Football shirt launches tend to follow a familiar formula: a dramatic video, a few close-up shots of the fabric, players walking through tunnels looking serious.
So, when Crewe Alexandra F.C. began planning the reveal of its new2026 – 2027 home kit, the club wanted to do something with a bit more personality.
Working with official printer partner and Mimaki distributor, Hybrid Services,the idea quickly turned into something far more unusual – creating a miniature version of club captain Mickey Demetriou using high-fidelity 3D scanning and full colour 3D printing technology.
The concept came from Crewe Alexandra’s Head of Commercial, James Beckett, who was keen to involve Hybrid in the launch in a way that felt authentic to the partnership between the two organisations.
“We’re constantly amazed at the capabilities of the various Mimaki technologies, and ever since we first saw the full colour 3D printer in action, we had an idea to somehow include it in a big production for the club,” he commented.
Demetriou was scanned at the club using an Artec Leo 3D Scanner from Europac 3D, first in the outgoing shirt and then again in the new home kit.
The process itself drew plenty of interest from players and staff, with the handheld scanner capturing everything from the texture of the shirt to fine facial detail and the intricate branding elements of the new Puma kit in a matter of minutes.
Once the scan data had been processed and colour balanced by the Europac 3D team, the files were sent to Hybrid for production on the Mimaki 3DUJ-2207 3D printer at the company’s headquarters, located just a short walk from the football club’s stadium.
3D Print in 10 million colours
Unlike conventional 3D printers that produce single-colour parts, the Mimaki system can reproduce more than 10 million colours, allowing realistic skin tones, subtle gradients and fine details to be recreated directly within the print itself.
The finished result was a 20cm tall model of the Alex’s captain that looked uncannily lifelike – particularly once placed alongside the real Mickey during filming.
That contrast became the centrepiece of the club’s launch video, which followed the journey from scanning through to the finished print before revealing both player and model together on the pitch at the Mornflake Stadium.
The finished film quickly gained traction online, generating nearly 40,000 Instagram views and plenty of comments from supporters enjoying the “mini Mickey” reveal.
For Demetriou and his family, the project also left something a little more permanent behind.
Alongside the main print used in filming, Hybrid produced smaller commemorative models for his children. His wife, Aimee, later posted on social media that their “new pocket-sized Daddy” had been inseparable from their boys all week.
New creative opportunities from 3D Printing
Beyond the football angle, the project offered a strong example of how 3D scanning and full colour additive manufacturing are starting to move into wider marketing and promotional campaigns.
Whether for sport, entertainment, retail or live events, the ability to create accurate, personalised models opens up creative opportunities that simply did not exist a few years ago.
In Crewe Alexandra’s case, the project turned a standard kit launch into something supporters continued to talk about afterwards – and long queues formed at the club shop the following morning, as loyal fans eagerly waited to purchase their new season’s shirts.
“Kit launches are always popular with our fans on social media, but this one has done incredibly well,” Beckett concluded. “No pun intended but the 3D print from the Mimaki added another dimension to it, making it all the more intriguing and memorable.”
About Hybrid Services
Hybrid ServicesLtd is the exclusive UK & Ireland distributors for Mimaki’s award winning range of wide format solvent, LED UV curing, textile, 3D and aqueous inkjet printers, flatbed and pinch roll cutting plotters, suite of software solutions and genuine Mimaki consumables..
With almost 30 years in the industry and our exclusive Mimaki partnership, we offer unmatched expertise and innovation.
At Hybrid we believe embracing effective technologies is the key to long term success. Our business philosophy is based upon helping our clients combine their creative talents with innovative printing, cutting and software technologies & techniques.
Hybrid is the exclusive appointed UK & Ireland distributor for Mimaki Engineering; an outdoor durable, eco solvent, uv, latex, textile and 3D printer, cutter and hardware manufacturer of outstanding quality, matched by Hybrid's commitment to customer service and support.
Rebés's story isn't one of nostalgia - It's a working blueprint for how heritage manufacturers can stay indispensable in a market that rewards speed, certification, and specificity in equal measure. Four million metres of stock mean nothing without the digital printing capability to turn it into something distinctive.
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Image Credit: Tejidos Rebé
What if the next dress you wore never touched the factory floor?
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Her advice to designers and brands alike is refreshingly practical: start small, get hands-on with an accessible 3D printer, and build fluency before the technology becomes table stakes. The businesses that treat this moment with curiosity, rather than scepticism, will be the ones shaping fashion's next decade rather than reacting to it.
