
Wakayama, Japan – August 2026 – SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD., a leading provider of digital textile solutions, will exhibit at Première Vision Paris, held from 1st to 3rd September 2026 at Paris Nord Villepinte in France.
The company will present its latest innovations in the event's "Smart Creation" area, a space dedicated to technologies that unite sustainability and innovation.
At the heart of SHIMA SEIKI's exhibit is its approach to Digital Product Creation (DPC), a workflow designed to optimise product development while reducing environmental impact.
Emmerich am Rhein, Nordrhein-Westfalen – August 2026 – Brother Industrial EMEA has announced the launch of a new white ink formula for its entire GTX series of textile printers.
Developed in response to evolving EU requirements, the new formulation meets the latest environmental and chemical standards while preserving the print quality and performance the brand is known for.
The new white ink reflects Brother's ongoing commitment to more sustainable textile production.
Clay Cross – Derbyshire – August 2026 – Resolute DTF has announced that free waste ink disposal is available to every printer customer as a core component of its service package.
The offering is designed to remove the administrative, legal, and financial burden of hazardous waste compliance from print shops across the UK, regardless of the machine model they operate or the volume they produce.
Danver Ma – August 2026 – Inkcups, a leading innovator in inkjet printing technology, has announced its participation in PRINTING United 2026, where it will showcase the Helix High Throw cylindrical UV printer.
The award-winning machine will be live on the show floor, printing on stemless wine tumblers and bowls throughout the event.
Attendees will have the opportunity to see the Helix High Throw in action across a wide range of applications, including handled drinkware, wide-diameter pieces such as mini kegs, plant pots, and more.
Coalville – Leicestershire – August 2026 – Innotech, one of the UK's leading independent media suppliers, has announced a new strategic partnership with China Print Supplies UK Ltd.
The collaboration will see China Print Supplies UK Ltd showcase a curated selection of Innotech materials at The Print Show, with an exclusive promotional offer available to attendees.
Shawnee, KS – August , 2026 – Nazdar Ink Technologies today announced the appointment of Edward (Ed) Baiden as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective 8th September 2026.
The appointment marks a significant milestone for Nazdar as the company builds on its century-long legacy and charts a course for its next chapter of growth and innovation across the global printing industry.
From September 23 – 25, at PRINTING United 2026 (Las Vegas Convention Center), Kongsberg and MultiCam will showcase how connected production workflows enhance precision, productivity, and scalability across print, display, packaging and signage applications.
Bacup – Lancashire-August 2026 – Super Wide-Digital, a family-run trade digital print company based in the North West of England, has confirmed its participation in The Print Show 2026.
The company will exhibit at stand P440, positioned at the heart of Hall 1 at the NEC, marking a significant step in its ongoing commitment to connecting with trade and creative professionals across the industry
London, UK – 20 August 2026 – AVA CAD/CAM, a leading provider of design software and solutions for the textile and fashion industry, has announced its highly anticipated Top 10 to Watch 2026 list, recognising ten outstanding graduating textile designers from universities across the United Kingdom.
The announcement follows AVA's attendance at New Designers, the annual exhibition showcasing the UK's most promising creative graduates
Roland DG South Africa has announced it will launch the new TrueVis VG4-540 and VG4-640 eco-solvent print and cut devices at the FESPA Africa and Sign Africa Expo.
The event is taking place from 8-10 September 2026, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, at Gallagher Convention Centre.
Altrincham – Cheshire – August 2926 – Friedmans Ltd, a UK-based textile manufacturer and digital printing specialist, has announced the expansion of its wholesale stretch fabric and digital printing services, offering designers, brands, and businesses an accessible route to fully customised fabric solutions with low minimum order quantities and fast turnaround times.
Frankfurt, Germany – August 2026 – Heimtextil, one of the world's leading trade fairs for home and contract textiles, has announced its return to Messe Frankfurt GmbH from 12 to 15 January 2027.
