TEXINTEL LIVE - EXPERT INTERVIEWS - JULIA VAN DER SOMMEN OF SAMPLE ROOM - FASHION SAMPLING AND SOURCING SEWN MANUFACTURING
In today's expert interview we talk with Julia van Sommen of the Sample Room in Australia. Behind every fashion garment is a physical sample.
A crucial phase in the apparel development process and yet often the most challenging. In this podcast we explore the fashion industry and how physical sampling remains a challenge for many independent designers and international brands.
Sample room, based in Australia, work with designers and manufacturers across the globe, there expertise provides a vital service for apparel sourcing, manufacturers, development teams and product designers:
KEY TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION:
Can you share your career journey: How did you enter the industry and when and why did you start the Sample Room?
What services do the Sample room provide and in which sectors do you operate?
How has the industry changed over the last 2 years?
What are the main challenges for the independent designer or brand?
Is reshoring real – What are the challenges and benefits?
How can 3D design assist the designer when creating a garment, and are those garments really production ready – a digital twin?
What are the benefits of digital printing technologies for the fashion community?
Let’s talk about on-demand production for printed products. Challenges and Opportunity?
It’s very hard to establish and build a Fashion brand, is technology (online and off) making this easier? Are the sewn manufacturers investing, or is much of tech still at the front end?
Can you share some of your favourite success stories?
Tell us about your Academy and the learning provided?
What’s next for the Sample Room what can listeners look forward to in 2023?
In this roundtable, NedGraphics President Frank Maeder and 10Duke CEO Neil Fenton unpack one of the least glamorous - but most business critical - topics in creative production: Software licensing.
Together, they explore why legacy hardware dongles and static license keys are holding the industry back, how COVID exposed their limitations, and why user‑centric, identity‑based licensing is now essential for global, hybrid workflows. From roaming designers in New York to production teams in remote factories, they reveal how to remove friction, reduce downtime, and keep creative tools securely in the hands of the people who need them.
If you’re in fashion, design, CAD/CAM, or any creative production environment and want to future‑proof your software delivery, this discussion is packed with insight and real‑world examples.
Watch to learn more >>
Join us in Barcelona at the Epson booth as Debbie McKeegan the FESPA Textile Ambassador talks with Duncan Ferguson, Vice President, Commercial and Industrial Printing at Epson Europe, about the future of textile printing.
We explore how digital product passports, sustainable production, and advanced solutions like the Monna Lisa 13000 and SureColor SC-F20000 are reshaping the UK and European textile markets.
Watch to learn more >>
Join us at the FESPA exhibition in Barcelona as Debbie McKeegan the FESPA Textile Ambassador speak with Micol Gamba of EFI Reggiani to explore the new ecoNEXT Plus pigment printing solution for home textiles.
We discuss how this waterless, beltless, industrial-level printer simplifies digital production, supports local manufacturing, delivers high-quality colour (including a unique violet), and provides detailed data on energy and water consumption to meet today’s sustainability and digital product passport demands.
Watch to learn more >>
Join Debbie McKeegan in Barcelona as she talks with Dr. Simon from Sun Chemical about the future of textile printing.
They discuss the launch of Zenia Sapphire pigment inks with upgraded wash fastness, the slow but crucial shift from analog to digital textile printing, and how education, skills, and supply-chain partnerships can unlock on-demand, sustainable production.
They also explore upcoming digital product passports, why chemistry and transparency matter, and what the industry must do now to prepare for 2027–2033 compliance.
Watch to learn more >>
Debbie McKeegan, FESPA Textile Ambassador, interviews Charlie Saunders, founder of Tidy Merch, a Swedish print-on-demand company that has transformed its business by shifting from hardware to smart software with Gelato Connect.
Discover how they doubled revenue, kept their team intact, and improved work-life balance by investing in integrated production software instead of more machines.
Watch to learn more >>
Debbie McKeegan, the FESPA Textile Ambassador, talks with Danna Drion from Mimaki about the real value of trade shows in today’s increasingly digital and AI‑driven world.
In this conversation, we discuss why events like FESPA remain essential for the textile print and signage community - offering something you simply can’t get online: human connection. Danna shares Mimaki’s experience of FESPA as a leading global show that consistently delivers strong ROI, high‑quality leads, and a clear view of where the industry is heading.
