#Digital Printing

2018-04-05

Epson and For.Tex innovate pre-treatment for pigment printing

Epson, a pioneer in digital textile printing, and its subsidiary For.Tex, a leading producer of dye, thickeners and textile pre/post-treatment products, are launching Pregen PCC, the innovative textile pre-treatment formula for digital pigment-printed fabrics that allows them to reach a grade 4 rating for fastness to rubbing along with unprecedented brilliance and colour intensity. Pregen PCC is already available and is suitable for fabrics used for both clothing and interior decorating.

Grade 4 rubbing fastness and colour performance improved by 20%: the new formula from Pregen PCC offers state-of-the-art pre-treatment of fabrics for digital printing with pigment inks
Continuous improvement that combines high performance, efficiency and low environmental impact

Brilliant colours lasting longer. This is the result achieved with the new formula Pregen PCC. Compared to current pre-treatment products, it guarantees improved colour performance (20% higher intensity) and better rubbing fastness in both dry and wet tests (grade 4). Pigment printing is also environment-friendly: it does not require steaming or washing units, thereby reducing water and energy consumption.

“We are happy to see that the market is learning to appreciate pigment technology. We were the first to believe in it – with the first Genesta PG pigment inks launched in 2005 - and we are convinced that the new pre-treatment formula will facilitate the adoption of this technique,” explained Pietro Roncoroni, chairman of For.Tex.. “Pregen PCC is another step forward in the simplification and efficiency of the printing process, as it considerably reduces time and costs. In reaching a higher level of colour fastness, switching from traditional to digital printing is becoming increasingly more convenient.”

Monna Lisa, Genesta pigment inks, and Pregen: the integrated system that guarantees reliable, high-quality digital printing

Pregen PCC, the new pre-treatment for pigment-printed textiles, is only the latest product developed by For.Tex as they work continuously to improve the chemical component of digital printing. Since the introduction in 2005 of Genesta PG pigment inks, with over 6 million square meters printed to date, Monna Lisa has ensured a level of quality and reliability that are unmatched in this sector. The ongoing research has now produced Pregen PCC, another target achieved in improving quality while reducing time and costs (no particular treatment is required after printing to obtain maximum results) for digital pigment-printed textiles. This is an indispensable pre-condition for a sector that promises significant growth rates in coming years, and new efforts towards a reduced environmental impact.

Epson launches SureColor G9000: high-production Direct-To-Film printer delivering greater productivity and reliability

Epson today announces the launch of the SureColor G9000, a new high-production Direct-To-Film (DTFilm) printer designed to meet growing global demand for flexible and efficient textile transfer printing. Expanding Epson’s DTFilm line-up alongside the SC-G6000, the SC-G9000 introduces enhanced speed, reliability and ease of maintenance for commercial garment decorators and textile producers.

Epson future proofs textile printing with Epson Textile Academy 2.0

Technology leader Epson today hosted its second Textile Academy Event at the company’s Textile Innovation Centre in Lutterworth, Leicestershire. Building on the success of its inaugural Textile Academy earlier this year, the event welcomed Textile Design BA students from Nottingham Trent University (NTU) and Loughborough University. The event features workshops designed to enhance student’s practical textile printing skills; corporate and entrepreneurial business acumen; marketing and self-branding; and environmental awareness around the textile industry.

Epson unveils Monna Lisa ML-16000JQ for more efficient and sustainable Jacquard fabric printing

Global technology firm Epson announces a new direct-to-fabric digital textile printer designed for jacquard fabrics. The Monna Lisa ML-16000JQ delivers direct-to-fabric double-sided printing on jacquard fabrics, meeting the needs of fashion designers looking to enhance their creativity by seamlessly integrating vibrant colours with intricate woven patterns.

Mimaki upgrades TS330 series for vibrant and seamless dye sublimation printing

The TS330 Series now provides users with an extended colour gamut, offering the flexibility to serve different markets profitably from one solution – from fashion to décor to signage – with improved colour vibrancy, fidelity and accuracy. Mimaki also introduces a larger solution to the TS330 Series, the TS330-1800, able to accommodate single-piece, wide textile fabrics, ideal for larger home décor applications.

“Action helps us change what we do!”

DAY 0 takes place deliberately before PERFORMANCE DAYS begins. It is conceived as a space for reflection, dialogue and active engagement — a moment to pause before the fair, rethink established systems and address sustainability not as a trend, but as a fundamental transformation challenge. Under the guiding metaphor “Turn the Tap Off”, DAY 0 focuses on root causes rather than symptoms, systemic change rather than isolated solutions, and collective responsibility rather than individual silos.

Pets in fashion: functional and sustainable textiles find new market at Intertextile Apparel

China’s pet economy is booming, especially amongst younger generations, and pet apparel – from designer outfits to functional garments – was a RMB 3.5 billion (over USD 500 million) market in 2024, growing more than 20% annually¹. To help exhibitors harness this trend, Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition 2026 will launch the Pet Boutique, presenting a range of innovative, sustainable materials that prioritise both functionality and comfort for pets.

VAUDE eliminates PFAS from all products

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are now detectable worldwide – in drinking water, soil and the human body. These so-called “forever chemicals” are considered hazardous to health and potentially carcinogenic, as they do not break down and remain in the environment permanently. Despite these risks, PFAS are still used in a wide range of products. More than 15 years ago, VAUDE made a strategic decision to gradually eliminate PFAS from all product categories.

Lenzing AG to become majority owner of TreeToTextile AB and accelerates industrialization of new fibers

The Lenzing Group is taking another strategic milestone by acquiring a controlling majority in the Swedish innovation company TreeToTextile AB. This step strengthens Lenzing’s position as a leading provider of sustainable, wood‑based specialty fibers and expands its innovation pipeline with a highly scalable, patent‑protected technology platform. The transaction is executed through the issuance of new shares.