The event will once again transform its iconic home base into a showcase of the finest in woven, stitched, and draped textiles, reaffirming its position as the definitive gathering point for the global textile industry.
Rooted in the philosophy that everything starts at home, Heimtextil's return to Messe Frankfurt is a celebration of origins — both for the fair itself and for the broader world of interior textiles.
Derby – Derbyshire – UK – August 2026 – Vivid Laminating Technologies Ltd is pleased to announce that EBI Creative Print (Easibind International Ltd) has acquired not one, but two Veloblade Nexus cutting systems, reinforcing its position as one of the UK's most comprehensively equipped print facilities.
The purchase was made in partnership with Soyang Europe.
Goyang-si, South Korea – August 2026 – BARBIERI electronics, a leading innovator in colour measurement solutions, is set to exhibit at K-Print Korea, where the company will demonstrate its flagship Spectro LFP qb spectrophotometer at Booth L502.
Cape Town – South Africa – August 2026 – NUtec Digital Ink has announced that its Quartz Q50-HYB UV-curable hybrid ink has been awarded GREENGUARD Gold Certification and is now listed in the UL Spot database.
The certification marks a significant milestone in the company's ongoing commitment to developing high-performance ink solutions that meet the highest standards for environmental responsibility.
Tirana, Albania – August 2026 – Kridia ArtPrinting Solutions, an Albanian print and interior décor specialist, has announced its adoption of Roland DG's Dimense textured printing technology, positioning the company as the only provider of locally produced, custom embossed wallpaper in Albania.
By integrating the Dimense DA-640, the Dimense Module, and Roland DG Connect Designer into its production workflow, Kridia has significantly improved design efficiency, creative output, and turnaround times across its interior décor projects.
Echbolsheim – France – August 2026 – Caldera has announced that its Direct-to-Film software now supports the Brother DTRX100, one of the most advanced integrated direct-to-film (DTF) production systems available on the market today.
The development extends Caldera's growing portfolio of compatible DTF devices, offering print professionals greater flexibility in their choice of production hardware.
The Brother DTRX100 is a 32-inch roll-to-roll DTF printer engineered for high-volume, continuous production environments.
Rock Hill - SC – August 17, 2026 – SDL Atlas, a global leader in textile testing instruments, has announced the launch of the Vortex Elite, the most advanced instrument in its trusted Vortex series of AATCC Monograph wash testing equipment.
Building on the proven performance of the Vortex M6 and Vortex Plus, the Vortex Elite delivers high-precision, automatic dispensing of multiple liquid components, setting a new benchmark for accuracy, repeatability, and efficiency in textile wash testing.
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 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.”
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 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.”
Printing method is never a secondary detail. It shapes the entire life cycle of a product, from concept to customer. In today’s fashion industry, where margins are tighter and speed matters more than ever, technical knowledge has become a competitive advantage.
“The future of textile design belongs to professionals who can combine creativity with execution, aesthetics with practicality, and vision with production reality”.
Are we witnessing the reinvention of Merch driven by adaptive, digital technologies?
The commercial opportunity presented by printed, personalised merchandise is already a lucrative revenue stream; it is the core driver of growth in a multi-billion-pound industry. And the mandate for print businesses is clear: automate, adapt, and offer undeniable added value, or choose to gradually lose market share.
Powderless DTF is an important area of innovation. It deserves research, investment, and thoughtful development.
“But at its current stage, it often feels like the industry is attempting to commercialize the concept ahead of the underlying chemistry and system readiness”.
All Apparel Manufacturers face an Urgent Mandate: “Automate or be Left Behind”.
Industry leaders like Super Nova Sports and Ryozo International were struggling with severe pre-press bottlenecks and unsustainable fabric waste. By integrating AI Sublimation Software into their workflows, these forward-thinking businesses eliminated manual variable data entry, boosted fabric efficiency to over 80%, and reduced delivery times by more than half, establishing a highly profitable, agile, and environmentally responsible production model.