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In this interview from Techtextil in Frankfurt, Debbie McKeegan, CEO of Texintel, speaks with Andreas Rass CEO of Zimmer Austria, about the latest advances in digital textile printing and the current state of the textile and carpet industries.
They introduce Zimmer’s new Coloris 72 digital textile printer platform, designed for higher accessibility, strong remote service, reduced manpower needs, and a water‑recycling blanket washing system that dramatically cuts water consumption and boosts sustainability.
Together, they discuss the growth of technical and military textiles, the resilience of the carpet sector (notably in Turkey), rising energy and polyester costs, and the increasing importance of near‑shoring, secure supply chains, and trusted ink and technology partnerships to build a more sustainable and professional textile industry.
Watch to learn more >>
At Texprocess, Frankfurt, Debbie McKeegan of TexIntel talks with Adam Dakin of Verivide about why LED lighting and color‑accurate workflows are essential for today’s textile, fashion, and home furnishings industries.
They discuss the shift away from fluorescent lighting, how tools like Ultraview light booths, VisionView, and the DigiEye imaging system ensure consistent colour from design to retail, and how virtual colour approvals can cut waste, speed up product development, and help brands meet customer expectations worldwide.
Watch to learn more >>
At Texprocess, Debbie McKeegan of Textintel interviews Zehavit Reisin of Stratasys about their innovative 3D fashion technology which prints directly onto textiles.
Zehavit explains how Stratasys, with 35+ years in 3D printing, uses acrylic-based photopolymers to create durable mechanical adhesion to fabric—strong enough to withstand 40°C machine washes. They explore real-world applications, from haute couture and concept car interiors to defence and wearable tech, all driven by on-demand, sustainable production and customer-led creativity.
The conversation highlights how this technology can personalise and extend the life of garments, support stock-free, on-demand manufacturing at scale, and empower brands to push the boundaries of fashion and textiles.
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In this interview recorded at TexProcess, Frankfurt, we speak with Frank Maeder, head of the team behind NedGraphics and Optitex about how they’re connecting digital textile design and apparel design into one seamless, end-to-end digital workflow.
They explain how integrating textile design with Apparel pattern development across the workflow reduces waste, shortens development cycles, and improves collaboration between brands, manufacturers, and suppliers worldwide. By sharing fabric data and specifications digitally from the start, designers can create the right product first time, every time, boosting creativity while cutting time, cost, and physical sampling.
Watch to learn more >>
Debbie McKeegan, CEO of Texintel, interviews Chris Dearing - Vice President of Sustainability at Coats, at the Texprocess trade show in Frankfurt.
Coats, a global thread manufacturer with around 20,000 employees in over 50 countries, has made sustainability central to its strategy, structured around five pillars: energy, materials, water, waste, and people, aligned with the UN SDGs. Chris explains that Coats has SBTi‑aligned 2030 targets and a 2050 net-zero goal, has already cut scope 1 and 2 emissions by 46% from a 2019 baseline, and moved to about 62% renewable electricity with a target of 100% by 2030, including work to electrify fossil-fuel boilers.
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At Texprocess Frankfurt, Debbie McKeegan of Texintel talks with Giovanni Pizzamiglio from Kornit Digital about the new Presto Max Plus.
Giovanni explains how Kornit is evolving from fashion into technical textiles, using a new abrasion-resistant polymer “DuraTech” to create durable, stretchable prints for sportswear, footwear, and even military camouflage.
They discuss replacing complex analog processes with single-step digital printing, precise print positioning on woven fabrics, and new possibilities for interior décor, performance wear, and advanced protective textiles.
Watch to learn more >>
Debbie McKeegan, CEO of Texintel, interviews Jaymes Clements from Monster Digital inc. at the Kornit Konnections event in Florida.
Monster Digital, a premier contract print manufacturer, specialises in DTG (Direct-to-Garment) printing, capable of producing over 180,000 prints daily. They own over 70 DTG printers, all industrial-grade, and emphasise continuous capital investment in technology.
Clements highlights their agility in adapting to new technologies and their diverse customer base, including brands, sports teams, and corporate clients. He stresses the importance of strategic relationships over transactional ones, and the need for stability in the supply chain to maintain quality and meet customer expectations.
Watch to learn more >>
Debbie McKeegan, CEO of Texintel, interviews Shawn Sckoropad from Printeez Inc, a 10-year-old Canadian print-on-demand company.
