How new direct-to-fabric technologies are driving growth

Digital on-demand direct-to-fabric printing is becoming increasingly popular due to its quality, versatility and speed, and most importantly, because it lets textile manufacturers be profitable from the 1st impression. Still, this mode of production is not without its faults. We set out to review both the challenges and available solutions to overcome them.

Profitability & Business Flexibility 

One of the biggest challenges that textile printers face is the dreaded minimum order size, where profitability is much harder to maintain. As brands are increasingly demanding shorter runs this is closing doors that should remain open.

Additionally, as the business landscape is quickly changing and brands become more demanding in terms of quality and flexibility, some textile printers find themselves in need of new solutions to enhance quality, eliminate fabric or size limitations, and expand their offering.

To increase profitability, textile printers also need to account for every dollar, and that means both simplifying and optimizing production, and having the capability to quickly respond to market demands as they arise. To become more efficient, textile printers need to eliminate pre and post-treatments, as any extra step is a burden in terms of timing and cost.

A New Standard of Color & Quality 

Certain printing procedures, like white prints on colored fabrics, prove difficult for direct-to-fabric printers. In addition, printers always need to stay one step ahead of the game to be able to provide their clients with the latest capabilities to address the ever-changing trends.

They constantly need to widen their color gamut and offer new applications without compromising other key quality parameters such as hand-feel and durability. For textile printers working with fashion brands there is a constant need to impress with new and unique creative capabilities that will make this year’s garments stand out from the crowd.

Sustainability is Key

Consumers are increasingly demanding responsible and sustainable production practices, while brands are looking to put an end to their chronic over-production and excess inventory problem.

Consumers are increasingly demanding responsible and sustainable production practices, while brands are looking to put an end to their chronic over-production and excess inventory problem.

Direct-to-fabric delivers on both fronts. By printing only what is truly needed, on-demand is the most practical solution to eliminating inventory waste, making it highly desirable for brands. By removing harmful plastisol and byproducts from production, and using water-based inks, Direct-to-fabric answers the widespread demand for safe, sustainable, eco-friendly (low carbon footprint) practices that comply with the strictest regulations.

Direct-to-fabric has come a long way in recent years and Kornit has been pushing the boundaries of technology with an end-to-end solution that allows for greater efficiencies, complete ownership over the entire process, and new unique production capabilities that give you a clear competitive advantage — resulting in significant business growth and greater margins.

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