DIRECT TO FABRIC TEXTILE PRINTING IN ONE SIMPLE STEP
EPSON PRINTS FIRST NATIONS
FASHION DESIGNERS’ ARTWORKS FOR INCUBATOR PROGRAM
TRENDS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR TEXTILE PRINTERS AND GARMENT DECORATORS IN 2024
04 FROM THE TEAM PUBLISHER'S LETTER
05 LATEST NEWS LATEST PRODUCT RELEASES FROM AUSTRALIA AND AROUND THE WORLD
10 FEATURE EPSON PRINTS FIRST NATIONS FASHION DESIGNERS’ ARTWORKS FOR INCUBATOR PROGRAM
13 COVER STORY DIRECT TO FABRIC TEXTILE PRINTING IN ONE SIMPLE STEP
21 FEATURE EXCITEMENT BUILDS FOR VISUAL IMPACT BRISBANE
24 FEATURE TRENDS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR TEXTILE PRINTERS AND GARMENT DECORATORS IN 2024
Welcome to our first issue of 2024!
The last three months have been unprecedented with major industry players All Flags and then Starleaton entering administration. All Flags is back in operation under new ownership, with Starleaton currently working through the process with the administrators. To stay up-to-date with all the latest news as it happens, make sure you subscribe to our weekly newsletters and industry-leading classifieds (used equipment, jobs, and businesses for sale). Visit www.imagemagazine.com.au to subscribe and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
This issue features an exclusive interview with Neil Felton, CEO of FESPA, who shares his insights into global textile printing trends and business growth
opportunities. Neil provides much food for thought as we kick off the new year.
This year, the FESPA Global Print Expo is being held in Amsterdam from March 19 to 22. As always, we will be attending and will bring you all the latest product innovations and applications. If you are attending, make sure you register for the FESPA Australia Drinks @ 2pm Wednesday, March 20.
If you are not going overseas to a trade show, be sure to visit Visual Impact, Australia’s only show dedicated to the sign, display, and textile printing sector. This year’s show will be held in Brisbane from July 17 to 19. It will feature a full range of advances from well over 50 exhibitors, covering signage, displays, wide-format and textile printing, promotional products and more.
As always, we love to hear about your latest projects, so feel free to reach out to us at editor@imagemagazine.com.au
Best Regards,
Janet Maitland
PUBLISHER
Janet Maitland
Image Publications Pty Ltd
PO Box 613
Brighton SA 5048
E info@imagemagazine.com.au
P 1300 001 393
W imagemagazine.com.au
EDITOR
E info@imagemagazine.com.au
P 1300 001 393
ADVERTISING
Janet Maitland
P 1300 001 393
E info@imagemagazine.com.au
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Available FREE to all
IMAGE MAGAZINE subscribers
DEADLINES
TEXTILE IMAGE is published
3 times per year.
Next issue: June 2024
Booking & material deadline: Friday May 24, 2024
DISCLAIMER
The opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily the views of the publisher. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information contained in this magazine no responsibility is accepted by the publisher for any omissions, inaccuracies, typographical errors or printerʼs errors. No responsibility will be accepted for any changes to information after publication.
Epson has launched the SureColor F1060, a compact hybrid desktop printer purpose-built for custom and low-tomedium volume direct-to-garment (DTG) and direct-to-film (DTFilm) imaging.
As a logical addition to its SureColor F-Series printer line-up, the SC-F1060 has been designed to open new doors for event operators, clothing retailers, print-for-pay providers and artisans, combining easy operation and flexible performance in one space-saving package.
Delivering professional image quality in a cost-effective package, it offers an excellent solution for designers, creatives and merchandise manufacturers.
Epson Australia business marketing manager, professional print solutions Gordon Kerr explains, “DTG has traditionally been the home of professional producers and high volume ‘back-office’ manufacturers and solutions have been relatively large, complex and expensive. Epson has taken the best of its DTG technology and distilled it into a compact, cost-effective and flexible solution that is easy to use and easy to maintain. It is ideal for the modern retail environment where the product needs to be fresh, timely and individualised.”
The SC-F1060 is a hybrid printer that addresses the rise of businesses looking to provide customised goods and t-shirts. The unit features an enclosed design with interior lighting and a clear viewing window to enhance the printing process.
Integrated DTG and DTFilm support allows operators to go beyond traditional natural-fibre t-shirt printing. Imaging onto film enables transfer onto various materials, including man-made fabric and uniquely shaped items, further expanding the ability to create customised product offerings.
Featuring a PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead with Nozzle Verification Technology and next-generation UltraChrome DG2 ink with CMYK+White, the SureColor F1060 delivers vibrant colour with incredible detail and consistent output.
The inclusion of white ink prints enables output on dark garments along with enhanced presentation on light garments. Combining the Epson ink, Epson head, and Epson imaging technology enables outstanding clarity with nearphotographic print quality. The cartridgefree ink-pack system simplifies operation while enhancing productivity and reducing waste and mess.
The SC-F1060 features a large touchscreen interface, fully automatic garment height adjustment and a selfcleaning print head for easy production with minimal maintenance. It ships complete with software and supports fabric up to one inch thick.
