In this video podcast, Debbie McKeegan interviews Frank Maeder, president of NedGraphics and Optitex, discussing the evolution of textile design, the integration of technology, and the importance of sustainability. They explore how designers' roles have changed, the impact of digital tools like NedHub and their latest software release, plus the necessity of partnerships in the industry. The conversation also touches on the future of AI in design and the need for seamless workflows to enhance creativity and efficiency. Listen to learn more >>

"“GREEN GRADS is an inarguable double whammy: promoting new talent and the environment at one and the same time. Our forward-looking outward-facing sponsors publicly affirm their support of these two vital causes.” Barbara Chandler, founder/curator GREEN GRADS"

Conor has invented “seaweed leather,” a versatile, durable and sustainable biomaterial based on kelp, which is both regenerative and abundant in Scotland, where he studied and lives. Conor worked with Scottish seaweed experts and event organisers to explore and test his new material building a segment of a modular, scalable pavilion for outdoor events such as festivals. “Such temporary structures are typically made from extractive materials and generate significant waste,”

"In this conversation, Cary Sherburne of What They Think, USA interviews Michael Cherwinski, co-director and producer of Green Grads, discussing the initiative's mission to support new design talent and foster a community among graduates. Michael shares his background in ceramics and public engagement, emphasising the importance of networking and collaboration among designers. The conversation also highlights the strategies used to attract attention from journalists and investors, focusing on the strength of the products showcased by Greengrads."

Winner of the "THE EARTH AWARD 2024" Yohaan Kukreja and Ankita Khanna RAWMaterials (Renewable Agricultural Waste) “A bio-composite, which is a sustainable, circular alternative to synthetic materials, made from the rice straw otherwise burnt in huge quantities every year by farmers in India.” interviewed by Cary Sherburne of What They Think. The judges commended the passion that Yohaan and Ankita bring to their project, starting with a moving video that shows fields ablaze. They felt that RAWMaterials goes one step further than creating a material from waste; it is also a protest against deadly air pollution and soil degradation. The designers also have a credible business plan to target several industries, including footware, hotels and cars.

In this conversation, Cary Sherburne of What They Think interviews Saima Fateh - “The Transence Screen” This clever window blind is a new concept of "responsive sun-shading” which needs no electrical connections. The elegant translucent acrylic louvres panels contain a "smart" material called Nitinol, an alloy which changes shape as it gets hot, and reverts back as it cools down. Furthermore, the louvres are printed with photochromic patterns that shift from white to orange as solar radiation increases, creating pretty patterns on the wall – “but also flagging up invisible threats.” Research data came from Saima’s own home town of Udaipur, Rajasthan – “a semi-arid region with hot, dry summers, mild winters, and large temperature fluctuations between night and day.” Saima has a richly diverse design background – “my experience ranges from utilitarian products to craft-based sculptural installations.” Accordingly, she believes in “pluralist design” and adds: “Don’t think of me as either a designer or a craftsperson. To me design is simply ideas made visible.”

In this conversation, Cary Sherburne of What They Think, USA interviews Tayo Ayelowo at Green Grads, at Yorkton Workshop - London 2024. "I AM THE EARTH" - at Green Grads 2024, Yorkton Workshop, London. Tayo’s exuberant large-scale textile compositions vividly celebrate nature and animals and are intricately crafted from meticulously-cut scraps of discarded Dutch wax prints, with their bold distinctive graphics, of the type historically exported to West Africa, the artist’s homeland.

"In this conversation, Cary Sherburne of What They Think, USA interviews Adriana Tabuenca at Green Grads, at Yorkton Workshop - London 2024. Adriana explores her work and passion for environmental product design and practice. As an industrial designer, Adriana has developed a unique approach to using recycled materials like paper and cardboard as the basis for her 3D printed creations, in sharing the inspiration and process behind her biodegradable sculptures to combine cutting-edge technology with environmentally-conscious design principles."

"Oliver Mustoe Playfair of Prinfab and Graeme Richardson-Locke of Fespa discuss Prinfab's focus on innovation, technology, and efficiency, emphasising their commitment to sustainability and transparency in the supply chain.

Over the past eight years, there has been a growing demand from customers for organic and sustainable fabrics, though traditional quality and value-driven fabrics remain popular. Prinfab has implemented waste minimisation strategies and leverages digital print technology from their partner Epson to reduce errors and waste, aiming for "first time every time printed output.." The company boasts a high Trustpilot rating, reflecting their dedication to customer service and consistent, frictionless experiences."

".Kelly-Anne of FESPA interviews Harry Mustoe Playfair, co-owner of printfab, who discusses the company's mission to print customer dreams onto fabric quickly. Harry highlights Prinfabs' goal to reduce turnaround time to next-day shipping, a highly demanded service. Printfab differentiates itself through reliability, speed, and high-quality prints."

