Printing Industry Commentary & Analysis

Softwear Automation Sewbots: The Future of Apparel Manufacturing?

Published October 5, 2020

The sewing process has often been described as the "last mile" of apparel manufacturing automation. In this interview, Palaniswamy "Raj" Rajan, Chairman & CEO, Softwear Automation, talks about how sewbots, and in particular the sewbots the company is manufacturing, have the ability to automatically manufacture T-shirts today in amazing quantities, with a few toward being able to expand this capability to other apparel types in the future. He also shares projections about when the technology will be more commercially available.

AATCC Webinar Series Sheds Light on Textile-Related Testing for PPE

Published September 28, 2020

The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) has a robust program of educational webinars. Most recently, the organization has sponsored a series of three important sessions related to testing and standards for PPE, especially important during this COVID-19 pandemic which shows no signs of ending. Of particular interest to our readers is a Duke University research project that developed a low-cost method for testing the efficacy of facemasks.

Innovations in Textiles: Viscose Made from Recycled Cotton

Published September 28, 2020

Lux Research Analyst Anthony Schiavo reports on the work being done by Europe-based Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research and Swedish company re:newcell to create viscose filament yarns from recycled cotton, a process that can help reduce textile waste that ends up in landfills and improve the industry's sustainability. These yarns, he says, can be seamlessly inserted into existing fabric manufacturing processes in place of viscose fibers created using a less sustainable process.

Saint Louis Fashion Fund: Driving the Fashion Industry Forward

Published September 24, 2020

Susan Sherman, Co-Founder and Former Board Chair of the Saint Louis Fashion Fund, and Jon Lewis, who heads up Evolution St. Louis—a knit manufacturer— joined Senior Editor Cary Sherburne to discuss how the Saint Louis Fashion Fund is helping revitalize the fashion industry in St. Louis, once a fashion hub. The Fund also attracted Evolution and its advanced 3D knitting capabilities to the city.

Spoonflower CEO Michael Jones Shares Insights on Future of On-Demand Textiles

Published September 23, 2020

Spoonflower was a pioneer in the field of on-demand textile printing and production. As the rest of the industry races to catch up, new CEO Michael Jones is aiming to take Spoonflower to the next level. Cary Sherburne talks with Jones and senior vice president of research and development Kerry King about their vision for the future.

Are Living Clothes in Your Future? Designer Royal Aghighi Thinks They Should Be!

Published September 21, 2020

The textiles industry is a huge polluter. Although there are many sustainability initiatives at play, there is still more that can be done. Just ask multidisciplinary researcher Roya Aghighi. She’d like you to reimagine your wardrobe as living things. Find out what that means!

Long-time Marketing Expert David Murphy Shares Digital Marketing Strategies

Published September 21, 2020

David Murphy, who has run marketing for a number of industry companies including most recently HP, has founded a digital marketing agency, Nvent Marketing. In this video, he discusses the various ways smaller to mid-sized companies can leverage increased Internet usage to keep leads coming into the business during the pandemic and beyond.

Attracting New Talent: A 2020 Imperative

Published September 16, 2020

Jeff White, Director of Development for the Print & Graphics Scholarship Foundation (PGSF), provides an update on the status and activities of the organization in its efforts to educate students about the benefits of a career in print and graphics (including textiles), as well as the scholarships that are granted to those students. PGSF awarded 226 scholarships this year!

HP Indigo Ups the Ante for Quality and Productivity in Digital Print

Published September 15, 2020

In this article, sponsored by HP, Senior Editor Cary Sherburne provides an overview of the latest features of the HP Indigo 12000 and HP Indigo 15K digital presses, including innovations that take digital printing to a new level of quality and productivity. She also cites on-site experiences of two customers, L&L Printers and New London.

Long-Time Print Innovator and Serial Entrepreneur John Lacagnina Shares Thoughts on Past, Present, and Future of Print

Published September 14, 2020

I first crossed paths with John Lacagnina when he brought to market the world’s first network production printing solution through his company at the time, Entire. Over the ensuing years, he has continued to innovate and bring dynamic change to the industry. Learn more about his story, his thoughts about the industry, and what he’s up to today.

Mohawk Paper's Chris Harrold Explains the Renewal Line of Papers

Published September 14, 2020

Mohawk Paper, which has a long history of working toward sustainable manufacturing of fine papers, has introduced its Renewal line of papers. It is using hemp and straw fibers in two paper lines, with 30% hemp or straw content. Even more interesting is its 100% cotton fiber Renewal paper. Senior Vice President of Marketing & Creative explains how the line came about and its contribution to Mohawk's sustainability footprint.

Sewing Automation: Where Are We Now and Where Are We Going?

Published September 10, 2020

Frank Henderson of the Henderson Sewing Company is the third generation running this family business and has been doing so for the last 40 years. He has an extensive amount of experience to share, including what's being done to accelerate reshoring of manufacturing of sewn products, how his company interacts with others in the industry to create innovative workflows, and what he sees as future developments in sewing, robotics, and workforce development.

