Building an on-demand, smart manufacturing facility – We talk with entrepreneurs Ross Newens and Michal Tracz, the co-founders of Print Logistic.
We explore the nuances and demands of customised production using digital technology, and the workflow automation software required to successfully offer printed and sewn products for apparel and décor.
The business was founded pre-pandemic and is strategically equipped to disrupt the traditional supply route for printed, sewn goods.
Listen to learn more >>
In this episode, host Debbie McKeegan is joined by textile designers, educators and researchers Rebecca Hoyes and Jo Pierce co-authors of Reimagining Printed Textiles. Together, they explore how colour, pattern and materials can be rethought as the textile industry faces growing environmental challenges.
The conversation looks at emerging natural and bio-based colour sources, including microbial fermentation and dyes made from waste streams. Rebecca and Joe also discuss how patterns can tell stories about a material’s origins, how digital tools can complement craft, and how designers can reduce waste through practical choices such as reworking printed fabrics and using less ink.
Looking ahead, they consider what it will take to build a more nature-positive future for textiles - from scaling promising innovations to sharing knowledge across design, science and industry.
Their message to professionals, designers and students is to stay curious, question established practices and see the whole life-cycle of the materials they create with.
Listen to learn more >>
In this episode, Debbie McKeegan is joined by Frank Maeder of NedGraphics and Optitex to explore how digital tools are reshaping textile and apparel workflows. They discuss the industry’s push to move faster, reduce waste, and connect teams across design and production—wherever they are in the world.
Frank shares highlights from NedGraphics’ latest release, including OptiNet Cloud, a platform for managing and sharing digital assets and collaborating across teams. The conversation also covers enhancements to rotary printing, tufting simulation, and pattern resizing, as well as an integration that brings more detailed digital yarns into the design workflow.
The episode looks ahead at a more connected creative ecosystem, where cloud collaboration and shared development across NedGraphics and Optitex can help reduce friction between ideas and production. Debbie and Frank also discuss how AI is supporting product development internally—and how continuous improvements can give designers more time to focus on their work.
Listen to learn more >>
Join host Debbie McKeegan for an inspiring conversation with Danit Peleg, founder of 3D Fashion Lab and a trailblazer in 3D-printed fashion.
Danit reflects on her journey from experimenting with desktop printers to creating soft, wearable textiles—and explores how AI is helping designers turn ideas into garments more quickly. Discover how bio-based materials, custom-fit designs, and on-demand local production could reshape the way fashion is made and consumed, while reducing waste and opening up new creative possibilities for designers and customers alike.
Listen to learn more >>
In this podcast episode, James Watson, Managing Director of Surface Print, discussed the evolution of his fourth-generation family business in Lancashire.
Surface Print combines traditional craftsmanship with digital innovation- investing £2 million in a hybrid rotary screen Gravure machine and £600,000 in new HP digital printers.
The company achieved ISO 14001 accreditation, introduced solar panels, and plans to install a new boiler and water recirculation system. Watson emphasised the importance of balancing traditional techniques with modern technologies to maintain quality and sustainability. The company also leverages AI for efficiency and marketing, while maintaining a family-oriented work culture.
Listen to learn more >>
From Dongles to Digital: Future‑Proof Licensing for Global Creative Teams
Host Debbie McKeegan talks with NedGraphics President Frank Maeder and 10Duke CEO Neil Fenton about the shift from hardware dongles to secure, user‑centric cloud licensing.
They discuss how this transition reduces friction for designers, supports hybrid and global workflows, strengthens security and resilience, and even contributes to sustainability by eliminating physical keys and their shipping footprint.
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.
Listen to learn more >>
In this insightful interview, Dave Conner, Director of Product Marketing at Stahls and Fulfill Engine, shares his journey into the textile industry.
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.