"Texintel CEO, Debbie McKeegan talks with Ron Sportel of Coldenhove and discusses the development and market traction of Texcol, a new transfer printing technology with Debbie McKeegan - CEO of Texintel. Texcol, which has improved its feel from previous versions, is part of a comprehensive system called TRAPIS by Mimaki, including printer, paper, ink, and calendar. This system allows for printing on various fabrics, including blends, without pretreatment or post-treatment, reducing water usage."

“Texintel CEO, Debbie McKeegan talks with Margo Montoya at Printing United in Vegas, 2024. At Printing United last year (2023), Coldenhove received feedback from signage customers seeking lighter grammage paper for dye sublimation. In response, they developed a high-performing, 100-gram paper that is highly absorbent and dries quickly".

“Texintel CEO Debbie McKeegan interviews Paolo Torricella and discusses the latest innovations in digital textile printing from EFI Reggiani at Printing United in Vegas 2024.

Paolo highlights the addition of a new all-in-one ecoTERRA pigment solution, specifically for 100% polyester fabrics, which offers superior light fastness and brilliance without pre-coating - this technology reduces energy consumption, manpower, and space requirements, making it a game-changer, with 12 colour options for ink lines, which enhances colour yield and gradients."

“Texintel CEO Debbie McKeegan interviews Angel Georgiou, from Canon USA to explore the latest technologies for digitally printed wallcoverings at the Vegas 2024 Printing United show. In conversation they explore the versatility of the Colorado and Arizona printers which offer high resolution printed output alongside dimensional stability, colour consistency, and speed across multiple media. The backdrop to the video highlighting five different customer panels - printed on five machines, in five different locations across the USA. The discussion emphasises the importance of continuity in large-scale projects and the ability to reprint lost or damaged panels - on demand in any location (close proximity production)."

“Texintel CEO Debbie McKeegan interviews Ford Bowers, President and CEO of the Printing United Alliance in Vegas 2024. The conversation highlights the vibrant state of the global print industry, with over 26,500 attendees expected to attend the show. The Print United Alliance, formerly SGIA, has evolved to include digital inkjet technologies and now consolidates various printing segments under one roof. Efforts in advocacy, workforce development, and education are emphasised, including the Women in Print Alliance and an online learning platform with over 4,000 users from 35 countries."

“At the Printing United 2024 event, Debbie McKeegan ceo of Texintel interviews Tim Check of Epson America inc. who introduces Epson's groundbreaking roll-to-roll DTF printer, the first of its kind, which is not yet launched. The printer, at 90cm wide, is compact and designed to address customer feedback for a more user-friendly and reliable DTF system."

“At the Printing United 2024 event, At the Printing United 2024 event, Debbie McKeegan interviews and explores key market insights with Davide Dragoni of MS Printing Solutions.

In conversation they discuss the US manufacturing industry's focus on nearshore and onshore manufacturing, moving on to share insight into the digitalisation of the print industry and the adoption of manufacturing sustainability. Dragoni notes that while the US is moving towards onshore manufacturing, certain segments like signage and digital textile printing for fashion are particularly prone to disruption. He highlights the importance of sustainability and environmental manufacturing, which is a top priority globally".

“At the Printing United 2024 event, Epson introduced the new SureColor S9170, the latest addition to their eco-solvent printer line. The printer features a redesigned body, lower in height, with a new white and black color scheme. It boasts an 11-color ink set, including a new green ink that extends the color gamut. The S9170 prints on various materials such as vinyls, canvases, banners, and wall coverings, suitable for both signage and interior design. Its inks, certified by GOTS, offer three years of outdoor durability, making it versatile for both indoor and outdoor applications.The S9170 prints on various materials such as vinyls, canvases, banners, and wall coverings, suitable for both signage and interior design."

"This conversation is about women in the print industry and the organizations that support and empower them. The guests, Lisbeth Lyons and Sarah Fenna, discuss the Women in Print Alliance and Women in Signs and Graphics, respectively. They talk about the challenges faced by women in the industry and the need for more representation and support. They also discuss the importance of engaging with education and attracting the next generation of women to the print industry. The conversation ends with a call for collaboration and the sharing of ideas and resources."

“In our recent interview, Henrik Muller Hansen, the CEO of Gelato explains the transformative power of automation within the digital print industry, highlighting how software solutions like Gelato Connect are revolutionizing print hubs by streamlining administrative tasks, enhancing operational excellence, and boosting profitability. By simplifying processes, these tools empower creators to focus on innovation while providing smaller print businesses with the means to compete on a global scale, fostering sustainability and driving growth.”