The 2027 FESPA Awards are now open for entry, and the message to businesses across textiles, apparel, interiors and beyond is simple: your work deserves recognition. Every gold winner featured here started in the same place every entrant does - with a project they believed was worth submitting.
As the only independent awards programme with 18 categories dedicated to print and signage, FESPA offers a genuinely global stage, with shortlisted entries displayed at FESPA Global Print Expo in Spring 2027.
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Print will always be the part of the garment people see first.
But the sum of all parts — the fabric, the trims, the fasteners, the finish — is what determines whether a design actually delivers on its promise. Brands that continue to treat colour as a single creative decision, rather than a coordinated technical discipline spanning their entire supply chain, will keep paying for it in re-dips, delays, and disappointed design teams.
A Century of Textiles, and an Ever-changing World
Few companies can trace their roots back more than a century and still count themselves among their industry's innovators. Texia, headquartered in Monistrol de Montserrat, Spain, is one of them.
But the story of Texia is not simply one of longevity.
It is a story of continual reinvention. As the textile industry has grown more global and competitive, Texia has repeatedly reshaped its business, investing in technology, developing its own brands, and placing sustainability at the centre of its mission. In doing so, it offers a compelling example of how a heritage manufacturer can lead rather than follow through a period of profound industry change. Image Credit: Texia
What are we craving Ultimately?
The instinct to slow down while simultaneously optimising every measurable aspect of life isn't a passing curiosity. It's a structural response to a world that feels increasingly unstable, and it's reshaping what people expect from their homes, hotels, workplaces and healthcare environments alike.
For the design and manufacturing sectors, this means rethinking both product and process.
The Structual Shift is Real and its Already Here
Volumes are moving east, where digital production is accelerating rapidly. Consumer behaviour has shifted.
Demand is now driven by personalisation, shorter buying cycles, and an expectation of near-instant responsiveness. Regulatory pressure is intensifying, with supply chain transparency now a legal and commercial fact in many markets. And margins? They are under sustained, structural pressure.
This is not a temporary disruption. It is a fundamental reordering of how textile manufacturing must operate.
The Challenge: Standing Firm as the Industry Shifts
The wallpaper landscape has changed dramatically. Digital printing has lowered the barrier to entry, spawning countless direct-to-consumer brands and pushing much of the market towards faster, cheaper production.
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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?
Goor – Netherlands – October 2026 – ColGraphix, a company at the forefront of innovation in the transfer paper industry, today announced the appointment of Gijsbert Harmsen as its new Senior Account Manager.
Harmsen brings with him a wealth of industry expertise and an extensive professional network, strengthening ColGraphix's position as it continues to lead the market into a more sustainable and efficient future.
October 2026 – Epson has today featured the availability of the SureColor G9000, the first high-production, roll-to-roll Direct-To-Film (DTFilm) printer in its line-up.
Designed for commercial garment decorators and textile producers, the new printer addresses the industry's growing demand for greater speed, reliability and reduced hands-on maintenance, whatever the production environment.
The SureColor G9000 is built around a complete Epson ecosystem, combining Epson inks, printheads and software with Epson EdgePrint or Fiery Digital Factory RIPs
Frankfurt am Main, 14th October 2026 – With the new premium segment Carpets & Rugs Excellence, the Comfort & Connect area and the Heimtextil Trends 27/28, Heimtextil 2027 is sharpening its offering for a market under pressure.
Running from 12 to 15 January 2027, the leading trade fair for home and contract textiles and textile design will showcase innovations across the entire value chain, from fibres and yarns to designs by international studios, finished collections and complete interior solutions.
Milan, Italy – October 2026 – BARBIERI Electronics, a leading innovator in colour measurement technology, today announced its participation in VISCOM Italia 2026, taking place at Allianz MiCo in Milan on 28–29 October 2026.
The company will exhibit at Booth A14 alongside its Italian distributor, Tecnologie Grafiche, presenting its latest spectrophotometer solutions to the digital printing industry.
Altham – Lancashire – October 2026 – Soyang Europe has announced the appointment of Glen Nunkoo as its new Business Development Manager.
Glen joins the team with over 20 years of industry experience across both hardware and media, and will be responsible for managing customer relationships across the Midlands and North West regions.
Glen's appointment reflects Soyang's ongoing commitment to strengthening its customer relationships and delivering a consistently high standard of service as the business continues to grow.