“The SureColor F1060 offers new opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesses, giving them the ability deliver quality product in the right format, at the time and place where the customer is in an optimal buying mood,” concludes Kerr.
Additional SureColor F1060 features include:
• Elegant, compact design – Inspired by award-winning designer the unit is designed to sit ‘front-office’
• Intuitive touchscreen menu – Features large icons and animated instructions for user-friendly navigation
• Low maintenance – Automated fabric head wiper, 250ml ink pack supply system and simple replaceable maintenance tank
• Flexible operation – USB, Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity
• Epson Garment Creator 2 software
– Compatible with Windows and macOS, this intuitive software features fast processing and high-resolution processing for exceptionally detailed and vibrant prints
• Epson Cloud Solution PORT– Provides live production monitoring, reporting and job cost accounting (requires Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection)
• Reliable and Durable Design – Supplied with a comprehensive on-site 1-year warranty, optional comprehensive CoverPlus extension up to 5 years subject to PORT activation.
The SureColor F1060 is expected to start shipping through June and July 2024. Full specifications and pricing will be confirmed in May 2024.
To see the SureColor F1060 in action go to: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=daBKKaL00tY
Xanté has announced that the F-24 direct-to-film printer, which debuted at Printing United in October, will be available and begin shipping in January 2024.
The new F-24 prints 24-inch-wide film to allow a variety of detailed designs to be ganged up for maximum efficiency and cost per print.
Some specs of the F-24 include:
Space-Saving Design: The F-24 is specially engineered to fit through a standard-sized door, offering unrivalled
M&R, a manufacturer based in Illinois, USA, has introduced a new QUATRO DTF (Direct to Film) Transfer Printing System, a modern and efficient method of applying vibrant, high-quality, durable images onto various garments and fabric types.
The 24-inch, high-resolution industrial inkjet printer has a PC workstation and Caldera Damona RIP software in addition to four Epson i3200 print heads, Two CMYK and two White. It also features a bulk ink system with white ink recirculation, print resolution (DPI), number of passes, and print production speeds: 360 x 2400 DPI, 4-Pass, 120 Linear ft/hr.; 720 x 1800 DPI, 6-Pass, 90 Linear ft/hr.; and 320 x 2400 DPI, 8-Pass, 60 Linear ft/hr.
The machine also has an included Quatro software bundle that is programmed for
convenience in terms of installation and location. This compact design ensures businesses can seamlessly integrate the F-24 into their existing workspaces without extensive renovations.
Cost-Effective: DTF printing reduces the need for expensive screens or plates, significantly lowering setup costs. With film, powder, and ink, it costs you pennies for a standard 13”x18” T-shirt logo—a perfect choice for both established businesses and startups looking to print on fabric.
Quick Turnaround: The Xanté F-24 offers rapid printing capabilities, enabling businesses to meet tight deadlines and customer demands efficiently. This product also allows you to print full sheets of designs to then cut and apply on demand.
Versatile and Vibrant: DTF printing is vibrant, does not crack, and washer/ dryer durable making it ideal for creating eye-catching promotional materials, customized apparel, and more. The F-24 comes with two Epson i3200 printheads CMYK+WWWW.
ease of use and repeatable print quality. Artwork changes can be made on the fly, and push-button printing makes production a breeze.
DTF printing allows for unlimited colour possibilities. The CMYK+W inks used in the process enable the reproduction
of complex designs with gradients, shadows and a wide gamut of colours.
The company says M&R QUATRO Direct to Film (DTF) Transfer Printing System was developed in response to everchanging market conditions.
Roland DG has announced the new BY-20 with Roland DG's Direct-To-Film (DTF transfer) ink technology, used by a wide range of customers in the apparel goods market.
“Our compact, easy-to-use, and affordable desktop products are marketed under the brand name VersaSTUDIO and include a broad range of popular desktop solutions, such as inkjet printers, cutters, engravers, metal printers, and foil transfer laser decorators.” said Tony Miller, President of Roland DG’s Global Sales and Marketing Division.
The BY-20 is a water-based printer using the DTF transfer method to improve the design and efficiency of apparel goods production. After printing on a special film, hot-melt powder is applied and thermally melted, and then the film is simply layered on fabric and heat-pressed to create original T-shirts,
sportswear, etc. This method makes it easy to transfer even complex designs onto both light and dark fabrics, including not only cotton but also polyester, cotton polyester, denim, nylon, and rayon, among others to produce a vast array of garments. This compact machine combines excellent print quality and productivity to produce highly designed apparel goods beautifully and quickly.
The BY-20 is equipped with the same print head as our high-end inkjet models and offer multiple print modes ideal for different applications, making it easy for anyone to achieve professional printing results. According to Miller, this machines was designed to offer excellent usability. Following the installation, you can immediately begin production. The printer has a simple design with only a power button. All other functions are easily performed with the included Utility software which supports convenient operation through easy-to-understand
icons with high visibility and intuitive, quick access to the menu items you want to use.
The printer also comes standard with the software FlexiDESIGNER VersaSTUDIO Edition which can be used for everything from design creation to output with simple operations. Even those who have never used design software before can easily create the design you want.
Roland DG Connect, a cloud-based service, is also included. This service provides proactive support in the event of errors and visualisation of the printer's operating status, allowing you to use the printer with peace of mind.