Printeez specialises in large volume fulfilment and on-demand services, using proprietary software for seamless integration with stores. They produce up to 350,000 units in bulk per month, and 57,000 units per fortnight on-demand during peak seasons and serve 7,000 users.
Shawn highlights the shift from analog to digital, the development of their own app, and the challenges of building a user-friendly interface. Looking to the future, they aim to double down on e-commerce, expand locally, and explore partnerships in Europe, emphasising agility and focus.
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Debbie McKeegan, CEO of Texintel, interviews Alan Gentry from T- Formation about his garment decoration company's evolving transition from analog screen printing to digital printing.
Alan's company, established in 1987, initially handled large volume orders but shifted to smaller orders post-COVID. They discovered the Kornit Apollo at Kornit Konnections in 2024, which prints 350 units an hour, significantly improving efficiency.
Alan's company now uses digital machines alongside screen technology. They also leverage Fullfil Engine for seamless fulfilment, enabling them to handle one-piece orders to thousands efficiently.
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In this exclusive interview from Printwear & Promotion Live in Birmingham, Debbie McKeegan speaks with Rob Simpson, General Manager for DuPont Artistri Digital Printing Solutions, about the launch of DuPont’s new jettable adhesive technology for DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing.
Rob explains how this jettable adhesive replaces traditional powder in the DTF process, delivering a cleaner workflow and opening up new creative and technical possibilities for apparel decorators. DuPont has developed a solution that not only simplifies production but also enables smoother gradients, fade-outs, and more precise control of ink layers.
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In this Texintel Live interview Debbie McKeegan (CEO of Texintel) talks with Julian Wright, Sales Director of Amaya Sales UK about how the garment decoration market is evolving, particularly around Direct-to-Garment (DTG) and Direct-to-Film (DTF) technologies.
They discuss how DTF has surged over the last 3- 4 years, where it fits alongside DTG, and why many customers are unsure when and where to invest. Julian explains how Epson’s standardised, high‑uptime systems and Amaya’s knowledge-led approach help customers choose the right technology mix, from entry-level to more industrial solutions like the Epson SureColor G9000.
The conversation highlights the importance of reliable partners, premium consumables, and future-proof solutions that deliver not just a machine, but a complete, long-term service and ecosystem for growing print businesses.
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In this short interview, they explore how dye sublimation now goes far beyond mugs and T‑shirts, opening up new opportunities in textiles, décor, signage, promotional carpets, and floor graphics.
Duncan explains the TS200’s 8‑colour ink set, including fluorescent pink and fluorescent yellow, plus violet and orange to extend the colour gamut. These neon’s are ideal for fashion, children’s wear, event branding, and décor—especially where brands need high-impact, accurate colour and that on‑trend fluorescent look.
With a competitive entry-level price (under £6,500), a two‑year warranty, and fast, easy-to-use operation, the Mimaki TS200 -1600 offers an accessible way for print businesses to expand into new markets and respond to a broad range of customer demands from a single machine.
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Filmed live at Printwear & Promotion in Birmingham, Debbie McKeegan, CEO of Texintel, talks with Grant Cooke, Product Manager: Textile, SureColor Printers, Sublimation, Direct To Film (DTF) & Direct To Garment (DTG) Solutions at Epson Europe B.V about:
Moving from DTG with DTF mode to true roll-to-roll DTF
The evolution from the G6000 to the G9000
64" wide printing, higher throughput, and automated maintenance
How software, shakers, and cutters now integrate for a seamless DTF workflow
If you’re in garment decoration, custom apparel, or screen print looking to go digital, this conversation shows how modern DTF can deliver speed, reliability, and scalable production.
Watch to learn more >>
In this interview, Debbie McKeegan speaks with Colin Marsh, MD at Resolute DTF about a major shift in garment decoration technology.
The launch of jetable adhesives, a new DTF ink innovation developed in collaboration with DuPont, Artistri.
Colin explains how this innovation combines ink and adhesive jetting (using no powder), delivers a soft DTG-like hand feel with high durability on cotton and polyester, and opens up new creative possibilities for printers.
They also discuss Resolute UK-based manufacturing, supply chain control, and steps toward more sustainable and circular production.
Watch to learn more >>
In this conversation, Debbie McKeegan speaks with Johan Spies of HP at FESPA Middle East in Dubai about HP’s latest Latex printing technologies.
They discuss the HP Latex A330 roll-to-roll printer and the R530 hybrid printer, highlighting their water-based inks, ability to print on both flexible and rigid materials, and how these solutions support the fast-growing Middle East market through a strong partnership with Redington.
