Mimaki Launches Its Game-Changing Neo-Chromato Technology - Reprint And Reuse Polyester Textiles
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Nagano, Japan : Mimaki Engineering Co., Ltd. specializing in industrial inkjet printers, cutting plotters and 3D printers, has introduced its "Neo-Chromato Process*" that is a technology to reuse the colored polyester textile by discoloring dye-sublimation ink the first in the world to promote the sustainability of the textile industry by introducing cyclical textile technology.
The recent increase in people’s awareness of sustainability has led to massive disposal of textile materials, which has become a social issue.
Worldwide, annual production of textile materials amounts to 113 million tons, and wasted amounts to 92 million tons, of which polyester textiles account for about 60%.
It is the mission of the textile industry to reduce the environmental impact of textile materials, especially polyester textiles, which make up the majority of textile, through their effective use.
Currently, colored polyester textile is mainly used for short-term event (banners, hanging screens, backlit signs and tablecloths), retailed fashion apparels and sportswear, most of which are incinerated after use.
Some portions are recycled (collected, grinded, washed, then refined into raw materials and re-dyed), however the recycling rate is only 15%. In addition, an enormous amount of energy is used to recycle them.
The "Neo-Chromato Process", a discoloring technology for dye sublimation inks, which we are announcing, not only eliminates the need for incineration by reusing polyester textile by changing colors and patterns, but also contributes to reducing the energy required for recycling.
In addition, absorbent paper (absorbent material) that has absorbed ink and decoloring solvents can be disposed of as burnable waste, minimizing water use and water pollution from wastewater. The "Neo-Chromato Process" is a sustainable technology for the textile industry.
Arjen Evertse, General Manager Sales, Mimaki Europe states, “The increasing awareness of sustainability has led to a significant disposal issue within the textile industry, with polyester textiles accounting for approximately 60% of 92 million tonnes of wasted textile materials worldwide. Of this enormous amount of polyester waste, currently around only 15% is recycled. Mimaki’s Neo-Chromato Process tackles this issue head on by utilizing a discolouring technology for dye sublimation inks. This process not only eliminates the need for polyester waste incineration but also reduces the energy consumption associated with textile recycling.”
By decolourising polyester textiles that have been dyed using dye sublimation technologies, this innovative process allows materials to be re-printed or dyed immediately, contributing to a smaller circular economy.
There is no limit to how many times reused polyester can be treated with the Neo-Chromato Process and the process itself minimises water usage and pollution by enabling the disposal of the absorbent paper and decolouring solvents used in the process as burnable waste.
We are working to commercialize practical conditions and solution using the "Neo-Chromato Process", and we will continue to communicate with retail brands (for reuse of store signage fabric) and apparel brands (for reuse of clothing fabric) to verify the potential of this technology.
Primary Features Of The "Neo-Chromato Process"
Polyester fabrics dyed by dye sublimation (transfer) can be decolored
Decolorization is possible through a process that uses almost no water, resulting in near-zero industrial wastewater
Printing and dyeing can be done immediately on decolored fabrics, and the color pattern can be changed as many times as necessary
About Mimaki Engineering
Mimaki Engineering develops, manufactures, sales, and maintains industrial inkjet printers, cutting plotters, 3D printers, inks, and software.
By providing total solutions for the printing process for the sign graphics, industrial products, and textile apparel markets, we aim to be an innovator that constantly delivers "Something New, Something Different" to our customers.
