Special Report


In contrast, digital fabric printing cuts out the need for plates and associated washing with water and chemicals, making it both an eco-friendly and cost-conscious option. The process uses inkjet technology to print from digital fi les directly onto fabric. Today’s advanced printers can handle precise colour gradients and subtle differences in tones, providing faithful reproductions time after time without any loss of quality. Digital technology also allows on-demand printing of large or small quantities, ensuring exactly the right number of items are produced in a fast turnaround. Since no plates are needed, digital printing also saves on storage space and time spent managing plates. By producing only what is needed, when it is needed, organisations keep less inventory, but have the fl exibility to respond immediately to fl uctuations in demand. This saves money and lowers environmental impact, and prevents excess volumes of unsold stock becoming waste.


Furthermore, the pigment-based inks used for digital printing require no post-processing unlike dyes often used in analogue or screen printing which may require further rinsing and steaming. Combining digital printing with pigments inks allows for a reduction of water usage by up to 97% according to the Direct Water Usage in Digital Textile Printing (January 2024) report, if deployed throughout the textile industry this approach would dramatically cut the discharge of wastewater and help to reduce landfi ll.


Sustainability versus creativity While the eco credentials of digital printing are compelling, some doubt still lingers in the garment decoration and print promotion sector whether such technology, in conjunction with eco-friendly plant-based fi bres, can support creativity and deliver quality. Quashing any concerns is renowned fashion designer, Yuima Nakazato. At the Autumn – Winter 2024-25 Haute Couture Week in Paris, Mr Nakazato unveiled a stunning new collection that spectacularly showcased his artistic vision, setting a new standard for sustainable fashion. By integrating Epson’s advanced pigment inkjet printing with Spiber’s innovative Brewed Protein fi bre, his creations demonstrated how technology and sustainable practices can come together to deliver extraordinary results.


www.printwearandpromotion.co.uk


Thinking imaginatively and seeking out like- minded partners can bring about exciting new solutions to the long-standing issues of waste and pollution


– Phil McMullin, head of sales commercial & industrial printing, Epson UK


adoption of digital printing, the reality of an eco-friendly textile industry is becoming more attainable.


Regulatory pressure is building However, those that are slow to adopt new sustainable approaches will increasingly fi nd themselves on the wrong side of a string of EU regulations and legislation that directly affect the textile and fashion industries.


Digital technology also allows on-demand printing of large or small quantities


The collection featured a unique, blended fabric composed of 85% cotton and 15% Brewed Protein fi bre developed through a fermentation process using plant-based ingredients and microbes. This ingenious composition creates luxurious textiles without the environmental impact associated with traditional animal-derived fi bres. Utilising pigment inks with the Eco Passport certifi cation, Epson’s Monna Lisa’s digital printing technology was instrumental in bringing Mr Nakazato’s vibrant designs to life. Whereas traditional printing methods can limit creative possibilities for designers, the fl exibility of Epson’s technology enables high-resolution, complex pattern printing on a wide range of fabric types. Summing up his collaboration with Epson, Mr Nakazato says that designers struggle to fi nd suitable printing techniques for innovative sustainable fabrics as textile factories are often reluctant to explore new ideas. However, working with Epson enabled extensive experimentation and the results in terms of colour quality were exceptional, surpassing expectations.


With proven technology providing sustainable options and leading designers such as Mr Nakazato inspiring further


The EU’s aim is to engender sustainable and responsible corporate behaviour. To this end, the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) is broadening its scope inexorably over the next few years, requiring smaller companies to disclose environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in line with obligations already in force for larger companies. Not to be confused with the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) which sets out a further corporate duty of due diligence to address the potential environmental impact of not only a company’s own operations but also their value chain and business partners. Additionally, the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) focuses specifi cally on ecodesign for products, including textiles, setting out a series of rules to increase the ‘circularity’ of products. This refers to the concept of reusing, reviving, and recycling products and resources throughout their lifecycle to eliminate waste and prevent environmental damage. The goal is to create a closed- loop, so resources are continuously recycled back into use.


The power of imaginative collaboration


Without doubt, the textile industry faces massive environmental and regulatory challenges, and identifying where to start can be daunting. However, thinking imaginatively and seeking out like-minded partners can bring about exciting new solutions to the long-standing issues of waste and pollution.


By joining forces, brands will be able to innovate freely and enhance their reputation with high-quality eco-friendly products that reduce their carbon print, while remaining economically viable. Collaborating with the likes of Epson, a pioneer in digital printing, can help reshape a different future for the garment decoration and print promotion sector, and contribute to a better, sustainable textile industry.


January 2025 |47 |


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