Report by Fespa UK on the Textile Printing Now conference

When Fespa UK Association ran their Textile Printing Now Conference at the Textile Centre of Excellence in Huddersfield, a large audience of specifiers, designers, printers, retailers and importantly colleges and academics heard what is happening in the industry and where the industry is going.

After the welcome by Tony Moscrop President of the Association and CEO of Dufaylite Developments, Paul Noble led off by identifying his keys to success in running a company whose core strengths are digital printing and finishing of textiles. Having a capability in sewing means, that Banner Box can take on specialist applications where cost per square metre was not the USP. Niche markets and innovation were the key drivers. Dr Tian Carey of Cambridge University startled the audience with an explanation of the future of wearable electronics built round the use of graphene used to create nano-electronic components direct onto textiles. This was a glimpse into the future. Rather than having a computer in your pocket, your pocket is a computer. The audience was dizzy but elated at how this technology will transform our lives in the coming years. CYMUK Ltd under the guidance of Robin East took us through the latest developments in soft signage to interior décor, digital technology & materials. Extra-ordinary materials, one a mix of polyester and steel thread for structured displays. Others were for modifying acoustic environments etc. Using premium functional substrates, printed on suitable equipment, with the correct inks is the way to create difference and profits. Bill Macbeth of the Textile Centre of Excellence took us into a world of science fiction that is fact, with MLSE technology that will completely change the characteristics of textiles using plasma, a weapons grade laser and precursor gases. Making a textile waterproof, fireproof, antibacterial and so much more - without the use of chemicals or water. Truly a positively disruptive technology for the second most polluting industry globally. The hugely experienced Managing Director of Stead McAlpin, Gavin Thatcher, presented to the audience how the blend of digital and analogue printing technologies was essential to a growing the textile print sector. Along with a host of market data gathered from his customers and external sources, Gavin highlighted the key requirements for success. Debbie McKeegan explained both the challenging and beneficial effect of personalisation. Designers could be much faster to market and create their own brands. However, they needed to know much more about the production processes from pen to print and finishing. WTIN, through Mutlu Chaouch Orozco took us across the globe showing how digital print onto textiles was growing, and discussed machine developments. Particularly interesting was a hybrid machine that was both a digital and analogue printer. Dr Simon Daplyn of Sensient Imaging Technologies described how major brands were now insisting on the exclusion of a wide range of chemicals in products. This means that the choice of ink should come before machine selection. Many questions were answered, but change is constant.