This is not merely a shift in consumer demand; it is the fundamental evolution of the printed surface. By leveraging adaptive manufacturing, 3D added value, and sustainable surface effects, digital printers can secure their future by offering unique print applications across apparel, interior décor, accessories, and bespoke objects.
Discover how automation, materials, and community collaboration are shaping the future of on-demand garment decoration and fulfilment.
Listen to learn more >>
In this podcast episode, Ulrich Scherbel, CEO of AMSilk, discusses the innovative production of bioengineered spider silk protein and its applications in the textile industry, going far beyond fibre and with the power to radically transform inks and chemistry.
He explains the challenges of scaling up production, the importance of sustainability, and how AMSilk's technology can significantly reduce carbon emissions. The conversation also touches on the role of AI in protein bioengineering and the future vision for transforming the textile supply chain through collaboration and innovation.
Listen to learn more >>
In this insightful interview, Jon Bailey, COO of Precision Proco, shares his journey into the print industry, leadership philosophy, and how embracing change and innovation has shaped his success.
Discover practical lessons on building a resilient business, nurturing talent, and leveraging AI for future growth.
Listen to learn more >>
In this conversation, Meike Nieuwenhuis shares her multifaceted approach to fashion design, emphasising the importance of collaboration, upcycling, and engaging with cultural heritage.
She discusses her experiences with digital printing and the Epson Innovation day at the NautaSign micro-factory, highlighting the need for sustainable practices in the fashion industry.
Listen to learn more >>
In this episode, MeiLin Wan, founder of GenuTrace, discusses the critical importance of traceability in the textile industry, particularly in light of increasing regulations and consumer expectations. With nearly a billion pounds of materials tracked under her leadership, MeiLin emphasises the shift from marketing claims to scientifically substantiated proof of sustainability. She highlights the need for both physical and digital verification methods, such as DNA testing and isotope analysis, to ensure that products are ethically sourced and compliant with regulations like the UFLPA. The conversation also touches on the evolving relationships between manufacturers and retailers, the challenges of integrating new technologies, and the necessity of transparency throughout the supply chain.
Listen to learn more >>
In this podcast, we explore the innovative world of sustainable inks with Punch Perrasin, founder of GrowInk and a 2025 graduate of Central St.Martins, London.
The conversation delves into the environmental challenges posed by traditional inks and how GrowInk’s research is redefining the printing industry with biodegradable inks derived from natural sources. Punch shares his journey from studying Material Fusion at Central Saint Martins to developing inks that not only provide colour but also contribute to environmental sustainability.
The discussion highlights the importance of collaboration between science and design, the challenges faced in research, and the potential for a shift in consumer perception towards temporary inks. Ultimately, the podcast emphasises the need for a more sustainable approach to printing and the role of the next generation in driving this change.
Listen to learn more >>
In this podcast episode, Carry Somers discusses her book, 'The Nature of Fashion,' which explores the deep connections between fashion, nature, and sustainability. She emphasises the importance of understanding fashion's botanical past to envision a more sustainable future. The conversation delves into the impact of natural fibres, the exploitation within the fashion industry, and the lessons we can learn from history. Carry shares inspiring stories of individuals working to revive traditional textile practices and highlights the need for a balance between modern innovation and ancient wisdom. Ultimately, she calls for a shift in perspective, urging listeners to see the deeper connections behind the materials we use in fashion.
Listen to learn more >>
In this podcast, Debbie McKeegan interviews Frank Maeder, president of NedGraphics and Optitex to discuss the latest 2026 software release and its significance in the textile design industry.
They explore the importance of software updates, the integration of AI in design tools, and the introduction of new features like AI-assisted tagging and colourway generation.
The conversation also delves into realism and simulation in textile design, highlighting the launch of the OPTINED Academy for training users on these advanced tools. Overall, the episode emphasises the need for continuous adaptation and learning in a rapidly evolving industry.
Listen to learn more >>
In this conversation, Debbie McKeegan speaks with Lisbeth Lyons Black, the director of the Women in Print Alliance, about the organisation's mission to support women in the printing industry.