Industry Veteran Aviv Ratzman Founds Compack, a New Web-to-Pack Portal

Published September 8, 2020

Aviv Ratzman, who spent time at HP Indigo and co-founded Highcon, starts a new venture today. Compack (Com-Pack.net) is an online solution that enables brand owners to compare and choose suppliers who provide on-demand custom packaging services for both primary and secondary packaging. Ratzman explains the strategy behind the business in this video discussion.

Bringing Fashion Back to St. Louis

Published August 31, 2020

Did you know that St. Louis, Mo., was a fashion hub from the turn of the 20th century until the end of World War II? Now there are significant efforts to reestablish the city’s fashion prominence, led by the Saint Louis Fashion Fund. We spoke with co-founder Susan Sherman, and the CEO of high-tech knitting manufacturer Evolution St. Louis, Jon Lewis, to learn how their initiatives are progressing.

Tailored Industry: Revitalizing Knitting in Brooklyn

Published August 31, 2020

Alex Tschopp founded Tailored Industry with the vision of using 3D knitting machines to produce knitted garments on demand. After a period of educating brands and retailers about they benefit of on-demand production, they are now starting to take advantage of the service. He talks about progress to date and plans for the future.

“Circular Is the New Black”: Redefining the Fashion Industry

Published August 27, 2020

There has been a great deal of discussion here and elsewhere about how the pandemic has accelerated efforts to restructure the textiles and apparel supply chain, resulting in both companies exiting China for destinations such as Vietnam and India, as well as reshoring of textiles and apparel in the US and Europe facilitated by the growing availability of digital technologies that enable new ways to design, manufacture and distribute textiles and apparel. This article contains a review of a report from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation: “A New Textiles Economy: Redesigning Fashion’s Future.” Well worth reading in full!

Michael McDonald Shares Insights on Current and Future Sewn Products

Published August 27, 2020

Michael McDonald, President of Sewn Products Equipment and Suppliers of the Americas (SPESA), provides background on the organization and discusses the latest developments in cut-and-sew automation with an emphasis on the "last mile" of sewing. He also discusses the need to attract new talent to the industry and cites some of the activities that are helping to do so.

Augmented Reality: Revolutionizing the Value of Print

Published August 26, 2020

Augmented reality (AR) has played a somewhat limited role to date in the world of print and packaging, with its largest footprint in the digital world—but that may be about to change. Cary Sherburne looks at some recent AR-enabled catalogs developed by Paris and Montreal’s ARGO.

Pete Santora Shares Insight into the Future of Apparel Automation

Published August 24, 2020

Pete Santora has been working across a variety of industries to examine how automation can help reshore manufacturing and strengthen supply chains, especially post-pandemic. He shares his thoughts on automation in textiles and apparel in this video interview.

Epson Launches Its First Industrial-Class Dye-Sublimation Printer

Published August 20, 2020

Epson’s new SureColor F10070 sports new features and capabilities, sure to help spur growth in digital textile fabric printing. Cary Sherburne takes a look at this new printer.

More Innovation from Tom O'Brien: Flexible Packaging On Demand

Published August 17, 2020

Tom O'Brien, founder of AccuLink, now has a new business added to the mix. AccuFlex Packaging is producing flexible packaging on demand with a unique combination of an HP Indigo 20000, Color-Logic print embellishments, E-Beam lamination and pouching. This is a must-watch video for anyone in the packaging industry or any brands looking to produce vibrant and sustainable flexible packaging.

Managing Through the Pandemic: A Conversation with Frank Mallozzi, EFI's Chief Revenue Officer

Published August 12, 2020

Many employees at EFI, including Frank Mallozzi, have been working from home since March 14th, but it hasn't dimmed their enthusiasm for the company, their teammates, and their customers. Mallozzi shares some of the innovative ways EFI has turned to virtual work and offers advice to others who may be struggling with this during the pandemic.

EU Graphene Flagship Initiative Explores Innovative Graphene Uses

Published August 10, 2020

We’ve been following some of the research on graphene for some time now. Developments and innovations are continuing, especially in the European Union. Here we review the EU Graphene Flagship Initiative and some of the developments related to the textiles and apparel industry, including how graphene can affect advances in wearables.

How Much Do Your Jeans Mean to You?

Published August 3, 2020

Do you know how much water it takes to make a single pair of jeans? The answer will likely shock you. In this article, Senior Editor Cary Sherburne explores how a commitment to zero-waste fashion—and some emerging technologies—can save precious water and protect our planet yet still let us enjoy those comfortable jeans and other fashion items.

How Will the Pandemic Affect the Global Textiles & Apparel Supply Chain?

Published July 27, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare many frailties in the global textiles and apparel supply chain but may also be a driver for brands, retailers and manufacturers implementing significant changes as we move into the post-pandemic "new normal," according to textiles expert Debbie McKeegan.