Even though it comes standard with various productivity features and the necessary design and output software, the BY-20 is priced to make it easy for first-time users, which includes a comprehensive manufacturer's warranty.
“With the addition of the BY-20 to the VersaSTUDIO lineup, which has the brand message “Get Started,” we are confident that this new product will further expand the creative and business possibilities for our customers in diverse settings, including the production and sale of original goods, in-store decoration services, and STEM education,” Miller said. “We will continue to expand the VersaSTUDIO series to meet diversifying needs and encourage new challenges around the world.”
STAHLS has announced the release of a new printable heat transfer vinyl, CADCOLOR Chroma-TWILL.
The new product is similar to the CADCUT Chroma-TWILL, which has a woven fabric finish and glossy iridescent colour shift in 9 available colours. CAD-COLOR Chroma-TWILL, however, allows for the printing of full-colour logos with a premium glossy effect shimmer. Extending the possibilities beyond the 9 colours of the CAD-CUT Chroma-TWILL. The HTV is suited to sports, fanwear,
headwear, and branding. CAD-COLOR Chroma-TWILL allows apparel decorators to achieve the look and feel of a fabric finish without sewing.
Markets suited to CAD-COLOR ChromaTWILL include:
• Spirit wear for cheerleading, gymnastics, dance teams, etc.
• Sports fanwear
• Small business branding
• Trendy fashion apparel
• Left chest logos, hats, jackets, hoodies, beanies, & more
STAHLS have introduced Sport-Stitch, a new product of heat-applied embroidered logos.
The company says the new product will allow printers and apparel decorators
to expand their market reach across sporting goods, schools, high-end fashion, promotional apparel, & more, with the premium appliqué look. The new product suits jerseys, fleece, jackets, and headwear. The Custom design process
Tajima Software Solutions and Coloreel have launched a software that is set to be a significant advancement for personalisation of embroidery designs. Designed to cater to both in-store and online shopping experiences, the new software Pulse ID allows users to customise their embroidery. It offers the flexibility to edit text, add effects, and colours.
This collaboration marks a full integration of the Coloreel technology with Pulse ID and Tajima's embroidery machines. The result is a seamless and efficient solution, ideal for in-store embroidery services or for enhancing the offerings of online shops.
"This is a major step forward in automated personalisation. Not only for us, but for the embroidery industry. It shows what kind of
comes complete with a zig-zag stitched border, and the application is as simple as using a heat press.
Customise the Sport-Stitch logo with up to two layers per design in Twill or Acrylic Felt. The design choices offer a “mix and match” with 16 Twill, 9 Acrylic Felt, and 16 thread colour choices, allowing for creating unique designs.
The Advantages of Sport-Stitch logos include:
Efficiency: There is no need for stitching, saving time and money and streamlining the production process.
Professional Quality: Attain a high-end, professional look of custom embroidery without the burden of extensive equipment.
Versatile Applications: Sport-Stitch suits various apparel, including fleece, jerseys, jackets, and headwear.
Broaden Market Opportunities: Cater to the ever-growing demand for custom embroidery in sports, schools, high-end fashion, and promotional branding.
technological advancement you can make when you collaborate with other players in our industry. This software will be a huge leap forward in the way we work with
personalised embroidery, both in physical stores and for e-commerce and other online marketplaces”, says Mattias Nordin, SVP Product Management at Coloreel.
Arrange a demonstration today monnalisa@epson.com.au
Born in Italy, perfected in Japan, the Monna Lisa direct-to-fabric series has landed in Australia. Powered by no less than eight Epson PrecisionCore industrial printheads, the ML-8000 packs power and performance into a single affordable package with full local support, and the Epson GENESTA pigment inks meet global standards for sustainable textile printing, both synthetic and natural. Print on demand is now big business. Are you ready to grow?
Learn more at www.epson.com.au/direct-to-fabric
to play with the scale and placement of their prints without price being a barrier. It also enabled them access to a large quantity of great quality fabrics for the sampling of their ranges so that they could meet quicker than usual deadlines for production and photoshoots.”
With Epson’s help, the designers could skip the toile stage of their samplingusually done on a plain calico to save money - printing immediately with the fabric they intended to use in final production.
Lee continued, “Epson’s help, support and printing expertise has been truly invaluable. The designers were so happy with their fabrics that they ordered bigger quantities for their manufacturing component of the program.”
Selected pieces and designs were showcased at the FNFD X THE ICONIC event at the China Heights Gallery in Surry Hills on 31 January, the same date they were launched and available for purchase on the e-commerce site.
Gayle Burchell, THE ICONIC’s Chief Commercial and Sustainability Officer, said, “It has been a privilege to codesign THE ICONIC x First Nations Fashion + Design Incubator program in partnership with FNFD, and we are so excited to welcome Pink Fish, Myrrdah and Jarawee to THE ICONIC. Throughout the program, we have witnessed incredible talent, drive and dedication from these gifted designers, and we’re proud to bring this extraordinary collection to our customers across Australia and New Zealand.