They discuss the challenges women face, the importance of community and networking, and the various educational programs offered to empower women.
The conversation also touches on the impact of technology and AI on the workforce, the need for continuous learning, and the future initiatives of the Women in Print Alliance.
In this podcast episode, Debbie McKeegan interviews David Williamson, CEO at Modern Meadow, discussing the revolutionary advancements in biomaterials and their impact on sustainable textiles. They explore the concept of bio-design, the innovative production processes of Innovera, and how these materials compare to traditional leather. The conversation also delves into the sustainability challenges facing the textile industry, the role of luxury brands in adopting biomaterials, and the importance of trust and transparency in the supply chain. Williamson shares insights on the future of biomaterials, emphasising the need for scalable production and circularity in material design.
In this podcast episode, Debbie McKeegan interviews the design team from Mini Moderns, Keith Stephenson and Mark Hampshire.
They discuss their journey from branding to product design, the evolution of their product offerings, and their creative process.
The conversation also touches on the challenges faced in the design industry, the importance of colour and pattern, the impact of digital technology on their work, and the significance of strong manufacturing relationships.
They share valuable advice for aspiring designers and look ahead to future collections and celebrations for their 20th anniversary.
In this podcast episode, Debbie McKeegan interviews the inventor Cam Myers the founder of CreateMe
A technology company focused on automating the assembly of apparel using adhesive technology. They discuss the challenges in the apparel industry, including the skills gap, labour availability, and the inefficiencies of traditional sewing methods.
Cam explains how their innovative approach not only improves efficiency but also addresses sustainability concerns.
The conversation explores the future of automated apparel production, the role of robotics, and how automation can enhance creative design in the fashion industry.
In this podcast episode, Debbie McKeegan interviews Marta Naranowicz, the creative director at Caro and online brand Feeby based in Poland. Together they explore the evolution of digital wall coverings, and the impact of the latest technologies alongside AI creativity for the printing industry. Marta shares insights on sustainability, customisation, and the importance of innovation in design, as well as offering practical advice for designers and brands looking to expand into the lucrative wall coverings marketplace.
In this conversation, Debbie McKeegan, Brooke Roberts-Islam, and Anja Sadock discuss the critical topic of compliance in the fashion industry, focusing on the increasing number of regulations and the importance of data management in ensuring compliance. They explore the challenges faced by smaller businesses in navigating these regulations and highlight the opportunities that arise from embracing compliance as a positive step forward.
The discussion emphasises the need for a structured approach to data collection and the importance of mapping supply chains to improve transparency and accountability.
In this podcast episode, Debbie McKeegan interviews Kate Hills, founder of Make It British, discussing the state of UK manufacturing, particularly in the fashion and textile industry. They explore the Leicester Made event, the challenges faced by fashion manufacturers in Leicester, the importance of local production, and the need for a national campaign to promote 'Made in Britain'. The conversation highlights the benefits of choosing UK manufacturers, the issues of onshoring, and the necessity for a fairer industry that values Quality over Quantity.
In this conversation, Debbie McKeegan, Fespa Textile Ambassador and Mike Scrutton of Adobe discuss the latest innovations in textile printing, focusing on Adobe's PDF print engine 7 update and its impact on the industry. They explore the challenges of colour management, the importance of automation, and the future of on-demand manufacturing and personalisation in textile printing. The discussion also highlights the need for better visualisation tools to meet customer expectations and the potential for exciting advancements in the field. Listen to learn more…
In this podcast, Debbie McKeegan interviews Guy Yaniv, President of EMEA at Kornit Digital about the future of personalised fashion.
They discuss the shift in consumer demand towards individuality and self-expression, the technological advancements in garment decoration, and the impact of their Apollo technology on production processes. The conversation highlights the importance of agility in the apparel industry and the need for organisations to adapt to changing market demands. They also explore the challenges of digital transformation and the role of technology in empowering creativity within the fashion ecosystem...