How Effective is Your Cloth Mask?

Published July 20, 2020

Most people understand there is a benefit to wearing a cloth mask to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus. But with so many mask types available, how do you choose the most effective type? Senior Editor Cary Sherburne digs into the latest research on this topic.

Debbie McKeegan Talks Textiles Sustainability

Published July 20, 2020

Debbie McKeegan, textiles expert and CEO of Texintel, shares her thoughts on how digital technologies can help ameliorate the huge sustainability problem facing the textiles and apparel industry, suggesting that coming out of the pandemic, there may be unique opportunities to change operating practices.

Factory Automation for Printing Fabric On Demand Translates to Big Business for Raspberry Creek Fabrics

Published July 13, 2020

Diana Rammell wanted better fitting clothes but was disappointed in the selection of fabrics she could find. So she took matters into her own hands, founding Raspberry Creek Fabrics in 2010 to create more compelling fabric designs. When her dreams got a little out of control, her attorney husband, Justin, stepped in to help. Today, the company produces some 40,000 yards of custom fabrics every month and continues to grow.

Looking to Hire or Be Hired? Here's Some Expert Advice!

Published July 13, 2020

Senior Editor Cary Sherburne spent time speaking with PrintLink executive search and professional placement experts for the graphic communications industry. Arnie Kahn, President, and Dino Scalia, Senior Vice President, shared their thoughts on a wide range of subjects, including what's changed with recruitment, skills that employers should be looking for, what candidates should focus on when looking at opportunities, and much more. They also discuss why it's important to consider hiring even during this difficult period.

Scott Schinlever Returns to EFI

Published July 8, 2020

In this video interview, Scott Schinlever, now COO for EFI's Global Inkjet Business, discusses his decision to return to EFI after 2.5 years with Gerber Technologies, what his organization looks like, what he learned at Gerber that will help him execute his new duties, and what the future looks like for EFI's inkjet business.

Trends Update: Textiles and Apparel

Published July 6, 2020

As we proceed into the second half of 2020, Cary Sherburne rounds up some of the top textile and apparel trends we have seen thus far this year.

The SGIA/PIA Merger Explained

Published June 23, 2020

On May 1, 2020, the Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA) and the Printing Industries of America (PIA) merged to become PRINTING United Alliance (PUA). Ford Bowers, President and CEO of the combined organization, reveals many of the details of the merger and what it means for members.

Will On-Demand Manufacturing Be the New Normal Post-Pandemic for Textiles and Apparel?

Published June 22, 2020

How much of the post-pandemic “new normal” will involve on-demand manufacturing for textile-based products? Already we are hearing from on-demand manufacturers that their businesses are seeing increased demand, both due to the pandemic-related supply chain disruption and a general move in the industry to more efficiency, less waste, and more sustainability. In this story, we provide examples of how an on-demand manufacturer is helping both startups and brands achieve these goals.

What Is the Role of the RIP in Process Automation and Supply Chain Efficiencies?

Published June 15, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare the fragility of the global supply chain for textiles and apparel. This is driving brands and retailers to give more thoughtful consideration to how they can streamline that supply chain, bringing production closer to the point of use and eliminating at least some of the inventory risk inherent in the current process. In this article, we explore the role of the digital front end (DFE or RIP) for digital textile printers in making this a viable alternative to the current offshore bulk manufacturing of printed textiles and apparel.

Spoonflower Community Responds to COVID-19 Pandemic

Published June 8, 2020

With more than 1.8 million design options in its library, and with the availability of easy-to-use mask kits, Spoonflower and its designer community have responded in force to the need for masks, making more than 150,000 non-medical-grade fabric masks. Senior Editor Cary Sherburne spoke with Michael Jones, Spoonflower’s new CEO, and Kerry King, Senior Vice President of R&D, to learn more about this outstanding response and to get an update on what’s new at Spoonflower.

Why Implement a Hybrid Flexo/Digital Printing Solution? G2 ID Solutions Has the Answer

Published June 2, 2020

Colordyne 3600 Series AQ – Retrofit Printer Powered by Memjet offers increased flexibility and 3X increase in job throughput for Florida-based label and packaging printer G2 ID Source.

Tailored Industry Converts 90% of Knitting Capacity to Unique Knitted Masks

Published June 1, 2020

Since it appears that masks will be part of our wardrobe for the foreseeable future, we continue to look for unique yet functional mask solutions and the companies that are converting their manufacturing operations to help address this critical need. We wrote about Tailored Industry last year, and recently heard they were knitting masks, so we checked in to get more detail.

Mattoon High School Student Abigail Carter Wins PGSF Poster AND T-Shirt Design Contest

Published May 26, 2020

Each year the Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation (www.pgsf.org) conducts poster and T-shirt design contests, accepting submissions from students around the country that are pursuing a career in graphic communications or a related field at a U.S. technical school or college. In 2020, Abigail Carter, a high school junior at Mattoon High School in Mattoon, Ill., won in both categories.