Both speakers highlight the rapid growth and vast opportunities in the Middle East and Johan’s excitement to return next year and see how customers have grown with HP’s solutions.
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In this conversation, Debbie McKeegan, Texintel CEO and Fespa Textile Ambassador, speaks with Viktor Lazzeri of Barbieri Electronics.
This conversation, recorded live at Fespa Middle East in Dubai, explores the rapidly growing opportunities for the print industry across the region. Barbieri Electronics highlight the strong demand for quality, innovation, and colour accuracy, and the critical role of trusted technology partners in supporting this fast-evolving, increasingly digital market.
Together, the speakers frame the Middle East as a vibrant, optimistic hub where the right print technologies can unlock significant new growth.
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In this conversation, Debbie McKeegan, Texintel CEO and Fespa Textile Ambassador, interviews Jon Bailey of Precision Proco Group in the UK to explore how his company has grown from a local business into a global partnership. John shares insights into the technology stack that underpins their success, their journey of scaling internationally, and the increasing importance of personalisation. Together, we discuss why knowledge sharing, community, and strategic partnerships are essential in today’s connected world, and how clear guiding principles - combined with the willingness to course-correct can drive sustainable growth in fast-evolving markets like the Middle East.
Watch to learn more >>
In this conversation, Debbie McKeegan, Texintel CEO and Fespa Textile Ambassador, interviews Andrew Hobson about Brother Industrial textile technology.
They discuss a t-shirt embellished using a six-needle embroidery machine, heat transfer, and cutting technology. The design includes a gold heat transfer, a tortoise shell pattern, and a reverse 3D effect on the back. This technology adds value and creates a unique, textured appearance, appealing to the Garment Decoration market in the Middle East.
Watch to learn more >>
In this conversation, Steen Mikkelsen of Fastsewn discusses the challenges and innovations in sewing automation.
He highlights the complexities of sewing due to the flexible nature of textiles and the need for precise handling. Mikkelsen shares insights into his innovative solutions that aim to automate sewing processes, reduce handling time, and improve efficiency in manufacturing. The discussion also touches on the future applications of this technology across various industries and the potential for job creation as automation evolves.
In this conversation, Dave Connor discusses the innovative Liquid Ink technology from Stahls' Fulfill Engine, which revolutionises dimensional decorating by allowing real-time design and customisation.
The technology reduces traditional pain-points such as minimum quantities and setup fees, enabling decorators to create premium, tactile products on demand. The discussion also highlights the future of personalisation in merchandise and the global opportunities for printers and garment decorators.
Debbie McKeegan interviews Viktor Lazzeri from Barbieri Electronic at Printing United in Orlando about the critical need for accurate colour measurement in the printing and textile industry.
Viktor explained the rising demand for colour accuracy, showcased Barbieri Electronic's latest spectrophotometers, and emphasised how precise colour measurement improves workflow efficiency, reduces waste, and ensures customer satisfaction.
In this conversation, Oriol Martinez, the director of worldwide sales at Fiery, discusses the latest trends in the printing industry, particularly focusing on the launch of Digital Factory Version 12.
The conversation highlights the importance of colour management, automation, and the evolving needs of customers in the DTF market. The speakers emphasise the necessity for improved productivity and quality in printing, as well as the challenges posed by increased competition.
In this conversation, Debbie McKeegan and Davide Dragoni discuss the advancements in sustainable practices within the denim industry.
Particularly focusing on digital printing technologies that significantly reduce water usage and enhance supply chain efficiency. They explore the importance of certifications and traceability in ensuring eco-friendly production methods, highlighting the role of pigment printing in creating a more sustainable future for textiles.
In this conversation, Debbie McKeegan, CEO of Texintel, interviews Dinesh Wahi, the President at Shirt Hub.
They explore the evolution of the apparel decoration industry, particularly focusing on digital printing and the impact of technology and AI.
They discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by social media trends, the importance of community in the industry, and the future of work in light of AI advancements.
The future of print is not something that will happen to us. It is something we must create - together.
“What does it mean to truly lead an industry through transformation? Not to follow trends, not to react to disruption - but to architect it? That question hung in the air at the Durst NEXT Technology Festival in Brixen, Italy, this June, as Christoph Gamper, CEO and co-owner of the Durst Group, took to the stage…”
The Security Case for Indentity Based Licensing
A lack of visibility is not just a security risk - it is a missed business opportunity. Without knowing who is actually using your software, you cannot personalise the experience, identify underused features, or proactively engage with customers between renewal cycles.