Listen to learn more >>
In this podcast episode, Debbie McKeegan interviews Suzi Ward, the Managing Director of Fespa UK, discussing the evolution of the association, its role in supporting the print industry, and the importance of community engagement.
They explore the growth of membership, sustainability initiatives, and the Next Generation programs aimed at engaging youth in the industry.
The conversation highlights the challenges faced by small businesses, the need for government support, and the significance of networking within the print community.
Suzi emphasises the mantra of making a difference in all initiatives and the importance of collaboration for the future of the industry.”
Listen to learn more >>
In this podcast, Debbie McKeegan talks with Michael Mayr, a co-founder of Silana a Robotic sewing technology company based in Vienna, Austria.
Michael discusses the challenges and innovations in the textile industry, particularly focusing on robotic sewing and automated, sustainable production. He shares insights from his background in fashion, the need for automation, and the role of AI in revolutionising garment manufacturing.
The conversation highlights:
The importance of nearshoring production,
The challenges faced in the industry, and
The vision for a more sustainable future in fashion…
Listen to learn more >>
In this podcast, Debbie McKeegan and April Holyome – head of Product at the luxury Italian brand 16Arlington discuss the evolving landscape of fashion at the Epson Textile Academy. They focus on sustainability, career paths, and the importance of understanding the supply chain. April shares her journey from a print graduate to head of product at 16 Arlington, emphasising the need for creativity and business acumen in the fashion industry. They explore the significance of internships, the role of sustainability in design, and the importance of confidence and knowledge in navigating the fashion world. Listen to learn more >>
In this podcast episode, Debbie McKeegan and Bobby Grauf discuss the rise of product personalisation in the printing industry and the software that enables on-demand customisation. They explore how consumer demand for personalised products has surged and how this trend is reshaping market opportunities and the software the print industry must invest in to meet expectations.
The conversation delves into the importance of technology in enhancing customer experiences and the role of AI in streamlining the personalisation process. Bobby shares insights on how businesses can leverage these trends to create unique offerings and improve customer satisfaction. The discussion also highlights the importance of optimising production and fulfillment processes to meet customer expectations in the evolving printing industry. Listen to learn more >>
In this podcast, Debbie McKeegan hosts a roundtable discussion with Guy Alroy of Early.Vision, Oliver Mustoe Playfair of Prinfab and Phil McMullin of Epson UK. Their discussion explores the paradigm shift in the fashion industry from fast fashion to personalised fashion, highlighting the challenges, solutions, and benefits for the manufacturing community. Looking at all aspects of production to share their knowledge and expertise on how automation software in tandem with smart technology offers a solid solution for optimised apparel manufacture.Experts from Printfab, Epson, and Early Vision share insights on the role of technology, sustainability, and the future of apparel production. Listen to learn more >>
“In this podcast, Debbie McKeegan interviews Michael Chramtchenko, Chief of Staff - Sales and Marketing at Fiery. They discuss the company's innovative software solutions for the print industry, particularly in garment decoration. They explore the disruption caused by direct-to-film technologies, the importance of colour management, and the future potential of automation and AI in print technology. The conversation highlights the challenges and opportunities in on-demand apparel production and the evolving landscape of the textile industry…Listen to learn more >>
“In this engaging conversation, Debbie McKeegan speaks with Kathryn Sanders, founder of Western Sensibility, about her journey in the textile and digital printing industry. They discuss the innovative services offered to the interior design industry by Western Sensibility, including custom printing for various materials, the launch of their Innovation Lab, and their commitment to sustainability. Kathryn shares her passion for democratising design, the evolution of textiles and wallcoverings, and the importance of creative collaborations. The conversation concludes with insights into the future aspirations of Western Sensibility and the exciting projects on the horizon”.