The Future of Manufacturing belongs to those who Embrace Connected Digital Ecosystems
“Whether you produce garments, car interiors, or home furnishings, the transition from creative concept to production-ready product often remains fragmented. Design teams work tirelessly to develop compelling materials, yet technical teams struggle to interpret these visions without losing data along the way.”
The European digital wallcovering marketplace is expanding at an impressive rate.
“For print professionals and interior designers, this transition presents a distinct set of challenges. Achieving flawless colour consistency, managing complex substrates, and meeting stringent environmental standards are no longer optional extras; they are fundamental requirements for commercial success.”
London, UK – August 2026 – The Royal College of Art (RCA) has announced the launch of the fourth RCA x Design for Good Academy, an ambitious live online short course that, for the first time, will open its places to the public alongside Design for Good alliance members and RCA students.
The programme begins in October 2026 and runs until March 2027.
Las Vegas, NV – August 2026 – Sun Chemical today announced its participation in PRINTING United Expo 2026, taking place 23-25 September 2026 at the Las Vegas Convention Centre.
Visitors are invited to booth C2880, where the company will present its latest advances in digital ink, textile, industrial, and sustainability-focused printing solutions designed to help printers transform their businesses.
At the heart of Sun Chemical's presence is a commitment to helping customers improve print quality, enhance sustainability, and optimise productivity.
Peterborough – August 2026 – The addition of embroidery to Snuggle Ltd’s in-house embellishment services, united DTF, DTG, Sublimation, UV and embroidery under a single roof at its UK headquarters.
The move positioned the company as one of the most comprehensive garment decoration operations in the industry.
The decision to invest in embroidery was driven directly by customer demand.
Milan, Italy – 26 August 2026 – Viscom, the international event dedicated to technologies, applications and materials for visual communication and the graphic arts, has revealed the key themes shaping its 2026 Conference programme.
Taking place on 28 and 29 October at the Allianz MiCo Convention Center in Milan, the event will explore how technological innovation, creativity and design capabilities are converging to transform the industry.
With its new Exhibition & Conference format, Viscom is strengthening its role as a hub for visual communication in Italy.
Matthews – NC – August 2026 – Fisher Textiles has announced the launch of its Enviro-Tex® fabric line, a range of sustainable textiles crafted from post-consumer recycled PET bottles.
The new offering delivers the quality, stretch, durability, and print performance customers expect, while helping reduce environmental impact across a wide variety of applications.
Enviro-Tex® is designed to meet the growing demand for sustainable materials without compromising on graphic quality.
Dubai, UAE – August 2026 – FESPA Middle East has announced FLEX, the FESPA Leadership Exchange, a landmark gathering of the print and signage industry's most influential decision-makers.
Taking place in Dubai, UAE, on 26 November 2026, the event will bring together the leaders shaping the future of the sector to exchange ideas, share perspectives and define the opportunities ahead.
As the market continues to evolve, FLEX responds to a clear need: the most valuable conversations happen among those driving change
Birmingham UK – August 2026 - Epson will showcase its latest ColorWorks colour-on-demand label printing solutions at PPMA Show 2026, taking place from 22–24 September at the NEC Birmingham.
Visitors to Epson’s stand (A54, Hall 5) will be able to discover how businesses can transform their labelling processes through in-house, full-colour label production that delivers greater flexibility, lower costs and reduced waste.
Paris, France – August 2026 – Optitex and NedGraphics will present their integrated design and manufacturing solutions at Première Vision Paris, taking place from 1st to 3rd September 2026 at Parc des Expositions, Paris Nord Villepinte, France.
Visitors can find the companies at Booth 3L11 in Hall 3, Smart Creation Area.
The joint appearance marks a significant opportunity for textile brands and manufacturers to experience first-hand how NedGraphics and Optitex deliver a unified workflow — one that connects textile design, colour refinement, and end product development within a single, seamless process.