“We extend our gratitude to all participants, mentors and partners who have contributed to the success of this industry-first initiative. It is extremely important to us at THE ICONIC to share our business learnings and expertise in e-commerce, tech and retail with growing businesses. It’s equally important for us to seek out opportunities to learn from First Nations designers to ensure we can play a role in better facilitating the economic empowerment of First Nations business owners. Throughout the program, we’ve been fortunate to learn more about First Nations cultures and how these three designers’ have successfully overcome some of the common challenges faced by any new designer looking to scale in the modern retail ecosystem.”
Up and down the east coast of Australia if there is one thing we will remember about this summer, it’s the increase in the levels of humidity with Sydney’s humidity creeping closer to that of Brisbane and Darwin. And while the mugginess might make you feel like you’re living in the tropics, have you considered the impact on your printer?
Frank Grech, Customer Support Supervisor, GJS Group Australia shares his insights on printing in a humid environment and what you can do to manage it.
Humidity can play a big part in how your printer operates, specifically relative humidity. But just how does relative humidity differ from actual or absolute humidity?
Relative humidity (RH) is the ratio of the partial pressure of water vapour to the equilibrium vapour pressure. Put simply, relative humidity is the measure of water vapour relative to the temperature of the air. It is expressed as the amount of water vapour in the air as a percentage of the total amount that could be held at its current temperature. Warm air can hold far more moisture
than cold air, meaning that the relative humidity of cold air would be far higher than that of warm air if their absolute humidity levels were equal. Relative humidity is most often cited in weather forecasts as it affects how we “feel” temperature.
Humidity can be a challenging problem in printing. We want to keep ourselves and our staff comfortable, but the humidity can also have various effects on printers, papers, inks and toners. Some common problems can be print heads drying out during a print cycle if the print room is too dry or paper ‘waving’ and causing inconsistent prints if the print room contains too much moisture in the air.
To combat this problem, many printers turn to a humidifier, and there are many on the market to choose from. Using such devices may increase the humidity in the room to acceptable levels of between 45 and 85%, but most printing equipment will work better when the environment is closer to 85%RH. It is also
worth considering the acceptable RH levels that are recommended by your equipment manufacturer.
For example, if you own a Brother garment printer, it is recommended to operate it in an environment within the range of 35% to 85%RH.
Epson recommends an environment between 40% and 60%RH for its sublimation printers as ideal working conditions, but without condensation, which is normally associated with steam made from cheap humidifiers.
Roland DG recommend similar conditions of between 20% and 80% RH and although with mild solvent printers humidity had a lesser affect it is still better to work in a more optimum environment. Static is also an issue associated with dry environments, and this can cause problems like misting.
Frank Grech, Customer Support Supervisor, GJS Group Australia
As our world warms, humidity will play a more significant role in print results in locations around the country where it traditionally didn’t before. To prevent your printer, and prints from being affected by humidity, the best solution is to have a closed print environment with proper climate control. If that’s not feasible something like a Dyson humidifier is a practical choice. It might seem expensive, but when compared to the costs of replacement print heads, dried up ink, damaged paper, and lost production time, suddenly a humidifier starts to make sense and cents.
AS PRINTERS LIVING IN THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE WE LOOK TO EUROPE AND THE USA TO STAY ABREAST OF DEVELOPMENTS IN TECHNOLOGY, APPLICATIONS AND BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES. IN THIS ISSUE WE PROFILE ONE OF THE LATEST NEW PRODUCTS FOR DIRECT TO FABRIC PRINTING, THE EFI REGGIANI ecoTERRA AND LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW ONE COMPANY LEVERAGED THE TECHNOLOGY TO INVEST IN GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES.
With over 75 years of innovation, research, and technological excellence, EFI Reggiani has become the trusted brand for integrated, scalable solutions for the entire textile process – from yarn treatment to fabric printing and finishing.
Always committed to delivering to the market new cutting-edge technologies, EFI Reggiani has world-class products offering boosted uptime and reliability,
high performance throughput, and remarkable printing uniformity and accuracy – all while helping customers increase the sustainability of their textile manufacturing activities.
Launched at ITMA in Milan June 2023 the EFI Reggiani ecoTERRA solution is an all-in-one solution for water-based pigment printing that requires no ancillary equipment for
pre- and post-treatment. By significantly reducing water, energy and chemicals consumption in the overall process, customers can now obtain a truly sustainable, direct-to-fabric printing solution. All this combined with the most comprehensive pigment line up in the industry: a full ecoTERRA line up of six models, including a 3.4m printing width, with speeds ranging from 150 to more than 700 sqm/hour, backed up by proven EFI Reggiani technology and service.
Reggiani ecoTERRA water-based pigment inks deliver excellent wet and dry fastness properties, incredible sharpness in detail, and outstanding durability while also ensuring printhead longevity with reduced maintenance costs. Thanks to the enhanced polymerisation and finishing unit, EFI Reggiani ecoTERRA also provides an enhanced tactile experience and fabric softness.
2023 saw the installation of the new EFI Reggiani ecoTERRA at customers in Europe, Turkey, USA and Uzbekistan.
The very first customer to invest in the EFI Reggiani ecoTERRA solution was been Colourama, a textile company, established by Robert Steijn in 2005, located in Lodz, Poland with a rich history in the textile industry dating back to the early 1900s. Over the years, Colourama has evolved significantly to reach its current position as one of the largest printers in Eastern Europe.