In this 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 >>
Speciality print leaders from five Southern European countries will meet in Porto next month for the eleventh FESPA Southern European Congress, taking place on 11–12 November at HF Ipanema Porto, Portugal.
The two-day event, which is organised by five FESPA member associations – FESPA France, FESPA Italia, FESPA España, APIGRAF (Portugal) and the FESPA Hellas Association (Greece) – gives members of the community in Southern Europe the opportunity to benchmark their own strategies against peers facing similar conditions, as well as compare notes with neighbouring markets on customer expectations, workforce shortages, investment and new technology.
Batley, West Yorkshire – October 2026 – Roaches International, a member of the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA), has dispatched its largest integrated order for textile laboratory equipment to date.
A total of 19 testing machines weighing more than two tonnes have been delivered for a new laboratory being established by Indonesia's Alia Digital Printex, underscoring the British manufacturer's capability to supply complete testing facilities rather than individual instruments alone.
Mortsel, Belgium – October 29th 2026 – Agfa Inkjet Solutions has announced Experience Day 2026, a hands-on event dedicated to demonstrating how advanced inkjet printing and precision finishing can work together within a single, integrated workflow.
The event will take place on Thursday, 26 November 2026, from 09:00 to 15:00 at Agfa Headquarters in Mortsel, Belgium.
Developed in partnership with Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems, Experience Day 2026 will give print service providers a first-hand look at how combining print and finishing technologies can boost productivity, broaden application possibilities, and open up new business opportunities across sectors including signage, display, packaging, and corrugated production.
Balrothery, Ireland – October 2026 – Retink Graphics has added a second Epson SureColor R5000L latex printer to its Balrothery production floor, supplied by digitalprint.ie.
The investment follows strong returns from the company's first R5000L, which the team says paid for itself before they decided to expand.
Tübingen, Baden-Württemberg – October 2026 - The CHT Group has announced the expansion of its dyes portfolio with two new additions: BEMACID Brilliant Blue F-WN for polyamide and wool, and BEZAKTIV Solar Yellow ONE for flexible dyeing processes.
The launch reinforces CHT Group's commitment to delivering high-performance, sustainable colorant solutions for the global textile industry.
Both new dyes address growing demand among textile manufacturers for products that combine color brilliance, process reliability, and responsible formulation.
Staffordshire, UK – October 2026 – Staffordshire Signs & Graphics Ltd has announced the installation of a new DLI-3325 flatbed printer, supplied by China Print Supplies UK Ltd.
The investment marks a significant step forward for the business, enhancing its production capabilities and expanding the range of signage solutions it can offer customers.
The installation follows months of careful planning, with the new machine now in place and undergoing fine-tuning and staff training ahead of full commissioning
Corby – Northants – October 2026 – Keencut Ltd, a leading innovator in the cutting and finishing equipment industry, has today highlighted its Evolution3 Lift & Hover technology, a breakthrough system designed to make material positioning faster, easier and more accurate than ever before.
The new technology allows operators to adjust, align and achieve perfect positioning with precise control, all through simple single-person operation.
By streamlining what has traditionally been a multi-step, often cumbersome process, Keencut is addressing a long-standing challenge faced by professionals across the sign-making, graphics and framing industries: achieving exact cutting precision without compromising on speed or efficiency.
Istanbul – Turkiye – October 2026 – Optimum Digital has announced that Kilim Home, an established Turkish carpet manufacturer serving international markets, has invested in its direct-to-carpet printing technology.
The move strengthens Kilim Home's production capabilities and marks a significant step forward in the company's ongoing embrace of innovation within digital carpet manufacturing.
Frankfurt am Main, Germany – 27 October 2026 – Heimtextil, the international trade fair for home and contract textiles, has announced the launch of the Functional Futures Lab, a new showcase curated in partnership with Future Fabrics Expo.