The Printed Textile Industry Does Not Sustain Itself.
“Bringing this community together matters. It matters for the graduates, who leave with contacts, confidence, and in many cases, job offers.
It matters for the industry professionals who attend, who leave with a clearer sense of the talent pipeline feeding into their sector. And it matters for the broader culture of British design, which has always depended on the willingness of each generation to invest in the next…”
Grace Holden, Stories in Bloom – Textiles, Heriot-Watt University
Expanding the Map: New Products and New Revenue Streams:
Across textile, signage, photo and proofing, and CAD ranges, Epson is building product ladders - entry, mid, and high-end - so businesses can bring work in-house rather than outsource it.
“This is about helping businesses say "yes" to their customers more often, turning a single client relationship into multiple revenue streams.”
“In an industry obsessed with the next game-changer, the discipline of listening, refining, and improving what already works is its own competitive advantage”.
What if covering a wall or window was never really the point? What if the goal was to dress it - to give it texture, character, and a story all its own?
“Moderated by Debbie McKeegan, CEO of Texintel and FESPA Textile Ambassador, the discussion brought together Mathew Faulkner of Canon, Terry Raghunath of HP, and Rodd Harrison of Mimaki - each offering a distinct vantage point on a sector McKeegan rightly described as "ripe for disruption."
And the numbers back her up. The digital decoration marketplace is forecast to grow at a CAGR of up to 20.3% through to 2030."
Premiumisation: The Customer Demand Driving Innovation
What made this discussion so valuable was the breadth of expertise around the table.
The panel, hosted by FESPA Textile Ambassador Debbie McKeegan, brought together perspectives from every link in the manufacturing relay race - because, as McKeegan rightly noted, "at every touchpoint of the relay race of manufacture, all of this wisdom and knowledge carries along the supply chain, and without it, we can't move to seamless manufacture."
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.“
Sportswear held relatively firm throughout the downturn, and customised apparel is now showing renewed momentum. Duncan noted a significant rise in interest around direct-to-film (DTF) technology - while direct-to-fabric printing is also regaining traction.
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.”
What Is the Digital Product Passport?
At its core, a Digital Product Passport is a digital record attached to a physical product - typically accessed via a QR code, NFC chip, or barcode – that documents everything about that product across its entire lifecycle.
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.
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”.
Today’s consumers do not just want a printed t-shirt. They demand high-quality, sustainable, bespoke products delivered with the frictionless transparency of an Uber ride or an Amazon parcel.
“To capture premium margins in this crowded, accelerating marketplace, garment decorators must move beyond apparel and embrace a new frontier of end-to-end automation, hybrid technologies, and ethical production”.
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.”
If you're looking to optimize your website for AI search, hang onto your cowboy hat. It's the Wild West out there. Former (and current) SEO companies see the handwriting on the wall as more search moves from traditional SEO to AEO (answer engine optimisation). Opportunists are popping out of the woodwork.
(There are good options out there, but vet them carefully.)
A swimsuit might start life as a sketch. By the time it reaches the shop floor, dozens of hands have touched it - designers, dye houses, printers, trim manufacturers, quality controllers. Each one interprets colour in their own way, under their own conditions, with their own tools. The result is often a product that looks nothing like the original vision.
A New Approach to Smart Fabric
“As you think about the characteristics of your wardrobe, integrated technology will increasingly become a deciding factor as to what you buy and wear, expanding the capabilities of apparel to meet needs perhaps you didn’t even know you had.”
The latest innovations offer compelling solutions to long-standing challenges: reducing setup times, eliminating minimum order quantities, and delivering exceptional print quality across diverse fabric types.
For many print businesses, the challenge is how quickly you can integrate these technologies to maintain competitive advantage in an ever-evolving ecosystem.
A New Lifecycle: Application and Degradation
“We can continue with the status quo of toxic permanence, or we can embrace the intelligence of nature. Technologies like GrowInk prove that we can have vibrant, functional colour without the lasting environmental cost.
By accepting that not everything needs to last forever, we might just build a future that does.”
For our community, the takeaway is clear.