WILMINGTON, Del., August 2026 – – DuPont has announced that its Artistri® Digital Printing Solutions are driving the next era of industrial direct-to-film (DTF) printing, moving beyond ink innovation to tackle the process challenges that now define productivity at scale.
Porthmadog, Wales – August 2026 – Vivid Laminating Technologies Ltd has completed the installation of its Razar print finishing system at Snowdonia Design & Print, marking the first Razar installation outside of England.
The milestone represents a significant step in the growing adoption of advanced, versatile finishing technology across the UK print sector.
Described as the "swiss army knife of print finishing", the Razar system brings a suite of high-precision capabilities to the Porthmadog-based printer
Sheffield, UK – Perfect Colours has been appointed the official UK distributor for Platinum Technologies International, the manufacturer formerly known as Liyu Technologies.
Announced in May at FESPA 2026, the partnership gives UK print businesses direct access to Platinum's full range of industrial large-format systems, backed by Perfect Colours' nationwide sales, installation, training, and engineering support.
Wednesday, August 26, 2026 - Richmond, VA: Drytac, the leading international manufacturer of self-adhesive materials for the large-format print and signage markets, is delighted to announce its plans for PRINTING United Expo 2026.
As Drytac continues its 50th anniversary celebrations, visitors will have the opportunity to experience new products, award-winning solutions and live applications across the show floor, highlighting five decades of expertise in adhesive science and coated media
Wakayama, Japan – August 2026 – SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD., a leading provider of digital textile solutions, will exhibit at Première Vision Paris, held from 1st to 3rd September 2026 at Paris Nord Villepinte in France.
The company will present its latest innovations in the event's "Smart Creation" area, a space dedicated to technologies that unite sustainability and innovation.
At the heart of SHIMA SEIKI's exhibit is its approach to Digital Product Creation (DPC), a workflow designed to optimise product development while reducing environmental impact.
Emmerich am Rhein, Nordrhein-Westfalen – August 2026 – Brother Industrial EMEA has announced the launch of a new white ink formula for its entire GTX series of textile printers.
Developed in response to evolving EU requirements, the new formulation meets the latest environmental and chemical standards while preserving the print quality and performance the brand is known for.
The new white ink reflects Brother's ongoing commitment to more sustainable textile production.
Clay Cross – Derbyshire – August 2026 – Resolute DTF has announced that free waste ink disposal is available to every printer customer as a core component of its service package.
The offering is designed to remove the administrative, legal, and financial burden of hazardous waste compliance from print shops across the UK, regardless of the machine model they operate or the volume they produce.
Danver Ma – August 2026 – Inkcups, a leading innovator in inkjet printing technology, has announced its participation in PRINTING United 2026, where it will showcase the Helix High Throw cylindrical UV printer.
The award-winning machine will be live on the show floor, printing on stemless wine tumblers and bowls throughout the event.
Attendees will have the opportunity to see the Helix High Throw in action across a wide range of applications, including handled drinkware, wide-diameter pieces such as mini kegs, plant pots, and more.
Coalville – Leicestershire – August 2026 – Innotech, one of the UK's leading independent media suppliers, has announced a new strategic partnership with China Print Supplies UK Ltd.
The collaboration will see China Print Supplies UK Ltd showcase a curated selection of Innotech materials at The Print Show, with an exclusive promotional offer available to attendees.
Shawnee, KS – August , 2026 – Nazdar Ink Technologies today announced the appointment of Edward (Ed) Baiden as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective 8th September 2026.
The appointment marks a significant milestone for Nazdar as the company builds on its century-long legacy and charts a course for its next chapter of growth and innovation across the global printing industry.
From September 23 – 25, at PRINTING United 2026 (Las Vegas Convention Center), Kongsberg and MultiCam will showcase how connected production workflows enhance precision, productivity, and scalability across print, display, packaging and signage applications.
Bacup – Lancashire-August 2026 – Super Wide-Digital, a family-run trade digital print company based in the North West of England, has confirmed its participation in The Print Show 2026.