Taking place from 12 to 15 January 2027 in Hall 4.1, the exhibition will spotlight materials engineered to meet the evolving functional demands of architecture, interior design and hospitality, from thermal regulation to flame resistance and durability.
The Functional Futures Lab will present both visionary prototypes and commercially available solutions, with each exhibit's stage of development made transparent through Technology Readiness Levels
Shanghai, People's Republic of China – October 2026 – KARL MAYER will present a comprehensive portfolio of advanced warp knitting and warp preparation technologies at ITMA ASIA 2026, taking place from 20 to 24 November at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC) in Shanghai.
The company's presence spans two exhibition halls, with warp knitting innovations on display in Hall 4.1, Booth C18, and warp preparation solutions featured in Hall 3, Booth
Bolzano, Italy – 26 October 2026 – Durst will participate as Leading Sponsor at Viscom 2026, taking place on 28 and 29 October at Allianz MiCo Milan.
In the year marking its 90th anniversary, the South Tyrolean company returns to the leading event for the Italian visual communication market with a new format, a new location, and the Italian debut of a new printing technology.
Durst's presence at Viscom underscores the company's commitment to maintaining close dialogue with customers, prospects, and industry professionals.
Clay Cross – UK – July 2026 – Resolute highlights its new DTF Pneumatic Twin Platen Heat Press, a professional-grade heat press designed to help print shops increase output, improve consistency, and reduce downtime across high-volume production runs.
The machine's dual-platen design allows operators to prepare the next garment while the current one is being pressed, significantly reducing idle time and increasing throughput.
This makes it particularly well-suited to print shops running large direct-to-film (DTF) and transfer print operations, where speed and consistency are critical.
Pattern Room Launches New Pattern Room Experience, Making Online Design-to-Pattern Faster Than Ever
Victoria, Australia, 27/10/2026 – Pattern Room, the online pattern-making studio founded by Australian pattern maker Julia Watts, today announced the launch of its updated platform, introducing a new guided design pathway, an in-house sampling service, and an expanded catalogue of styles for apparel businesses worldwide.
The update is designed to make it faster and easier for designers, garment technicians, and manufacturers to move from concept to production-ready pattern, without the friction that has traditionally slowed the early stages of garment development.
Athens , Greece – 23 October 2026 – UFABRIK has extended its European distribution network into Greece with the appointment of TSEKMERES GS, an established supplier to the country's textile, screen and large-format digital printing industries.
The agreement brings UFABRIK's digital textile portfolio to a market where UV and Latex technologies remain dominant, but where dye-sublimation is emerging as a significant area of potential growth.
The partnership will focus on providing high-quality textiles for silicone edge graphics (SEG) applications, alongside a wider substrate offering for the Greek market.
São Paulo, Brazil – October 2026 – FESPA has announced that FESPA Brasil 2027 will take place from 1 – 4 March in the Blue and White Pavilions of Expo Center Norte, São Paulo.
The leading digital printing exhibition will bring together the sector's biggest global players to showcase the latest solutions across packaging, textiles, signage, and personalised products.
As one of the most visited exhibitions organised by FESPA, FESPA Brasil 2027 will give visitors access to complete solutions and technological innovations spanning print shops, packaging and labels, textile printing, personalised products, 3D printing, and signage and wide format, among other sectors
New York City, USA, October, 2026 – NedGraphics, a global leader in textile and apparel design software, today announced the official launch of NedGraphics 2027, a major software release designed to bring creativity, technology, and production closer together through a more connected and flexible digital ecosystem.
At the center of NedGraphics 2027 is OPTINEDCloud, a new cloud storage and asset management environment integrated across key NedGraphics applications.
OPTINEDCloud gives design, approval, and production teams a centralized space to store, organize, visualize, share, and manage product development files.
Mönchengladbach, Germany – Monforts will showcase its latest advances in finishing, coating and energy-efficient processing at India ITME 2026, as the region's textile manufacturers increasingly look beyond volume production towards higher-value fabrics.