Initially, Colourama's operations primarily revolved around rotary screen printing. However, in 2012, the company made a pivotal decision to transition from conventional printing to digital printing. This shift in technology marked the beginning of a transformation for Colourama.
As time progressed, Colourama continued to expand its digital printing capabilities by incorporating multiple entry level printers into their production. Since 2019, the company has transitioned to a more advanced and efficient setup, replacing all previous printers with more industrial printers, 4 narrow-width and 2 wide-width paper printers which produce approximately 12,000 linear meters of sublimation paper daily.
Historically, Colourama's primary markets for transfer paper and printed fabrics were the Home Decor and Contract markets, but in recent years they have successfully entered the local fast fashion industry.
To meet the diverse needs of these markets, Colourama maintains a
resolute design team comprising 10 designers and colourists. For the Home Decor sector, the team develops multiple collections each year, catering to the demands of global customers.
In contrast, for the fast fashion market, Colourama keeps its offerings fresh by introducing new and trendy designs daily, ensuring that they remain at the forefront of this dynamic industry.
In 2023, they launched a new company, "my ECO prints” which specialises in eco-friendly printing on natural fabrics and they chose the EFI Reggiani ecoTERRA printer for their mission.
Bert Benckhuysen, Business Development Manager of Colourama, shares his insights into the why Colourama invested in the EFI Reggiani ecoTERRA.
1. Was ecoTERRA your first pigment investment? If so, how has it benefited your business and what inspired you to implement the solution?
ecoTERRA was our first investment in pigment printing. Its impact on our business has been substantial, particularly within the context of our local fashion customer base.
Before our investment in the ecoTERRA, we have primarily focused on printing transfer paper and polyester fabrics. Although the variety of available polyester fabrics for fashion has been
expanding, there's an even greater demand for printed cotton and viscose fabrics.
In Poland, some printing companies provide reactive printed fabrics, which have seen increased pricing per meter due to rising energy costs. However, most of our customers opt for printed fabrics from sources outside of Europe. With the introduction of our new pigment printer, are able to provide them with competitive pricing and significantly reduce delivery times, cutting the average delivery from 1.5 to 2 months down to just a few days, if necessary.
2. Have issues with pigment printing, such as a restricted colour gamut and print head clogging, concerned you or are they now a thing of the past?
We have closely followed the evolution of digital pigment ink for several years. In the most recent developments this year, extensive testing for attributes like wash-, rub-, and light fastness, has shown that current pigment inks have gained acceptance in the textile industry. However, the expansion of the colour gamut remains an area for improvement. As for print head clogging concerns, we observed that after more than three months of continuous printing, ecoTERRA ink has proven to be highly stable and hasn't caused any nozzle failures.
3. Does ecoTERRA enable you to capitalise on key market trends, such as personalisation or ondemand printing?
Yes, the ecoTERRA printer is ideally positioned to take advantage of prominent market trends, specifically on-demand printing. As market trends continually shift, our ability to facilitate design, colouring, printing, and delivery within a two-week timeframe provides a significant advantage for our customers. With the exact same philosophy, we have also successfully established ourselves in digital transfer printing for the fashion industry.
4. What added value do you get from being an EFI Reggiani customer?
Being a customer of EFI Reggiani brings significant advantages. They are pioneers in high-productivity digital textile printing and provide a wealth of experience and solutions through their printers, making it a seamless process, into our latest venture with the ecoTERRA pigment printer. Additionally, we have full confidence that Reggiani's future printer models will continue to be innovative and remain our top choice for future investments.
5. In terms of applications, what is your production breakdown. And has this changed due to recent economic volatility?
Our production allocation in terms of applications is currently divided into 60% for the Home Decor and Contract markets, and 40% for the Fashion market. However, we have observed a shift in recent months due to economic volatility, particularly within the fashion sector.
Since the beginning of this year the fashion market has encountered various challenges. In response to these changes and knowing the huge
advantage the ecoTERRA printer gives us, we are one of the first to have invested in the state- of-the-art technology. Our main objective at this moment is to expand our presence in the local fashion market, and by offering a full package of services, competitive pricing and using the latest and best technologies we believe that with this advantage we can, even in these tougher times.
6. What are your thoughts on the pace at which the market is becoming greener, and are you concerned about greenwashing?
The transition towards sustainability is essential, given the growing global awareness of the importance of reducing the ecological footprint in the textile industry.
My ECO Prints is making genuine efforts to adopt eco-friendly practices, such as using water-based inks, reducing waste, and optimizing energy consumption with the new EFI Reggiani ecoTERRA solution. However, there is a valid concern about greenwashing within the industry.
While we are confident that our production processes represent some of the most environmentally responsible solutions available today, we also depend on the transparency of our fabric suppliers to ensure that the entire fabric production process aligns with the well-established certifications associated with these materials, concludes Bert.