AFFOA Continues to Make Progress on Fiber Computing Technologies

Published May 18, 2020

It’s been almost two years since we wrote about the work that Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA) is doing to develop functional fiber computing solutions that will likely be the basis for moving us into Industry 5.0. Seems like we don’t even have Industry 4.0 under our belts, but technology does move fast these days! We spoke with the AFFOA team, including CEO Alexander (Sasha) Stolyarov, Chief Marketing Officer Eric Spackey, Senior Director of Business Development Natasha Spackey, and Chief Technology Officer Jason Cox, to get an update on what has transpired in the past two years.

Mimaki Expands Product Portfolio with 3D Printer, OKI Partnership, Dual-Ink-Set Textile Printer

Published May 11, 2020

In light of event cancellations during the pandemic, many companies are turning to virtual events to get their news out. Mimaki held a virtual press event recently, packed with industry news and announcing a five-week Virtual Print Festival to keep the industry informed and ready to move forward. We tuned in to learn more.

Ceramics Printing Goes Digital

Published May 6, 2020

Printing on ceramic objects is a great business opportunity for printers and sign shops of all sizes. Although there are multi-million-dollar ceramic printing systems on the market, the good news is that it can be easy and affordable to enter the market for short to mid-sized runs of decorated ceramic products. Senior editor Cary Sherburne explains how.

Kornit NeoPigment Robusto Softener Addresses Hand Feel Issues with Pigment Inks

Published May 4, 2020

As the textiles and apparel industry works to improve supply chain management and reduce its environmental footprint, many view pigment inks as the Holy Grail—print on any fabric, no need for pre- or post-treatment in many cases. What’s not to like? The hand feel, that’s what. Here’s what Kornit is doing to address that issue.

PrintFactory Offers Alternative Workflow for Display Graphics and Textile Printers

Published April 27, 2020

PrintFactory offers a RIP-based workflow for wide format printers in a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model. The company has about 17,000 active installations, supports more than 2,000 physical devices, and has about 40 employees. Find out more.

2019 Annual Print Franchise Review

Published April 22, 2020

Cary Sherburne provides our annual review of the print franchises. As these organizations work to adjust to the changing industry and business environment, they are all aggressively working with their franchises to add infrastructure for more efficiency, encourage the addition of new products, provide training and help franchisees looking for an exit strategy look for new potential owners. Combined, these five organizations generated $1.34 billion in revenues.

The Battle to Save the News Media in the Age of COVID-19

Published April 21, 2020

Access to honest news and investigative reporting is important in the best of times, but even more so in the worst of times, such as the battle against COVID-19 that is underway around the globe. While virtually all media organizations are under stress due largely to the evaporation of advertising revenue, none are seeing more stress than local news organizations, resulting in what is being called local news deserts. In this article, we look at some of the efforts underway to relieve some of this stress.

If the Shoe Fits… Volumental Uses 3D Scanning to Deliver Perfect Fit

Published April 20, 2020

As consumers increasingly turn to online shopping, brands and retailers are looking for ways to enhance the customer experience and to reduce product returns when the product the consumer receives doesn’t fit or otherwise doesn’t meet expectations. Volumental has an answer for shoe retailers and brands.

Neenah Coldenhove Brings Digital Transfer on an Industrial Basis to Natural Fiber Fabrics with Texcol® Digital Transfer Paper

Published April 6, 2020

One of the more popular means of digitally printing to fabrics is heat transfer dye sublimation where images are printed on a sublimation transfer paper and then processed through a heating unit (calender) to sublimate the image into fabric. Until now, this process has been limited to polyester or polyester blends. Neenah Coldenhove is addressing this shortfall with its new digital transfer paper for natural fibers.

Equipe Offers Custom Apparel for Brands, Sports Teams

Published March 30, 2020

A growing number of companies are popping up in North America that offer custom apparel produced on demand. This is an important supply chain shift, both from an environmental and economic perspective as weaknesses in global supply chains have increasingly come to the forefront. Not everything, of course, can be produced on demand. But companies like California-based Equipe are demonstrating that local production is not only feasible, but a viable alterative for a growing variety of apparel and home décor items.

Xeikon 2020: New Products in Every Supported Market Segment

Published March 30, 2020

On March 30, Xeikon unveiled its extensive plans for what was to be its drupa 2020 exhibit in an exclusive briefing for the media. Following the briefing, we spoke with Filip Weymans, Xeikon’s Vice President of Marketing, to gain deeper insight into the strategy behind these developments, how being part of Flint Group has benefited the company, and more. In light of the postponement of drupa till April of 2021, Xeikon is putting plans in place to support the industry with continued innovation during the balance of 2020.

Making Masks and Other PPE to Help with the COVID-19 Pandemic

Published March 26, 2020

One thing about a crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic is that it can bring people together to come up with creative ways to help. We are starting to hear stories about how players in the textiles and apparel industry are doing just that, converting operations to the production of much-needed masks and other PPE, and we wanted to share these inspiring stories with you.