The German finishing machinery specialist will exhibit in Greater Noida , India at stand A5 in Hall 1 from December 4-9.
Milan, Italy – October 22nd 2026 – Agfa Inkjet Solutions today announced it will present its award-winning Jeti Bronco H3300 HS live at Viscom Italia 2026, taking place 28–29 October at the Allianz MiCo Convention Center.
Visitors can see the hybrid wide-format printer in action at Stand 8 B17/C20, where Agfa will demonstrate its capabilities for sign and display businesses seeking greater productivity without compromising on image quality.
The 3.3-metre Bronco H3300 HS delivers print speeds of up to 450 m²/h while maintaining high image quality, combining the flexibility to handle both rigid and roll media in a single hybrid platform.
Berlin, Germany – 21 October 2026 – NVIDIA today announced that Europe's leading ecosystem partners are adopting the NVIDIA DSX™ AI Factory Platform to build AI factories that minimise water consumption for cooling and use less power for the same AI output.
The platform also helps partners bring new capacity online faster and adapt workload power consumption to support grid reliability.
NVIDIA DSX is a full-stack AI factory reference architecture, co-innovated with the world's leading infrastructure companies, in which compute, networking, storage, software, power and cooling are codesigned as one system.
East Sussex, UK – October 2026 – Vivid Laminating Technologies has announced that Pureprint Group, a leading print and marketing services business, has selected its multi award-winning Veloblade technology for use across its operations.
The decision underscores a shared commitment to innovation and efficiency within the print industry.
Imst – Ostreich – October 2026 – DyStar, a global leader in textile chemistry and innovative solutions, has announced its pivotal role in helping Textildruck Imst (TDI) achieve successful certification of the German "Multitarn" camouflage print.
The achievement, reached within a matter of months despite an ambitious timeline and exceptionally stringent requirements, enabled production to commence on schedule as part of a strategic collaboration with Getzner Textil.
The certification process demanded rigorous standards across colour performance, durability, infrared signature, and safety compliance.
From the outset, DyStar supported TDI by supplying the necessary products, technical expertise, and hands-on application support required to meet these demanding benchmarks.
Milan, Italy – October 2026– Epson will present its latest advancements in signage, UV printing and textile customisation at VISCOM 2026, taking place at Allianz MiCo Milan on 28-29 October.
Visitors can find Epson at Gate 3, Stand G14, where the company's specialists will demonstrate how its newest technologies are helping businesses expand into high-value applications through superior print quality and precise colour management.
As visual communication and personalisation markets continue to evolve at pace, Epson is positioning itself at the forefront of that change.
Leicester, UK – October 2026 – VeriVide is an official RAL Distributor in the United Kingdom, giving UK designers, specifiers and manufacturers direct access to the complete range of RAL colour standard products.
The appointment reinforces VeriVide's commitment to supporting the architecture, interior design, and industrial design sectors with reliable, globally recognised tools for accurate colour communication.
South Normanton – UK – October 2026 – Sun Chemical, a global leader in printing inks, coatings, and pigments, today reinforced the importance of looking beyond colour when selecting dyes for printing inks, urging formulators and manufacturers to weigh performance data alongside colour accuracy to achieve reliable, long-lasting results.
While colour remains a defining factor in dye selection, Sun Chemical emphasises that performance properties are equally critical to a dye's overall suitability for an application.
These include lightfastness, which is shaped by dye concentration, binder composition, substrate, and testing conditions; resistance properties, such as bleed resistance and over-lacquering resistance; and migration behaviour, which can vary depending on the substrate, coating, and storage conditions.
United Kingdom – October 2026 – Textile Skills Centre has announced a new Design to Print Competition in partnership with Prinfab, the UK's leading digital fabric printer.
The competition invites UK schoolchildren aged 5 to 18 to submit original textile designs or artwork for the chance to see their work professionally printed onto fabric.