Innovation does not happen in isolation. If you are serious about shaping the future of textile design and production, you need to be present where ideas, experience, and perspective converge. Engage in the conversations, build relationships beyond transactions, and invest in spaces that allow you to learn not just from technology, but from one another. That is where lasting progress is made.
Oswestry – Shropshire-July 2026 – China Print Supplies UK Ltd has turned its focus this week to a standout solution for businesses looking to personalise drinkware and merchandise: the SinoColor URP-3015 UV Rotary Printer.
The machine is designed to produce full-colour, 360° graphics across a wide range of cylindrical products, making it a compelling option for businesses serving the events, festivals, and promotional merchandise markets.
The SinoColor URP-3015 is built to handle an impressive variety of materials, including glass, metal, plastic, ceramic, and wood.
Leicestershire - July 2026 – Vivid Laminating Technologies Ltd has announced that Ricky Wiggins, founder of Monsters of Dirt Ltd and Ministry of Print, has selected the VelobladeNexus cutting system for his motorbike decal production operations.
The installation, completed this week and facilitated through specialist distributor Soyang Europe, marks another milestone for the VelobladeNexus as demand for the multi-award-winning system continues to grow across the print industry.
Brixen, 8 July 2026. Durst Group has acquired a majority stake in Triple C Labs GmbH, the company behind CoCoCo Platform.
CoCoCo Platform continues to operate as an independent entity under its existing brand, leadership and customer commitments, and remains fully open to third-party OEMs, software vendors and print production customers.
The transaction is a targeted reinforcement of Kyveris, Durst Group's industrial software and AI stack for connected print production.
Drytac, a leading manufacturer of self-adhesive print media, is pleased to announce that its innovative Polar Chrome print media has been named a winner in the Films category at the prestigious 2026 PRINTING United Alliance Pinnacle Awards.
Recognized as one of the printing industry’s highest honors, the Pinnacle Awards celebrate the technologies and products that are redefining what is possible across the print industry.
Munich, Germany – July 2026 – The FESPA Global Print Expo will once again take place in Munich, Germany, from 6–9 April 2027 and Registration for exhibitor stands is now open.
Following a succession of highly successful events in the city in 2014, 2019, and 2023, FESPA is returning to a destination that has consistently delivered outstanding results for exhibitors and visitors alike.
Beijing – July 2026 – BARBIERI Electronics has announced the further strengthening of its sales partnership with Beijing Dingli Xintong Technology Co. Ltd. following a successful partner meeting in Beijing.
Led by Viktor Lazzeri on behalf of BARBIERI, the meeting reaffirmed both companies' shared commitment to advancing colour measurement technology across China's rapidly growing digital printing market.
The partnership reflects a response to the surging demand for high-quality spectrophotometers across a range of digital printing applications in China.
Birmingham, UK – July 2026 – swissQprint UK is set to exhibit at The Print Show 2026, taking place from 29 September to 1 October at the NEC in Birmingham, Great Britain.
Visitors can find the swissQprint UK team at Stand P420, where they will have the opportunity to experience the company's latest flatbed printing technology firsthand.
Geretsried, Bavaria, July 2026 – RUDOLF, a leading innovator in textile chemical solutions, has highlighted RUCOGEN® PVN, a breakthrough product designed to address one of the most resource-intensive stages in textile processing: reactive dyeing after-washing.
The new solution offers manufacturers a cleaner, faster, and more sustainable approach to hydrolysate removal.
São Paulo, Brasil – July 13th, 2026 – Sun Chemical will demonstrate its innovative range of digital printing solutions on stand E175 at Future Print 2026, taking place from 14-17 July 2026 at the Distrito Anhembi | São Paulo, Brasil.
Sun Chemical will present new initiatives and upgraded portfolios for the graphics, sign & display, textile and industrial markets.
Arhus – Denmark – July 2026 – Mikkelsen Innovation ApS has announced that its FASTSEWN™ 3.3M has been named the recipient of the 2026 Pinnacle Award in the Technology category by PRINTING United Alliance.
The recognition highlights the machine's role in automating the final manual step in textile graphics production, combining automated sewing and laser cutting with keder application for silicone edge graphics (SEG).
Bracknell – Berkshire - July 2026 CMYUK has appointed Kate Channon to its UK sales team as Senior Digital Sales Consultant. She will report to CMYUK Sales Director, Chris Martin.
Kate joins CMYUK from Fujifilm, where she was Senior Business Development Manager, with a proven track record of selling high-value print systems.