Catalyst Fabric Solutions Leverages Automation for On-Demand Production of Home Décor

Published March 23, 2020

The continued evolution of digital technologies, including printing, for textile-based products has opened the door to more reshoring of manufacturing as well as on-demand production, ease of customization and more. Florida-based Catalyst Fabric Solutions is taking advantage of all of these trends for business growth.

The Cannabis Gold Rush: New Business Opportunities in Packaging and Apparel Are Here for the Taking

Published March 17, 2020

The first in a series of articles about the current cannabis landscape. While this is a high-growth market opportunity for packaging converters, it is also still a Wild West environment, and there are many misunderstandings about what it is comprised of, what’s legal and what’s not, and what the actual benefits of cannabis-derived products are from a health and well-being perspective. In this introductory feature, Cary Sherburne provides an overview of the current state of the market, including definitions, and applications, as well as developments in packaging and even apparel.

Denim Reimagined: A New, More Eco-Friendly Way to Think About Denim

Published March 16, 2020

We all love our blue jeans. They are comfortable, often stylish, but what about their impact on the environment? What if you could have a pair of jeans with an almost indistinguishable look on the outside, but silky soft on the inside, with a 97% water footprint reduction? Sound impossible? With new fabric printing technologies, it’s totally achievable. Read what Dalton Cheng of Intech has to say on this subject and more.

Advances in Smart Textiles Add Functionality to Apparel, Home Décor, Health

Published March 9, 2020

Expect to see accelerating developments in smart textiles through 2020 and beyond. A few of the more recent developments are explained in this article by Senior Editor Cary Sherburne, who is keeping tabs on this market segment and the exciting news coming out almost daily. Be sure to check out WhatTheyThink’s Around the Web every Friday for additional smart textile news.

What’s the Dresscode? Smart and Savvy CashCuff® Wearables!

Published February 24, 2020

As the market for wearable technology continues to evolve, UK-based Dresscode has taken a unique approach with CashCuff, the world’s first smart payment shirt. See what founder and CEO Andy Boothman has to say about the origin of the company and its strategy for the future.

Lucent Botanicals Offers Unique CBD Mints in Equally Unique Packaging

Published February 18, 2020

As we continue to cover the burgeoning cannabis market and the business opportunities it offers, we spent time talking with Chris Cooper, CEO of California-based Lucent Botanicals, who has taken a different approach to CBD that is taken orally—mints enhanced with a variety of herbs and essences to tune their effects to different consumer requirements. He also shared his packaging strategy for these unique products.

All Flags Signs and Banners Leverages EFI Inkjet and Other Technologies for Double Digit Growth

Published February 18, 2020

Peter Wagner, Managing Director of Australia-based All Flags Signs and Banners, explains how his company has gone from needing four people over three weeks to produce 400 banners in 1998, to its capacity today to output 54,000 square meters of printed media today with its fleet of EFI VUTEk printers. The company serves a large portion of the Asia Pacific region with flags, banners, branding for sporting events, vehicle wraps, carpets, and more.

Pang-Wangling to Fashion Success

Published February 17, 2020

To pang-wangle is to live or go along cheerfully in spite of minor misfortunes. That’s exactly what Jennifer John is doing with her Pang Wangle fashion business, creating sustainable fashion ideal for hot, buggy climates such as is experienced in her home state of Louisiana. We spoke to Jennifer to learn more about her background, her growing business, and the challenges she faced finding just the exact right fabric for her unique creations.

The Sourcing Group Brings Technology Expertise to Corporate Clients

Published February 10, 2020

At the recent EFI Connect 2020 conference, Lynn Smith from The Sourcing Group spoke on the customer panel, sharing The Sourcing Group’s unique story. We followed up with her afterward to get more details on this print-related Business Process Optimization (BPO) company.

Dave Johannes Brings 40+ Years of IT and Mail Experience to Moore DM Group

Published February 6, 2020

Dave Johannes, now with the Moore DM Group, a group of companies focused on fundraising initiatives for the non-profit space, talks about the IT infrastructure the company has in place to manage the scale and scope of its offerings. He identifies the efforts the company is undertaking to place the organization—which has done a number of acquisitions—on a common IT infrastructure, and why that is important.

EFI’s Ken Hanulec Looks Ahead to drupa 2020

Published February 4, 2020

Ken Hanulec, VP of Worldwide Marketing for EFI, looks ahead to some of what drupa 2020 will have in store: automation, inkjet, and the digitization of packaging, as well as the elements of “Industry 4.0”—connectivity, software, and the cloud—which will drive efficiency and effectiveness.

How George Brown College Is Addressing Workforce Needs and More in Textiles and Apparel

Published February 3, 2020

You can’t attend any textiles and apparel events or speak with industry professionals without the subject of workforce challenges arising. Senior Editor Cary Sherburne spoke with Marilyn McNeil-Morin about the Fashion Exchange program at Toronto’s George Brown College that has programs in place to help address these issues.

