The roll-to-roll digital textile printing market is experiencing substantial growth. As different elements of the production process improve, it makes digital printing a more viable and attractive method.

To compete in today’s competitive market, some of the world’s most prominent textile print houses have made significant investments in high-speed digital printing technology. Even prominent US brands have adapted to this change to compete with efficiency rates and production costs in areas like Asia.

Digitally printed chair by Lucie Sheridan, Bristol Upholstery Collective

Digital textile printing technologies are becoming more appealing because of their ability to make production faster, cheaper and easier for printers. 

They appeal to the sustainability narrative, in that they allow for mass-manufacturing on a greater scale. There is greater production flexibility with these emerging technologies, which allows for shorter runs than the traditional analog methods.

Digital textile printing has also improved personalization and customization capabilities, introducing an extremely attractive opportunity to printers. 

This increased desire for digital printing capabilities has allowed the technology to expand, giving printers a broader range of options from more reasonably priced entry-level machines, to higher class, high-speed machines that improve efficiencies.

The impact of this trend has been felt across markets, and can be seen in industries like luxury fashion, which has transformed into a fast-fashion industry.

 The unique applications of digital textile printing technology will continue to introduce innovative ideas to the market, and will see even more growth in the time to come. 

Read more in the SGIA Journal January/February 2018 Graphic Edition.