WITH OVER 45 YEARS OF HISTORY, SISER’S STORY DATES BACK TO THE 70S, IN VICENZA, IN THE HEART OF NORTH-EAST ITALY. WITH DECADES OF EXPERIENCE, INNOVATION AND PERFORMANCE, SISER HAS ESTABLISHED ITSELF GLOBALLY AS A LEADING COMPANY CATERING TO VARIOUS CREATIVE INDUSTRIES - INCLUDING TEXTILES, FASHION, PROMOTIONAL ITEMS AND MORE.
Siser has always maintained a wellrespected reputation for consistently manufacturing high quality Cad-Cut™ and digital heat transfer vinyl products. Internationally, garment manufacturers use Siser vinyl to produce premium quality products for big brands. More recently, Siser has also expanded their hardware portfolio, releasing a range of award-winning vinyl cutters to the market.
In Australia, Siser was first used in the textiles industry in the 1980s but has been used more widely amongst local trade users for the last 20 years.
With established offices in VicenzaItaly, Michigan – North America and Singapore, Siser is pleased to have started a new chapter, opening the Siser Australia and New Zealand head office in Carrum Downs, Victoria.
The headquarters features 1200m² of warehouse space and a dedicated Design Studio used for events, handson training and product development. Collectively, the skilled team of 5 staff based in the office, have over 60 years of industry experience and extensive knowledge of the Siser range. General manager Nathaniel Howse says “We are here in Australia to support our customers and distributors throughout the ANZ region with strong customer service, local stock, product training and support. This local presence will give our customers more opportunity to develop their businesses with Siser materials.”
Globally, Siser is committed to investing in research and development for future garment decoration products and methods and strives to stay ahead of market trends. Siser ANZ is able to
offer an unmatched range of products available to distributors and customers in Australia and New Zealand, by combining the ranges produced by Siser Italy and Siser North America. Siser has recently partnered with Avery Denison to release a range of pressure sensitive vinyl. PSV Starling and PSV Glitter have both been acclaimed for their outstanding durability and colour fastness. PSV Starling is a gamechanger as it is dishwasher safe for up to 80 washes.
Siser ANZ has built a strong national distribution network made up of industry leaders in the signage, digital print and craft industries. Recently partnering with Graphic Art Mart (Australia) and Cohesive (New Zealand) as key trade distributors, Siser also has a strong retail presence. A range of Siser products is available in 150 Spotlight stores across Australia and New Zealand. Additionally, Siser ANZ has key craft distributors such as Skat Katz, The Vinyl Loft, Vinyl World and Divine Vinyl Boutique and authorised re-sellers such as Sign Essentials & National Sign Systems.
“The last 12 months has given us a great opportunity to re-evaluate our channel to market in both Australia and New Zealand. Appointing Graphic Art Mart and Cohesive as our key partners, was an easy decision as both organisations have a passion for selling quality brands and giving great service to their customers. We’re really looking forward to working with each of them in this exciting new phase of growth.” – Sales Director James Smith.
Graphic Art Mart is a leading national supplier of sign, digital, and display solutions in Australia. With ten strategic locations across the country, Graphic Art Mart ensures that their customers can easily access Siser’s comprehensive range of heat transfer vinyls, heat presses and cutters. Customers can choose to order via a range of methods including online at gamart.com.au and have orders delivered or available for pick up instore.
Cohesive
Cohesive have supplied the signage, digital print and display markets in New Zealand since 1982. It is their mission to make everything from sourcing product, to ordering and delivery as streamlined as possible. Stocking a broad range of Siser products, Cohesive have locations in both the north & south islands and local representation in every corner of the country. New Zealand customers can view the range at cohesivenz.co.nz.
For more information and to check out the range of Siser products, visit the Siser ANZ website, www.siseranz.com.
Our commitment to customer success brings you continuous and up-to-date servicing and support, spanning Australia and New Zealand. When you choose Kissel+Wolf Australia, you tap into a dedicated support team that is just a call away, prioritising your success at every step. Your satisfaction is our mission.
We are dedicated to ensuring your equipment, work ow and products operate at peak performance. Our customer’s reviews support our proven track record and our exceptional support reputation is set to surpass your expectations.
ANTICIPATION IS BUILDING AS INDUSTRY SUPPLIERS SCRAMBLE TO BOOK THE FEW REMAINING SPACES AT A PACKED VISUAL IMPACT BRISBANE. THE SHOW, WHICH WILL RUN FROM FROM 17-19 JULY AT THE BRISBANE CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE, WILL HAVE PLENTY OF INTEREST FOR TEXTILE PRINTING BUSINESSES.
Visual Impact is returning to Queensland after a long hiatus, so exhibitors are understandably keen to showcase their latest offerings to businesses in the region. Bookings for more than 80% of floorspace had been confirmed by December, with several of the remaining stands on hold. And, with the show in Brisbane for the first time since 2018, it’s sure to be popular with visitors, too.
“Visual Impact is Australia’s only dedicated show for the sign, display and
graphics sector and this year’s show will feature a full range of advances from well over 50 exhibitors, covering signage, displays, wide-format and textile printing, promotional products and more,” says Charly Blades, Events Manager for Visual Connections.
“This is a show for businesses who are looking to improve their productivity and profitability, expand their offerings to the market and create profitable new revenue streams, bringing the very latest right to the doorstep for businesses in the region,” says Visual Connections
Events Manager, Charly Blades.