EFI’s Adele Genoni Identifies Today’s Textile Trends

Published February 3, 2020

Adele Genoni, Senior Vice President and General Manager of EFI Reggiani, talks to Cary Sherburne about the most important trends in textiles as the industry continues its analog to digital transformation—including sustainability, data management, and AI and technical textiles. She also provides an update on EFI BOLT installations.

“In Spirit, I Am Always with EFI”

Published January 31, 2020

Cary Sherburne talks to Guy Gecht, former CEO of EFI, about what he has been up to since leaving EFI. He talks about the corporate boards he has joined, and discusses his adventures in home-building, where he hired himself as his own general contractor.

EFI Connect 2020 Rounds Out a Year of Dramatic Change for the Company

Published January 30, 2020

EFI Connect 2020 marked the 21st year this user conference has been held, and the 13th year it has been hosted at the Wynn Hotel & Resort in Las Vegas. This edition marked a year of dramatic change for the company, with the departure of long-time CEO Guy Gecht, a short-lived CEO in Bill Muir, and an acquisition by Siris Group that took the company from public to private. EFI Connect 2020 was an opportunity for customers to gain first-hand insight into what these changes might mean for them.

Industry Veteran Doug Edwards Joins EFI

Published January 30, 2020

Cary Sherburne talks to Doug Edwards, EFI’s Chief Technology Officer, who has been on the job for two weeks and last week attended his first EFI Connect. Edwards has been in the industry for 30 years and comes to EFI from Xaar and Kodak. He talks about what attracted him to EFI—namely, the company’s broad product portfolio.

Prima-Tex Helps Customers Understand Differences Between Digital and Analog Textile Printing

Published January 27, 2020

At last month’s AATCC/SGIA Digital Textile Printing Conference 4.0, I had the pleasure of meeting Jonathan Tio and his brother Patrick of California-based Prima-Tex. His active and informed participation in the conference discussions were an inspiration, and he agreed to a subsequent interview for this article.

Siris Executive Al Zollar Shares Thoughts About EFI Acquisition

Published January 23, 2020

Al Zollar, Executive Partner at private equity firm Siris and a 34-year veteran of IBM, attended EFI Connect 2020 and took the time to share his thoughts about the event, the industry, and the EFI acquisition overall.

The Importance of Customer Obsession

Published January 23, 2020

EFI's Chief Revenue Officer Frank Mallozzi shares his thoughts about leveling up from thinking about the customer experience beyond simply customer satisfaction to building a culture of customer obsession. He explains some of the impact and effect this approach has had on EFI's customer community.

EFI CEO Jeff Jacobson Shares Thoughts on Building for Success

Published January 22, 2020

EFI Connect 2020 is the 21st edition of this users group event. As new EFI CEO, Jeff Jacobson explains the event theme: "The Now and Future Pendulum," as well as the importance of a "stratactical" approach to business.

Springs Creative Leverages 133 Years of Textile History for Today’s Digital Printing

Published January 20, 2020

At the AATCC/SGIA Digital Textile Printing Conference 4.0 last December, one of the high points was a presentation by Kathy Phillips, Vice President of Design/Trend at Springs Creative, a show-and-tell that highlighted the company’s rich history in textiles, beginning with the founding of the Fort Mill Manufacturing Company in 1887 by Samuel Elliot White. We talked with Phillips to get more detail on this fascinating story to share with our readers.

David Gross of Conde Systems Explains How Easy and Affordable It Is to Enter the Product Decoration Market with Heat Transfer Dye Sublimation

Published January 16, 2020

David Gross of Conde Systems explains how his passion for heat transfer dye sublimation has grown into a highly diverse business that provides everything customers need to decorate just about any product, not only creating and producing items but helping them with marketing strategies as well. Users can enter this market with a minimal investment.

Heidelberg Gears Up for drupa

Published January 14, 2020

Sonja Mechling, Chief Marketing Officer for Heidelberg, talks to Cary Sherburne about Heidelberg’s plans for drupa 2020, which include artificial intelligence (AI) applications to help improve productivity, as well as its digital solutions.

unspun Delivers Size-Free Green Jeans On Demand

Published January 13, 2020

If you grew up, as I did, watching Captain Kangaroo, you’ll remember Mr. Green Jeans. These days, Green Jeans has an entirely different meaning, and San Francisco/Hong Kong based unspun set out to define the category.

ColorZone’s Joshua Feller Is a Technology Early Adopter

Published January 13, 2020

Cary Sherburne talks to Joshua Feller, owner of ColorZone. Feller bought ColorZone 15 years ago and began to acquire wide-format equipment—as much as $8 million worth—in order to reduce the amount of work he had to outsource. An early adopter of printing technologies, he has expanded from wide-format to label printing, which has proven highly successful

AATCC and SGIA Digital Textile Printing Conference 4.0 Another Huge Success

Published January 6, 2020

For the fourth straight year, AATCC and SGIA joined forces to bring the Digital Textile Printing Conference to the industry, a forum that addressed pressing issues and provided nearly 140 attendees with the ability to learn, network, and provide feedback that will help the associations continue to meet the needs of an evolving industry.

