Petit Bateau Accelerates Production With Epson Monna Lisa Digital Textile Printing
Image By Courtesy of Epson
Revolutionising Knitwear Production with Sustainable, High-Quality Digital Printing
Troyes, France – August 2024 – Petit Bateau, one of the world's most beloved knitwear brands for children, is proud to announce a groundbreaking transformation in its production process.
By integrating the Epson® Monna Lisa® digital textile printer, Petit Bateau has significantly reduced production times from 10 weeks to just 10 days.
This strategic shift underscores the brand’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and responsiveness in the rapidly evolving textile market.
A Legacy of Innovation Since 1893
Petit Bateau has always been synonymous with high-quality, timeless children's clothing.
Known for inventing cotton underwear in 1918, the brand continues to set industry standards by listening to customer needs and adhering to exacting product specifications.
The adoption of the Epson Monna Lisa printer is the latest embodiment of this enduring innovation.
Bringing Production In-House For Complete Value Chain Control
Traditionally, Petit Bateau outsourced its printing process, while dyeing, knitting, cutting, and finishing were handled in-house.
The COVID-19 pandemic prompted the company to reassess its operations, leading to the decision to bring printing in-house.
This move aligns with Petit Bateau’s core values of sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR).
“After navigating the COVID crisis, we decided to refocus on our DNA that reflects sustainability, respect for the planet, and our mission of connecting children to nature,” said Jean-Marc Guillemet, Director of Operations at Petit Bateau. “Going digital with Epson was a natural choice to meet these goals.”
Uncompromising Quality and Enhanced CSR with Epson Monna Lisa
Petit Bateau’s decision to adopt the Epson Monna Lisa printer was driven by three key objectives:
1. Print Pattern Quality – The Monna Lisa’s eight-color ink system (CMYK, Gray, Orange, Green, Red) delivers exceptional quality, even after 25 washes.
2. Enhanced CSR – Digital textile printing with pigment ink reduces water usage by up to 96% compared to traditional dye-based methods[1].
3. Improved Responsiveness – The new digital process allows Petit Bateau to quickly adapt to market demands, reducing production time from 10 weeks to 10 days.
“In response to these imperatives, Epson has ticked off all the boxes better than other brands on the market. Their support extends beyond the printer itself, encompassing design, maintenance, and long-term sustainability,” added Mr. Guillemet.
Digital Printing as a Growth Enabler
The Monna Lisa’s capabilities go beyond quality and sustainability.
The digital process allows Petit Bateau to adopt an on-demand printing model, which minimizes unsold inventory and reduces financial risk.
This model not only improves profitability but also aligns with the company’s environmental goals.
A Strategic Project Rooted in CSR
“The integration of the Epson Monna Lisa enables our teams to rally around a pioneering project that reinforces our values,” said Mr. Guillemet. “This innovative tool supports a more considered approach to manufacturing and motivates our teams by transforming tasks in meaningful ways.”
A New Era of Production
The adoption of the Epson Monna Lisa is more than just an investment; it represents a profound shift in Petit Bateau’s production model.
Supported by the “France Relance” recovery plan, this ambitious project positions Petit Bateau at the forefront of the global textile industry, leveraging digital technology to rethink its business model.
For more information on Petit Bateau’s innovative approach to sustainable production, visit [Petit Bateau’s Website].
About Petit Bateau
Founded in 1893, Petit Bateau is a French manufacturer renowned for its high-quality children's clothing.
With a legacy of innovation and a commitment to sustainability, Petit Bateau continues to set industry standards in knitwear production.
About Epson
Epson is a global technology leader dedicated to connecting people, things, and information with its original efficient, compact, and precise technologies.
The company is focused on driving innovations and exceeding customer expectations in inkjet printing, visual communications, wearables, and robotics.