The company will exhibit at stand P440, positioned at the heart of Hall 1 at the NEC, marking a significant step in its ongoing commitment to connecting with trade and creative professionals across the industry
London, UK – 20 August 2026 – AVA CAD/CAM, a leading provider of design software and solutions for the textile and fashion industry, has announced its highly anticipated Top 10 to Watch 2026 list, recognising ten outstanding graduating textile designers from universities across the United Kingdom.
The announcement follows AVA's attendance at New Designers, the annual exhibition showcasing the UK's most promising creative graduates
Roland DG South Africa has announced it will launch the new TrueVis VG4-540 and VG4-640 eco-solvent print and cut devices at the FESPA Africa and Sign Africa Expo.
The event is taking place from 8-10 September 2026, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, at Gallagher Convention Centre.
Altrincham – Cheshire – August 2926 – Friedmans Ltd, a UK-based textile manufacturer and digital printing specialist, has announced the expansion of its wholesale stretch fabric and digital printing services, offering designers, brands, and businesses an accessible route to fully customised fabric solutions with low minimum order quantities and fast turnaround times.
Frankfurt, Germany – August 2026 – Heimtextil, one of the world's leading trade fairs for home and contract textiles, has announced its return to Messe Frankfurt GmbH from 12 to 15 January 2027.
The event will once again transform its iconic home base into a showcase of the finest in woven, stitched, and draped textiles, reaffirming its position as the definitive gathering point for the global textile industry.
Rooted in the philosophy that everything starts at home, Heimtextil's return to Messe Frankfurt is a celebration of origins — both for the fair itself and for the broader world of interior textiles.
Derby – Derbyshire – UK – August 2026 – Vivid Laminating Technologies Ltd is pleased to announce that EBI Creative Print (Easibind International Ltd) has acquired not one, but two Veloblade Nexus cutting systems, reinforcing its position as one of the UK's most comprehensively equipped print facilities.
The purchase was made in partnership with Soyang Europe.
Goyang-si, South Korea – August 2026 – BARBIERI electronics, a leading innovator in colour measurement solutions, is set to exhibit at K-Print Korea, where the company will demonstrate its flagship Spectro LFP qb spectrophotometer at Booth L502.
Cape Town – South Africa – August 2026 – NUtec Digital Ink has announced that its Quartz Q50-HYB UV-curable hybrid ink has been awarded GREENGUARD Gold Certification and is now listed in the UL Spot database.
The certification marks a significant milestone in the company's ongoing commitment to developing high-performance ink solutions that meet the highest standards for environmental responsibility.
Tirana, Albania – August 2026 – Kridia ArtPrinting Solutions, an Albanian print and interior décor specialist, has announced its adoption of Roland DG's Dimense textured printing technology, positioning the company as the only provider of locally produced, custom embossed wallpaper in Albania.
By integrating the Dimense DA-640, the Dimense Module, and Roland DG Connect Designer into its production workflow, Kridia has significantly improved design efficiency, creative output, and turnaround times across its interior décor projects.
Echbolsheim – France – August 2026 – Caldera has announced that its Direct-to-Film software now supports the Brother DTRX100, one of the most advanced integrated direct-to-film (DTF) production systems available on the market today.
The development extends Caldera's growing portfolio of compatible DTF devices, offering print professionals greater flexibility in their choice of production hardware.
The Brother DTRX100 is a 32-inch roll-to-roll DTF printer engineered for high-volume, continuous production environments.
Rock Hill - SC – August 17, 2026 – SDL Atlas, a global leader in textile testing instruments, has announced the launch of the Vortex Elite, the most advanced instrument in its trusted Vortex series of AATCC Monograph wash testing equipment.
Building on the proven performance of the Vortex M6 and Vortex Plus, the Vortex Elite delivers high-precision, automatic dispensing of multiple liquid components, setting a new benchmark for accuracy, repeatability, and efficiency in textile wash testing.