S-One Labels & Packaging Working to Help the Flexible Packaging Industry Address Its Digital Transformation

Published January 6, 2020

Ralph Giammarco, Vice President at S-One Labels & Packaging, discusses the similarities of the analog-to-digital transformation in flexible packaging to the sign industry's transformation. Digital now comprises 1% to 2% of flexible packaging, and Giammarco estimates growth to a double-digit share over the next few years and delivering a more sustainable product.

Carolina Textile District Helps Match Entrepreneurs to Textile Manufacturing Resources

Published December 19, 2019

Tanya Wade explains how the Carolina Textile District acts as a matchmaker for companies and entrepreneurs interested in textile manufacturing in the U.S. to connect them with the necessary resources. Through an online application process, manufacturers, mills, pattern makers, and others can quickly review requests and determine whether to participate.

A Look Ahead at FESPA 2020 in Madrid

Published December 19, 2019

Graeme Richardson-Locke, FESPA's Technical Support Manager, speaks with Senior Editor Cary Sherburne about the role of FESPA in the industry, its constituency, and its Profit for Purpose program. He also talks about some of the special experiential features that FESPA includes in its European event.

American Color Imaging Adds Dye-Sub Products with Two HP Stitch Digital Textile Printers

Published December 18, 2019

Mark Lane, President & CEO of American Color Imaging, describes the company's journey from a portrait photo studio and wet photo lab to a digital operation that includes two HP Stitch digital textile printers for production of personalized blankets and other textile-based photo products.

Print. Make. Wear. An Expanded Presence Planned for FESPA 2020

Published December 18, 2019

Debbie McKeegan, Textile Ambassador for FESPA and organizer of the event's Print. Make. Wear. exhibit, explains how the exhibit showcases technologies that are changing the future of manufacturing in textiles and apparel. She notes how the exhibit will be expanded for FESPA 2020 in Madrid.

Adobe's Mike Scrutton Provides Updates on the Latest Adobe Textile Designer Developments and Adobe's New Design to Print Solution

Published December 17, 2019

Mike Scrutton, Adobe's Director of Print Technology and Strategy, brings our viewers up to date on the latest developments with Adobe Textile Designer. He also explains his participation in judging the SGIA Golden Image Awards, with entries including everything from banners, to signage, to prints, including full-color wedding invitations printed on slate! He also notes the launch of Adobe Design to Print, making it easier for designers to visualize how a design will actually look when manufactured.

Shimmy into the Digital Future with AI-Supported Training for Textile Workers

Published December 16, 2019

At the recent SPESA Executive Conference, I had the pleasure of meeting Sarah Krasley of Shimmy, a company that provides training for garment workers using gamification (to make it more engaging) and artificial intelligence for localization, among other things. With automation increasingly expected to eliminate jobs in the textiles and other industries, upskilling of these workers is a critical investment in our future—and theirs.

GLGA President Provides Advice for Printing Companies in Sourcing Fresh Talent

Published December 16, 2019

Senior Editor Cary Sherburne discusses industry workforce issues with GLGA President Joe Lyman. He outlines the new skills that are required by HR professionals to recruit new talent to the industry and to educate potential employees about the modern, technologically-based nature of the industry today.

Can the "Last Mile" of Manufacturing—Sewing—Be More Automated? Frank Henderson Says Yes

Published December 16, 2019

A third-generation family-owned company in business for 50 years, Henderson Sewing Machine Company has changed with the times, according to CEO Frank Henderson. With sewing—the "last mile" in textile manufacturing automation—still requiring significant manual labor, Henderson talks about the challenges of automating textile sewn products and the progress that is being made.

Kevin Cushing Provides an Alliance Franchise Brands Update

Published December 12, 2019

Kevin Cushing, President of the Marketing & Print Division of Alliance Franchise Brands. provides an update on the company's franchise activities in print and signs, as well as its dual branding initiatives with an Allegra and Image 360 franchise under the same roof with a target to reach 100 of those dual-branded operations. He also talked about the various programs Alliance Franchise Brands has to help franchisees with exit strategies and to help new entrepreneurs enter the Alliance Franchise Brands family as well as new product offerings within the network.

Attracting New Talent to Textile Manufacturing Starts with 8th Graders at the Manufacturing Solutions Center

Published December 12, 2019

Dan St. Louis describes the work being done over the last 30 years at the Manufacturing Solutions Center to help create and maintain jobs. As part of the Catawba Community College, the group, among other things, hosts tours of its facility and selected manufacturing plants for 8th graders to encourage them to seek jobs in the industry.

