Thanks to increasingly efficient inkjet printing technologies, manufacturing frontiers are expanding to involve new materials and new, increasingly green fibres. Where to find out all this? On the Epson booth at ITMA 2023.

The new phase in the evolution of inkjet technology for the textile industry is now based upon a number of factors. In particular, it is worth mentioning the availability of new generation print heads, reliable and cost-effective in terms of quality and performance. Some of these come equipped with MEMS (Microelectromechanical systems), bringing further implementation in terms of performance.

Added to this is the continuous development of inks and pre- and post-treatment operations for fabrics, which enables innovative applications and the penetration of new markets.

And finally a third fundamental element, the expansion of the range of fabrics for digital printing with the market entry of new eco-sustainable materials, for example of plant origin, which will play a fundamental role in reducing the environmental impact of the textile industry.

According to a survey conducted by the Industrial Association for Finishing (IVGT) in April 2022, during the pandemic, 71% of manufacturers increased their investments in research and development, especially as regards innovative materials. A trend that will continue in the next few years. More and more manufacturers are focusing on sustainable fibres, yarns, fabrics and composites. Reducing the environmental impact plays an important role in these new research processes, as does the use of biodegradable materials, which do not contain microplastics. Even manufacturers of textile processing machines are increasingly focusing on sustainability because the challenge for the next few years will be to reduce the wastage of resources such as electricity, water and gas without compromising efficiency. In this connection, the introduction of water-saving dyeing processes, cutting technologies with minimal waste and digital solutions that reduce the phenomenon of overproduction are to be considered promising investments.

New frontiers to explore and be inspired by in the beautiful fabric samples previewed at the Epson stand at the next ITMA in Milan.