The initiative aims to give young designers a tangible, industry-standard outcome for their creative work, while introducing them to the practical realities of textile design and digital printing.
Telford, UK – October 2026 – Ricoh UK has announced the return of Print Evolution Live, its flagship industry event, for a fourth consecutive year.
Taking place on 10-11 November 2026 at Ricoh's Telford site, the event will once again bring together leaders from across the print sector to explore the strategic shifts shaping the industry's future.
Karachi – Pakistan – October 2026 – ZIMMER AUSTRIA successfully concluded its participation at IGATEX PAKISTAN 2026, one of the region's leading exhibitions for textile and garment technology.
The event highlighted a growing shift among Pakistani manufacturers toward high-value technical textile production, a trend that aligns closely with ZIMMER AUSTRIA's innovative solutions.
Throughout the exhibition, ZIMMER AUSTRIA demonstrated the capabilities of its #magnoroll and #colaris technologies, both designed to support manufacturers moving into advanced technical textile segments, including coating, printing, and specialty fabric production.
Southend – Essex – October 2026 – Vivid Laminating Technologies Ltd has announced the successful installation of its multi award-winning VeloBlade Nexus cutting system at Guardian Exhibition and Display, a leading name in the exhibition and display industry.
The installation, completed last week, equips Guardian Display with one of the most advanced cutting solutions available, reinforcing the sector's ongoing shift towards greater automation and precision.
Uxbridge, UK – October 2026 – Perfect Colours will host a Celebration in Colour event on Thursday 5 November at the Xerox UK IC Centre in Uxbridge, giving attendees a first-hand look at the new Proficio colour presses in action.
The event will showcase the capabilities of the Proficio range, with live demonstrations featuring a striking collection of fluorescent colours designed to push the boundaries of what print professionals can achieve with colour technology.
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.
The Path Foward: Connect Every Link:
Design, colour, workflow, production, data. Each link now depends on the one before it, and the printers who will lead the market are those who strengthen the whole chain, not just the machinery at its centre.
So, this autumn, ask the bigger question on your own shop floor.
Not "Which printer?" but "How well does my business connect demand, design and production?"
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.
A 150-year name means nothing without the R&D discipline to win a tender for antistatic, carbon-fibre-infused uniform fabric on the first attempt.
Image Credit: Tejidos Rebé
What if the next dress you wore never touched the factory floor?
This is no longer a fringe experiment. It is a maturing production model, backed by genuine material science, real circularity, and an AI-assisted workflow that is becoming more accessible by the month.
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.
Colour Is Too Important to Leave to Chance
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.
At the same time, manufacturing in the UK has grown steadily harder - rising minimum wage, national insurance, energy and substrate costs all bear down on margins. Surface Print have embraced all of these challenges - and stand resolutely prepared for the future.
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 word "toxic" carries weight. It conjures danger, harm, and things best avoided.
“Yet in the textile industry - Where between 3,000 and 10,000 chemicals move through the supply chain, a reflexive fear of the term is one of our biggest obstacles to progress.”
This article distils the key takeaways and what buyers, designers, and brands should be asking right now.
What Is the Digital Product Passport?
At its core, a Digital Product Passport is a digital record attached to a physical product - 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.
The Market Gap that Changed Everything
Future Fashion was founded in 2019, timed deliberately to coincide with a pivotal moment in global textile technology: the commercial launch of the EFI Reggiani BOLT Single-Pass digital printing system.
The founders recognised that single-pass architecture had fundamentally changed what was industrially possible - and that Pakistan's domestic market had yet to catch up.
Print is no longer defined by the inefficiencies that once characterised it…as advances in production processes and technology have significantly improved its environmental performance.
Taran Rai, Corporate Sustainability Manager at Epson explains why?
The story of what happens when young designers access digital technology is still being written.
What once was a theoretical sustainability goal seems to have shifted into an active regulatory reality.
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.“
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.”
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”