Shimmy Into the Workforce of the Future

Published December 11, 2019

Sarah Krasley, CEO of Shimmy, talks about the company's efforts to help with workforce education in the textiles industry through gamification. Initial efforts have been in Asia, but the company is also looking to bring its unique technology to North America as well. The goal is to help workers adapt to changes in the industry driven by new technology and automation.

Blunt Skincare One of First CBD Companies to Consider Neenah’s Hemp Fiber Folding Board for Packaging

Published December 9, 2019

A cosmetic chemist who has worked with some of the largest beauty brands, Stas Chirkov saw an opportunity to develop his own line of skincare products based on industrial hemp. In this article, he explains how he got started and details how specialized packaging impacts his ability to market his products.

Scott Schinlever Presents an Overview of Gerber Technology's Role and Strategy in the Textiles and Apparel Market

Published December 5, 2019

Scott Schinlever, President and Chief Operating Officer of Automated Solutions for Gerber, discussed the company's strategy and how its acquisition of MCT fits in to the overall integrated ecosystem, from design to the cut piece. This positions Gerber and its customers to play in the fast fashion and microfactory initiatives that are gaining steam in textiles and apparel.

GMG and Epson Partner for Packaging Prototyping

Published December 5, 2019

Eric Dalton, Director of Sales, Western Region, for GMG, talks to Cary Sherburne about the company's package prototyping solution using GMG ColorProof, GMG OpenColor Software, and an Epson SureColor S80600 printer to print and proof with white ink on clear materials and other specialty substrates, such as shrink sleeves for bottles.

Heat Transfer Dye Sublimation: The Next Profit Opportunity for Commercial and Display Graphics Printers

Published December 5, 2019

Cary Sherburne looks at how print businesses can profit from offering heat-transfer dye-sublimation services, including textile-based products, as well as mugs, metallic substrates, and more.

AATCC and SGIA Join Together to Present the Digital Textile Printing Conference 4.0

Published December 3, 2019

The Digital Textile Printing Conference 4.0, jointly presented by AATCC and SGIA, is a great way to wrap up a year full of dynamic change for the industry. It’s a full agenda designed to address the needs of everyone, from those that need a primer on digital textile printing, to those looking to expand their digital footprint, to developers who want to bring to market solutions closely attuned to existing and emerging market needs.

CannaBath: From Massage Therapist to CBD Entrepreneur

Published December 2, 2019

The market for CBD-based products is exploding, and will grow even more once a few of the regulatory issues have been ironed out. California-based CannaBath is an example of an entrepreneurial company that has brought CBD-based bath and body products to market and has benefited from a creative approach to packaging these products in partnership with San Diego-based Hippo Packaging.

U.S. Department of Commerce Sees Textiles as a Good Case Study for Reshoring Manufacturing

Published December 2, 2019

Lloyd Wood, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Textiles, Consumer Goods and Materials, U.S. Department of Commerce, was a speaker at the recent SPESA Executive Conference and took time to share his thoughts about what the Department of Commerce is doing to help the textiles and apparel industry be more competitive.

Product Spotlight: Konica Minolta’s AccurioJet KM-1 LED-UV Inkjet Press Delivers 90% Uptime for Franklin Direct Marketing

Published November 27, 2019

Senior Editor Cary Sherburne interviewed Craig Chumney, Vice President of Baton Rouge-based Franklin Direct Marketing, to gain insight into how the acquisition of a Konica Minolta AccurioJet KM-1 UV inkjet press has enhanced his business.

BOBST Ups the Stakes with Next-Generation Hybrid Press and More

Published November 26, 2019

BOBST has been providing solutions to the printing and packaging industries for four generations, and more recently has added digital textile printing to the mix. Cary Sherburne talks with CEO Jean-Pascal Bobst.

Conlin’s Print Upgrades its EFI Wide-Format Printer

Published November 26, 2019

Bill Conlin, Jr., of Conlin’s Print talks to Cary Sherburne about the company’s nearly 40 years as a family-owned digital printing business. About five years ago, they began offering wide-format printing. Conlin’s Print recently acquired an EFI VUTEk h3 hybrid flatbed/roll-to-roll superwide-format LED inkjet printer, replacing an older VUTEk QS2.

Buy a Sweater, Adopt a Sheep

Published November 25, 2019

As the textiles and apparel industry continues to take heat for its highly negative impact on the environment, some companies are taking creative approaches to not only creating sustainable garments, but pushing the industry to take more aggressive steps toward carbon-neutral operation. Sheep, Inc., is one of those companies.

Hear from Tom O'Brien, the "Poster Child" for Business Diversification

Published November 21, 2019

Tom O'Brien of AccuLink is the "poster child" for diversification, starting with dye-sublimation projects in 2016. That application already represents 40% of revenues. The next challenge he is taking on is on-demand production of flexible packaging. His story is an example to the industry of how diversification not only stimulates growth but keeps the excitement in the business.

Articles by Cary Sherburne