“We expect the bulk of visitors to come from Queensland, NT and Northern NSW, but it’s also just a quick step away from other states of Australia, many of whom will welcome the opportunity to enjoy some mid-winter sunshine – from the North Island of New Zealand and the surrounding pacific area including PNG, Solomon Islands, New Caledonia and Fiji.”
The show, supported by Platinum Sponsor Roland DG, Gold Sponsors Epson, HP, Spicers, Trotec and Graphic
Art Mart, will have plenty on show for the textile sector, with a list of exhibitors covering virtually every facet from inkjet, screen and dye-sublimation printing, to heat transfer, garment printing, sewing and finishing. A range of media will also be on show, from textiles and wall fabrics, to vinyls and other specialised textiles.
Comprehensive displays can be expected from the big names like Amari Visual Solutions, Celmac, Elizabeth Machines, Epson, Graphic Art Mart, HP, Mimaki, Mutoh, Roland DG, Smartech and Spicers.
Other innovative and relevant offerings are expected from Adzon Agencies, Avery Denison, Creative Graphic Supplies, Digital FX Machinery, PoliTape, Pozitive, SAS, Sign to Badge Solutions, Thunder Laser, Trotec Laser, Velflex and Zoomtec.
They will be joined by a host of other leading names covering the broader sign and display sector, and the extensive exhibition will be complemented by what organisers are calling an ‘Expert Connections Program’ which will give visitors a chance to connect with, and learn from, industry experts, thought leaders and product specialists.
“For this show we are creating a more intimate setting for information sharing, with shorter sessions that will be more like conversations than traditional seminars,” Charly explains. “The idea is to provide structured but informal opportunities for visitors to connect with the experts, explore trends and innovations, and have the opportunity to really delve into how this information could relate to their particular business situation.”
“The program will include Expert Connections session covering economic and business information, market trends and insider insights, and Market Connections sessions dealing with
specific technologies and advances,” she says.
“In all, it’s a comprehensive offering, and one which is sure to be welcomed by businesses keen to gather the information, ideas and inspiration they need to stay ahead of the curve and plan for future success.”
Visual Impact Brisbane will run from 10am to 5pm on Wednesday 17 and Thursday 18 July, and from 9am to 4pm on Friday 19 July, at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre at South Bank.
To find out more, or pre-register for the show, go to www.visualconnections.org.au
17-19 July, 2024
Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
COMING TO BRISBANE 2024!
Australia’s leading exhibition for sign, display, wide-format print, engraving, vinyl applications, textiles, digital print, routing and laser cutting.
www.visualimpact.org.au
NEIL FELTON, CEO OF FEPSA, VISITED SYDNEY IN NOVEMBER 2023 AS THE KEYNOTE SPEAKER AT THE FESPA AUSTRALIA CONFERENCE. IN HIS KEYNOTE SPEECH, NEIL SHARED THE 2023 FESPA GLOBAL CENSUS RESULTS, A SURVEY OF ALMOST 1800 BUSINESSES FROM ACROSS 120 COUNTRIES. IN THIS EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW, JANET MAITLAND FROM TEXTILE IMAGE MAGAZINE SAT DOWN WITH NEIL TO GAIN INSIGHTS FROM HIS GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE ON THE CURRENT TRENDS AND OPPORTUNITIES HE SEES FOR TEXTILE PRINTERS AND GARMENT DECORATORS.
Neil Felton, CEO of FESPA
TIM: What trends are you seeing in textile printing, garment decoration, home decor, and soft signage, and what are some of the more significant opportunities for business owners in Australia/NZ?
Neil: Right now, when it comes to trends in the textile market, we are seeing a lot of nearshoring. When we look at trends, it is important to understand the factors driving them, including the rise of e-commerce and reduced lead times. This leads to people wanting to reduce the distance between the source and the point to which the products are being delivered.
This is linked to the next trend, which is that you have smaller and smaller print runs and more personalised print runs, which means that nearshoring is even more critical. We also see product personalisation providing the opportunity to generate higher margins. Looking ahead, there will be a lot more opportunities in interior decor, which is interchangeable. Rather than keeping something for a long time, you'll see more retail and hospitality spaces changing their interiors more frequently. Another trend we are seeing is as a result of advancements in technology.
Hybrid technologies where you combine the use of screen printing and digital printing for very sophisticated and powerful garment personalisation. Another trend we see in terms of technology is the rise of DTF for apparel decorators.
TIM: Looking more deeply into the opportunities for product personalisation, can you give us some examples of interesting commercial opportunities you have seen in other countries?
Neil: Personalisation is an exciting trend and typically falls into one of two categories. The first category is the traditional print service providers moving into personalisation.
The second category is the emergence of businesses that drop ship. Powered by platforms such as Printify, anyone with an idea and a target audience can design, market and sell personalised products, but they don't necessarily print them, which is an excellent opportunity for printers to move into this space and start to build this part of the industry.
Personalisation will only increase, and we need to look at it differently.
For example, the "Share a Coke" campaign featured 150 of the country's most popular names on the labels. This was an example of customisation as opposed to personalisation.