She has worked in the wide format digital print industry since 2011, building a strong reputation for driving sustained revenue growth, opening up new markets, and consistently exceeding targets.
Watford – Hertfordshire - July 2026 – Epson UK today features the SureColor SC-G9000, its first high-production Direct-To-Film (DTF) printer built for businesses that demand greater output, higher reliability, and significantly less manual intervention.
The SC-G9000 is designed to challenge existing perceptions of DTF capabilities, combining industrial-scale productivity with an intuitive, largely automated user experience
Braintree – Essex – July 2026 - STAHLS', a leading provider of technology and solutions for the decorated apparel industry, has released its 2026 Print on Demand Industry Report, available now as a free download.
The comprehensive report draws on insights, strategies, and real-world experiences shared by industry leaders and innovators at the Print on Demand 2026 Conference, offering businesses a practical roadmap for scaling their print-on-demand operations
As Scoop returns to Olympia National from 19–21 July 2026, Founder and Creative Director Karen Radley introduces a new cohort of international designers making their debut at the show, each bringing a distinctive perspective on how fashion, accessories and lifestyle are evolving.
Leicester, UK – July 2026 – VeriVide Limited, a leading provider of colour assessment solutions, has announced that NEXT plc has successfully integrated DigiEye technology into its colour management workflow, delivering significant time and cost savings across its product teams.
NEXT's adoption of DigiEye, VeriVide's advanced digital colour imaging system, enables real-time colour approval, streamlining a process that has historically been time-intensive and costly.
London, UK – July 2026 – Perfect Colours, a leading supplier of premium interior products, has highlighted Neu Kaliss interior-focused non-woven wallpapers in its product range.
The move reflects Perfect Colours' continued commitment to offering high-performance, installer-friendly solutions that meet the evolving demands of the interior design industry.
Neu Kaliss wallpapers are engineered for professionals who refuse to compromise on quality.
Available in both uncoated natural and coated performance variants, the range combines sophisticated aesthetics with practical functionality — making them a strong choice for a wide range of interior applications
Aichi, Japan - July 9, 2026 — Coats Group plc, a world-leading Tier 2 supplier of critical components to the apparel and footwear industries, today signed a Memorandum of Strategic Cooperation with Tajima Industries Ltd., a global pioneer in embroidery technology, to advance quality and innovation across the embroidery industry.
Central to the long-term partnership is Coats’ global network of Embroidery Service Centres (ESCs), which will serve as innovation hubs equipped with Tajima’s technology platforms for customer co-creation, technical testing and training.
Coats and Tajima will also introduce a joint offering combining high-performance Coats embroidery threads and technical advisory services with Tajima’s pioneering machinery and digital solutions.
NEW YORK, July 09, 2026 -- Duggal Visual Solutions, a leader in visual communications, and EFI, a leader in textile printing innovation, are proud to announce the first North American installation of the EFI Reggiani NEXT Plus 8-color configuration at Duggal’s New York production facilities.
This signals a significant leap forward in print technology, combining industrial-scale power with a sophisticated, eco-conscious architecture.
The investment in the Reggiani NEXT Plus reinforces Duggal’s ongoing commitment to quality, innovation, and environmental responsibility.
SSL Design & Fabrication Ltd, a leading sheet metal manufacturing and design specialist, has this week selected the Veloblade Nexus as its latest equipment investment, in partnership with large format media supplier Soyang Europe.
The installation marks one of two Veloblade Nexus deployments completed by Soyang Europe this week, underscoring the growing demand for the technology across the fabrication and manufacturing industry.
A primary driver behind SSL Design & Fabrication's decision was the advanced CNC capabilities integrated into the Veloblade range.
9th July 2026 - CMYUK is set to make a major impact at The Print Show 2026, as it will occupy the largest stand in the UK trade show’s history.
Now in its tenth anniversary year, the exhibition runs from 29 September to 1 October at the NEC, Birmingham.
The Print Show has become the UK print industry’s key annual event, bringing together manufacturers, suppliers, printers, sign-makers, and industry professionals to see new innovations, network, and access expert advice.
It runs alongside The Sign Show, a co-location event showcasing the latest and best in sign making.
Essen – Germany – July 2026 Epson has been named Red Dot: Design Team of the Year 2026, recognising the company’s design approach across its product portfolio.