Clay Cross- UK – October 2026– Resolute DTF today features their R-JET PRO DTF™ UV61-3Di, a UV DTF printer engineered to elevate promotional products with striking three-dimensional effects.
Using advanced tilt print head technology, the new machine produces stunning TPU and Crystal Patch embossed finishes on a wide range of everyday items, offering businesses a new way to differentiate their products in an increasingly competitive market.
SOUTH NORMANTON, UK – October 2026 – Sun Chemical today featured Cinquasia® Magenta D 4200 J, a state-of-the-art Quinacridone pigment engineered specifically for digital ink formulations.
The new pigment delivers vibrant yellowish magenta shades alongside outstanding colour performance, reinforcing Sun Chemical's position at the forefront of pigment innovation for the printing industry.
Ratingen, Germany – October 2026 – Gonzo Design, a full-service advertising specialist covering textile printing, digital printing, signage and vehicle lettering, has invested in Fujifilm's Acuity Triton large-format UV inkjet printer featuring Aquafuze ink technology.
The move marks a significant step in the company's drive to raise print quality, broaden application versatility and improve air quality within its production facility.
Reading – UK – October 2026– Roland DG Europe today highlights the DGXpress ER-641, a dedicated print-only solution designed to help print businesses deliver professional-grade graphics without stretching their budgets.
The new device addresses a growing need in the industry: balancing high-quality output with manageable production costs and everyday workflow demands.
As print businesses look to scale, every investment must work harder to justify its place in day-to-day operations.
The ER-641 has been engineered with this challenge in mind, offering a focused, print-only solution that keeps both initial investment and ongoing running costs firmly in check.
Tokyo – Japan – October 2026 – Klieverik has announced the successful delivery and installation of another GTC131-2000SP FL calendering line, which has safely arrived at its new home with a customer in Japan.
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Leicester, UK – October 2026 – VeriVide Limited, a leading provider of colour assessment solutions, has confirmed its attendance at the Society of Dyers and Colourists (SDC) Coloration & Finishing Conference 2026, taking place in Bradford on the 15th October.
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Ottawa, Ontario – October 2026 – Corel today announced it will host a live webinar exploring how organisations can unify branding, signage, print and digital work into a single, flexible creative workflow.
The session takes place tomorrow, October 14th , and is open to creative professionals, studio leads and business owners looking to streamline how their teams produce and deliver work across formats.
Bologna, Italy – October 2026 – Valiani, a leading innovator in precision cutting technology, has today announced the launch of its new GEN 2 cutting machine at FAMAART Bologna.
Designed specifically for high-volume matboard production, GEN 2 represents a significant step forward in the industry's pursuit of greater efficiency without compromising on quality.
Fremont – Ca – October 2026 - Fiery, a global leader in digital front end (DFE) technology for print, has announced that the full recording of its webinar, Beyond CMYK: From More Colours to More Impact, is now available on demand.
The session addresses a pressing challenge facing today's commercial print providers: how to move beyond the limitations of standard CMYK to meet rising client demands for bold, brand-accurate colour.
Dubai, UAE – October 2026 – FESPA’s exclusive Leadership Exchange event, FLEX, will return to Dubai on 26 November 2026, bringing together senior figures from across the Middle East's print and signage industries for a day of strategic dialogue and knowledge sharing.
London, UK – October 2026 – Sanderson Design Group plc. has today announced a robust first-half performance, underpinned by sustained momentum across its business and the continued delivery of its focused growth strategy.
The results highlight the Group's growing international reach and its commitment to building a more resilient, sustainable future for the design industry.
Revenue for the period rose to £51.4m, while statutory profit before tax increased by 69% to £2.5m.
Adjusted profit before tax also grew significantly, up 47% to £3.3m
Telford, UK – October 2026 – China Print Supplies UK Ltd has today released its new 2026 price list, introducing new machines, updated bundle deals, and revised pricing across its range of print, cutting, and finishing solutions.
The updated catalogue reflects the company's ongoing commitment to equipping print businesses with reliable, cost-effective equipment as the industry continues to evolve.
With new machinery added to the lineup and refreshed bundle options, China Print Supplies UK aims to make it easier for customers to find solutions tailored to their operational needs and budgets.
Burgdorf, Switzerland / Geretsried, Germany, October, 2026 – Long-lasting performance textiles require solutions that address a wide range of consumer expectations, from lasting freshness and comfort to reliable protection against the elements.
