Transforming the future of fashion with more sustainable printing technology

Discover how Epson’s innovative technologies are transforming textile and fashion production, offering more sustainable solutions that reduce water consumption, minimise environmental impact, and unleash limitless creative possibilities.

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Sustainable Fashion

More sustainable textile and fashion production

The fashion industry faces a crucial challenge: balancing creativity and sustainability. Epson’s innovative Monna Lisa digital inkjet printing solutions can provide a more sustainable future for textile and fashion production by dramatically reducing water consumption and environmental impact while enhancing creative freedom for designers. For over 80 years, Epson has been at the forefront of printing innovation, pioneering a water-free paper and textile re-fibration process known as Dry Fiber Technology (DFT).

Initially used for recycling office paper, DFT has now been adapted to produce rolls of printable non-woven fabric from waste garments without the need for water. It’s a significant innovation and opportunity for the fashion industry because it offers a water-free recycling process that makes fashion circularity a reality.

Epson’s Monna Lisa digital textile printing technology, using more sustainable pigment inks, can reduce water consumption in the colour printing stage of clothing production significantly (by up to 97%¹). As well as eliminating pre and post-processes required by conventional dye-methods, digital on-demand textile printing also reduces stock waste and excess inventory.

Why choose Epson Monna Lisa for sustainable fashion?

Water reduction

Printing with digital printers using pigment inks is a more sustainable choice compared to analogue dye printing, as it eliminates the need for steaming and washing. With Epson’s Monna Lisa ML-13000, water consumption can be reduced by up to 97%¹, reducing the environmental impact of textile production.

Endless creative potential

Traditionally, printing on blended fabrics requires multiple dye inks, limiting design options. Epson’s Monna Lisa technology with pigment inks enables high-resolution prints on diverse fabrics, expanding creative possibilities and supporting the use of innovative new sustainable materials.

Reduced energy consumption

Epson Monna Lisa technology is designed to optimise energy usage during the printing process, to minimise consumption and help to reduce the carbon footprint associated with textile production. By printing only what’s needed, it reduces fabric waste and excess inventory, promoting sustainable practices.

Yuima Nakazato and Epson

Epson is proud to collaborate with Yuima Nakazato, a visionary fashion designer at the forefront of sustainable innovation. Together, we explore groundbreaking materials and methods that redefine the future of fashion.

Dry Fiber Technology:

Using Epson’s proprietary DFT, Yuima Nakazato creates garments using recycled fibers, reducing waste, and supporting a circular economy.

Brewed Protein™ fabric:

Nakazato’s designs feature this innovative material derived from plant-based proteins, printed on using Monna Lisa and more sustainable pigment inks², offering a more environmentally responsible alternative to traditional textiles.

Sustainable showcase:

At Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week, Nakazato’s collection highlighted the seamless integration of Epson’s Monna Lisa technology and sustainable materials such as Brewed Protein, proving that high fashion and environmental responsibility go hand-in-hand.

New pan-European study from Epson reveals the worrying water footprint of our wardrobes

Fashion is one of the world’s most influential and inspiring industries, but it also has a significant impact on our planet’s resources. For several years we have been developing innovative print and textile solutions to address some of the industry’s most challenging problems.

To spotlight some of the environmental issues facing this sector and how our next-generation textile printing technology could help change fashion for the better, we commissioned European-wide research to better understand the amount of water used to produce the clothes in people’s wardrobes, the biggest water ‘wasters’ and the limited understanding of the term ‘water footprint’.

Our hope is that the findings encourage other businesses to adopt more sustainable textile production methods, and help consumers make more informed choices about what they buy and wear.

Over half of respondents (53%) had never heard of the term ‘water footprint’, and 65% didn’t realise how much water is needed to dye clothes.

One in two (55%) respondents have never really thought about how clothes get their colour, and 53% feel worried about the environmental impact of the fashion industry.

84% of respondents were shocked to discover that it takes 43 litres of water (equivalent to 22 days of drinking water) to dye just one cotton t-shirt.

All frequently asked questions

What types of textiles can Epson Monna Lisa print on?

Epson Monna Lisa printers support a wide range of materials, including cotton, silk, wool, polyester, and blends, ensuring flexibility for various fashion needs.

How does digital printing reduce environmental impact?

Digital textile printing using pigment inks offers a more sustainable approach to the fabric production process compared with traditional analogue methods. In addition to pigment inks requiring significantly less water, the digital process requires far fewer stages and is less complex. Unlike analogue it requires no plate production, washing or storage, results in little disposal of used inks, and allows on-demand production that contributes to less waste.

Can Epson technology integrate into existing production lines?

Yes, Epson Monna Lisa printers are designed for seamless integration, enabling brands to adopt sustainable practices without overhauling their operations.

What support does Epson offer for new customers?

Epson provides setup guidance, technical support, and training to ensure a smooth transition to digital textile printing.

Join the movement for sustainable fashion

We believe innovation can drive meaningful change. Our Monna Lisa digital inkjet printing technology, can help to reduce your environmental footprint while maintaining exceptional quality and creativity.

Learn more about Monna Lisa Technology

¹ This figure relates to the potential water saving capabilities of the Monna Lisa 13000 (ML-13000) with pigment inks. The source of the 97% comes from the Fuluhashi Environmental Institute, 2024 “Report on Direct Water Input in Digital Textile Printing."

² The Monna Lisa uses Epson's Genesta inks which are GOTS approved by ECOCERT.