The award will be marked at the Red Dot Award ceremony in Essen, Germany, on 7 July, followed by an exhibition at the Red Dot Design Museum that will run until 16 August and feature a selection of Epson products, including Red Dot award-winning designs.
The award places Epson’s design work on one of the industry’s most visible stages, highlighting how the company combines product performance, functionality and design.
Telford, UK – July 2026 – China Print Supplies UK Ltd (CPS), a leading provider of specialist printing equipment, has successfully installed the Dlican DLI-360UV-02 printer for Promo Trade Print, delivering a solution that the client says has fundamentally transformed its business operations.
The installation marks another example of CPS's commitment to providing tailored, expert-led guidance to customers navigating significant purchasing decisions in the print industry.
Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution, CPS Managing Director Scott Clutton worked closely with Promo Trade Print to understand its specific operational challenges and commercial opportunities before recommending the most suitable equipment.
Gent Belgium – July 2026 – Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems, a global leader in precision cutting technology, marks five years as a standalone company, reflecting on significant growth across its key segments: packaging, signage, and display.
Since its separation, Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems has remained steadfast in its commitment to developing technology that addresses the real-world needs of its customers.
The company has focused on delivering faster, more automated production systems, designed to support operators, relieve pressure on business owners, and enable teams to expand into new areas of work.
FESPA Middle East has announced that its 2027 edition will take place from 27–29 April 2027 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), marking a significant new chapter for the region’s leading exhibition dedicated to speciality print, signage, visual communication and textile decoration.
The announcement follows extensive consultation with industry stakeholders across the Middle East and North Africa, with the timing reflecting an understanding of current market conditions and the wider regional business landscape, to provide the specialist print and visual communications community with the opportunity to reunite, reconnect with suppliers, distributors and buyers, and explore the technologies, ideas and strategies shaping the future of the industry.
At Google Cloud AI Live Milano 2026, Mimaki’s direct-to-film (DTF) technology helped transform AI-generated designs into personalised T-shirts printed on demand
Artificial intelligence is changing the way ideas are created and digital print is changing how quickly those ideas can become real.
At Google Cloud AI Live Milano 2026, held at CityOval Milano, the two came together in a live personalisation experience powered by AI and enabled by Mimaki’s DTF technology.
For more than two decades, Ibrahim Fibres and Trützschler have grown side by side, driven by a shared ambition to continuously improve spinning performance, strengthen technology leadership and set new benchmarks in the textile industry.
Today, Ibrahim Fibres is a leading yarn and polyester staple fiber manufacturer in Pakistan.
The company operates the largest number of Trützschler cards in the country, with more than 200 machines running across its mills in Faisalabad, and plays an important role in one of Asia’s largest textile industries.
As part of its ongoing drive toward future oriented manufacturing, the company has now taken the next step by successfully integrating the latest generation of Trützschler carding technology: the TC 30Si, specifically designed for man‑made fiber applications.
Lambrate – Italia – July 8th 2026 – Viscom, the leading trade fair for visual communication, has officially opened pre-registration for its 2026 edition, scheduled to take place on 28th and 29th October at the Allianz MiCo Milano.
Industry professionals and creatives are encouraged to secure their place at one of Europe's most anticipated events in the visual communications sector.
Pre-registration is open to all attendees, with several pathways available depending on how visitors choose to register.
New York – NY – July 2026 - Optitex Pattern Design Software (PDS) was developed around the daily realities of professional pattern makers, not around a generalized vision of what design software should look like.
The architecture of the platform reflects a specific understanding of how experienced practitioners actually work and what currently interrupts that work.
Pattern makers working in Optitex PDS can build, modify, and evaluate garments within one connected environment.
Parsippany NJ – July 2026 – Sun Chemical has announced a significant step forward in supply chain transparency, reinforcing its commitment to responsible and traceable natural mica sourcing.
The company's fully backward integrated supply chain ensures that all natural mica-based effect pigments are sourced, processed, manufactured, and sold directly by Sun Chemical — from mine to market.
At the heart of this initiative is Sun Chemical's Hartwell, Georgia mine, which is regulated and audited by the US Mining Safety Health Association (MSHA).
Brixen/Munich, July 6, 2026 – Durst Group and TUM Venture Labs, a joint initiative of the Technical University of Munich and UnternehmerTUM, are launching a multi-year collaboration in the field of robotics, AI and automation for industrial production.
As a Platinum Partner, Durst becomes part of the TUM Venture Labs ecosystem and the first Italian partner in this network.