SANITIZED and RUDOLF are highlighting their latest innovations, demonstrating how specialized textile technologies can support the functional durability and wearability of modern apparel.
Altstätten, Switzerland – October 2026 – Zünd has announced that it will open its headquarters in Altstätten, Switzerland, on 18–19 November 2026 for Zünd Technology Days 2026, a two-day event dedicated to live technology demonstrations, expert presentations, and an in-depth look at real-world production processes.
Milan, Italy – October 2026 – Agfa has confirmed its participation in Viscom Italia 2026, the international trade fair dedicated to visual communication and graphic arts.
The event will take place on 28–29 October 2026 at the Allianz MiCo Convention Center in Milan, with doors open daily from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
Watford = Hertfordshire- October – 2026 – Epson has announced that selected SureColor printers and inks are now covered by the 3M™ MCS™ Warranty, marking a significant step forward in the company's ongoing commitment to delivering durable, high-performance graphics solutions.
The certification reinforces the longstanding relationship between Epson and 3M, and underscores both companies' shared dedication to quality and innovation in the graphics industry.
London, UK – October 2026 – ARTSTHREAD has today launched the Public Vote for its seventh annual Global Creative Graduate Showcase, inviting audiences worldwide to discover and support the next generation of creative talent.
The vote is now live at vote.artsthread.com, giving the public the opportunity to engage directly with graduating work from across the globe.
Shanghai – China -October 2026 – BARBIERI Electronics, a global leader in professional colour measurement solutions, has announced its participation in ALL IN PRINT CHINA 2026, taking place from 12–16 October 2026 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre.
The company will exhibit alongside its partner, Beijing Dingli Xintong Technology Co. Ltd, at Booth N2A219, where COO and Co-Managing Director Viktor Lazzeri will meet with customers, partners and print professionals from across the industry
Bracknell – Berkshire - October 2026 - UFABRIK has added IGEPA Hungária to its expanding European distribution network, bringing its digital textile portfolio to customers across Hungary through one of the country’s leading print and visual communications suppliers.
The agreement will see IGEPA Hungária introduce the UFABRIK range to customers from its operations in Budapest and Nyíregyháza, with local stockholding, technical support, and wide-format availability up to 5 metres.
New York – NY – October 2026 – Optitex, a global leader in fashion technology solutions, has announced a significant update to its CutPlan software, introducing Purchase Order (PO) Wise capability as part of its O/26.1 release.
The new feature allows manufacturers to plan multiple Purchase Orders for the same style independently, addressing a long-standing inefficiency within the cut planning process.
United Kingdom – September 2026 – Inkloft, a new specialist digital printing business founded by Gary Weyman and Andy Hancock, has announced its entry into the direct-to-film (DTF) market.
The company has been appointed as a distributor of DuPont™ Artistri® DTF products, including P1600 inks and Artistri Jettable Adhesive JA1100, both now available to purchase online through inkloft.co.uk.
Peterborough, UK – October 2026 – Snuggle Ltd has today reaffirmed its commitment to redefining industrial garment decoration, combining high-volume output with environmentally responsible production methods at its Peterborough facility.
The announcement highlights the company's investment in water-based pigment ink digital printing technology, a move designed to cut the environmental footprint of large-scale apparel decoration without compromising on quality.
At the core of Snuggle's operation is industrial water-based pigment ink digital printing, which replaces the chemical-heavy alternatives traditionally used across the sector.
Manchester – October 2026 – Premier Digital Textiles has today highlighted its 33130 Achill Natural Linen, a beautifully understated fabric defined by timeless texture and natural character.
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Gent – Belgium – October 2026 – Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems has announced its participation in India CorrExpo 2026, following a successful week exhibiting at PRINTING United Expo 2026.
The company will showcase its latest advancements in digital cutting and routing technology, demonstrating how businesses across print, display, packaging and signage can achieve greater precision, productivity and scalability.
The event will take place from 14 to 16 October 2026 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai, where Kongsberg will be exhibiting at Booth B80, Hall 4.
Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) Ltd has reinforced its two‑ decade partnership with Epson by expanding the range of Epson wide format print technologies now available for live demonstration at its UK Client Engagement Centre (CEC) in Dunstable.
The move reflects Konica Minolta’s commitment to supporting the UK commercial print sector with a broader, more versatile portfolio and giving customers hands‑on access to leading solutions.