Personalisation is where you can have something you want, such as your name, regardless of how popular it is and how it is spelt, or something important to you, such as a photo of your family. The difference between customisation and personalisation is the ability to buy one of a specific thing
exactly how you want it. There are lots of brands that allow you to personalise products with your name, but it's now about moving beyond that into other areas, such as the home, to make it even more powerful. Printers can make much higher margins, making fewer items that are personalised versus something that is customised, as people are willing to spend more money on things that are specific and relevant to them.
I saw a really interesting example last Christmas at the UK department store Harvey Nicols. They had a personalisation area in the store, and they were personalising everything from chutney to cheese to clothing, whatever people were buying as gifts. So, we are seeing this merging of retail and customer demand where people are going in-store for an experience, not just to purchase a product. This will increase
over time when people go in-store to buy something not just with their name on it but with something even more personal than that, and print is the only technology that can achieve that.
TIM: You've travelled all over the world and now spent some time in Australia. What are some of the things you've observed?
Neil: Australians seem much more curious than Europeans, and you're very committed to discovering new ideas and technologies to improve your business and stay ahead of your competition. It may be because you have to travel a very long way to find things, whereas, in Europe, everything is an hour away and at your fingertips.
I think that the people who succeed are those who travel outside of Australia, they visit suppliers' factories and see technologies when they are in the development stage.
I think there's a lot of energy in Australia, and the market has massive potential. The downside, which is understandable, is that Australia is sometimes a couple of years behind in some of the technology because it takes quite a while to embed it here. So, you can only see a new machine if somebody has imported it, which is about 12 months too late. That is why we are seeing a growing number of Australians and New Zealanders visit our FESPA Global Print Expos.
The 2024 Global Print Expo will be held in Amsterdam March 19 – 22, 2024. If you are attending, please join us at the FESPA Australia networking event on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at 2pm at Club FESPA. To register, email membership@fespaaustralia.org.au
IN THE DYNAMIC WORLD OF GARMENT DECORATION, STAYING AHEAD MEANS EMBRACING INNOVATION WITHOUT COMPROMISING ON QUALITY. VELFLEX, A PIONEER IN THE B2B GARMENT DECORATION INDUSTRY, HAS JUST UNVEILED ITS LATEST TRIUMPH –ULTRACOLOUR MAX, HERALDED AS THE ULTIMATE DIRECT-TO-FILM (DTF) TRANSFER. THIS CUTTING-EDGE ADDITION TO VELFLEX'S EXTENSIVE PRODUCT LINE IS A GAME-CHANGER THAT COMBINES 18 YEARS OF EXPERTISE, ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY, AND MIMAKI'S STATE-OF-THE-ART PRINT TECHNOLOGY.
Unmatched Expertise:
Velflex's journey began in 2006, and since then, they've dedicated themselves to perfecting the art of heat transfers. UltraColour MAX stands as a testament to their 18 years of experience, offering vibrant transfers that have been tried, tested, and perfected over time.
Certified Environmentally Friendly:
In an age where environmental consciousness is paramount, UltraColour MAX takes the lead.
Crafted with OEKO-TEX® Eco Passport certified inks and glue powder, it attains the world's highest level of certification. This not only ensures the safety of
workers and customers but also reflects their commitment to a sustainable future.
Dedicated local customer support team:
Velflex takes pride in its dedicated local customer service and prepress team, possessing a deep understanding of the intricacies of the custom transfer
craft. They stand ready to address any challenges you may encounter, ensuring a seamless experience for you. At Velflex, your order is not just a transaction; it is a priority. The team is committed to swiftly resolving any artrelated issues, prioritizing efficiency to expedite your order into production.
Ready to Press Convenience:
UltraColour MAX is not just about quality; it's about ease of use. MAX transfers come pre-cut and ready to press, eliminating the need for additional steps like guillotining.
Mimaki Engineered Excellence:
Powered by Mimaki's cutting-edge DTF technology, UltraColour MAX achieves higher density colours and sharper details compared to other DTF printers. This technological synergy results in transfers that are not just good – they are exceptional.
Understanding the needs of Velflex’s diverse clientele, UltraColour MAX offers several customer-centric benefits:
1. No Minimum Order Quantity: Only need one transfer? UltraColour MAX caters to your requirements without imposing minimum order quantities.
2. Zero Setup Costs: When you purchase online at www.velflex.com.au, enjoy the advantage of no setup costs, making the process seamless and costeffective.
3. Next Day Despatch: In this industry time is money, and with next-day dispatch, your orders are in your hands when you need them.
Need an insurance policy for dye migration?
The original UltraColour stands out with its hybrid digital screen printed nature, resulting in a thicker ink layer. This enhances overall durability, particularly beneficial for sports apparel, and provides blocker options. These blockers prevent dye, sublimation, and soft shell migration, elevating performance and design longevity.
A dynamic duo for your business
While UltraColour excels in larger quantities, UltraColour MAX eliminates minimum order requirements without substituting colour vibrancy and detail, ideal for small, exclusive quantities with flexibility and convenience.
So whether you're a small business or gearing up for larger production, Velflex’s UltraColour and UltraColour MAX duo has you covered. Elevate your garment decoration with the ultimate DTF transfer – a perfect blend of experience, environmental responsibility, and cutting-edge technology.
