How Digital Printing is Radicalizing the Textile Industry

Textile dyeing is the second-largest polluter of water worldwide and the fashion industry produces 20 percent of the world’s wastewater, highlighting the imperative need for the industry to take action. With bold prints and vibrant colors being essential in the fashion industry, labels often rely on such bold colors to give their brand its identity. However, harsh chemicals are still widely used throughout the sector to achieve these colors. With the aim to reduce textile waste, digital printing has come a long way since it first burst on the scene, having undergone drastic changes and transformations along the way. The textile market is showing no signs of slowing down, with fashion trends constantly changing and the increase of purchasing power. It is estimated that by 2024, global production of printed textiles could reach a staggering figure of 37 billion square meters, with the textile printing industry-dominating around 7-15% of the industry. With the possibilities of faster sampling, printing, design efficiency, and flexibility, digital printing presents the industry with an attractive opportunity when it comes to on-tome marketing campaigns. For digital printing to be incorporated on a larger scale, it is necessary that the textile industry adapts to the latest innovations in printing technology. What is Digital Printing? The use of digital printing in the textile printing industry is referred to as “digital textile printing”. Much of the process is similar to traditional textile printing when it comes to the selection and pre-treatment of fabrics. The fabric is run through a printer at a very high speed, receiving speed, and wash and dry treatment. The main differences between digital and traditional printing are color pressing, geometry, and the use of graphics on the fabric. Rotary screens are used in the traditional process, where printers use printable images, designs, or graphics. Color is then selected through a LAB or RGB system. Afterward, desired color prints are applied to the fabric as tiny droplets of ink. The Benefits There are many benefits of opting for digital textile printing. One of the main advantages is the lower fixed cost due to the limited need for color separating and screen etching. Samples are also of a lower cost as individual patterns don’t need to be test screened. In addition, sampling is also faster, allowing for short-term delivery. This results in an easy way to develop and modify samples without delay. A new rotary screen is required for every adjustment in conventional printing. Digital printing gives higher resolution and geometry accuracy, with the flexibility of color combinations. Not to mention the sustainability and eco-friendly aspects of not requiring any washing treatment to apply new colors, thus saving a lot of water. There’s also no excess dye chemical disposal into the environment, making the process clean and hygienic. House of U - Digital Printing in the Netherlands House of U is an inventive digital textile printing company producing rich and vibrant prints on sustainable materials on demand. Based in the Netherlands, House of U is a digital textile printing company that helps fashion designers bring their vision to life. Working to reduce its chemical, water, and energy impacts, the company offers a wide variety of sustainable materials to print on. By utilizing a digital platform, House of U offers a dynamic and versatile service to designers by granting them creative freedom without limits. The company uses recycled polyester, organic cotton, and lyocell that is Global Recycle Standard (GRS) certified. The GRS is recognized worldwide as a quality mark for recycled clothing. Offering a wide variety of GRS-certified fabrics for eco-conscious, designers are able to print onto their desired fabrics without compromising on style or softness. House of U offers many fabrics carrying this certification within its “U-Circular” collection. The collection consists of recycled polyester, also referred to as Rpet, which is made from recycled plastic bottles. House of U is passionate about applying circular business practices, by reusing waste to produce new garments.