Printing Industry Commentary & Analysis

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.

Debbie McKeegan Talks about a Holistic View of Sustainability in Textiles and Apparel

Published November 20, 2019

Senior Editor Cary Sherburne chats with Debbie McKeegan, Founder and CEO of Texintel, a UK-based advisory service focused on the textiles industry, about her perspective on making the textile industry more sustainable across the entire value chain.

OnPoint Manufacturing to Add Digital Textile Printing for a Complete On-Demand Microfactory Implementation

Published November 18, 2019

OnPoint Manufacturing has been looking for a digital textile printing solution that could keep up with the rest of its manufacturing process for some time. The company has determined that the new Kornit Presto digital textile printer fits the bill. Senior Editor Cary Sherburne spoke with Chairman Kirby Best to learn why.

SGIA's Ray Weiss Explains SGIA's Student Ambassador Program

Published November 18, 2019

Ray Weiss, Director of Digital Print Programs at SGIA, discusses SGIA's Student Ambassador Program that funds students to attend PRINTING United as an extension of their industry education. Ten university students from around the country were funded in 2019.

Neenah Packaging Jumps on the CBD Bandwagon with New Hemp Fiber Folding Board

Published November 11, 2019

Neenah Packaging recently introduced a new line of hemp fiber folding board to address unique packaging needs in the exploding CBD market. Senior Editor Cary Sherburne spoke to Neenah’s Brand Manager, Michelle Turner, to learn more.

Car Wrap Competition Drives Attendee Interest at PRINTING United

Published November 5, 2019

As part of its installer certification program, SGIA hosted a car wrap competition at PRINTING United, a popular destination for show attendees. SGIA's Raymond Weiss explains more about the event and the organization's Installer Certification program.

SPESA Executive Conference Looks at the State of the Sewn Products Industry

Published November 4, 2019

Last week, Senior Editor Cary Sherburne had the pleasure of attending the Executive Conference sponsored by the Sewn Products Equipment and Suppliers of the Americas (SPESA) in New Orleans. This was the first major event planned by the new staff, led by Michael McDonald, President, and by all accounts, it was a huge success.

Frank Tueckmantel Previews PRINTING United UX

Published October 31, 2019

Frank Tueckmantel EVP of Business Development for NAPCO Media, talks to Cary Sherburne about PRINTING United UX, an initiative being launched at next year’s PRINTING United in Atlanta to allow exhibitors to utilize empty and idle convention center space by setting up their own sessions.

SPESA Executive Conference Addresses Issues Affecting the Sewn Products Industry: Trade, Workforce, and More

Published October 31, 2019

Michael McDonald, President of SPESA, the Sewn Products Equipment Suppliers of the Americas, discusses the challenges facing the Sewn Products industry, including misconceptions about employment in manufacturing that can be a barrier to attracting new talent. He discusses the role of the organization's Executive Conference, explains what attendees learned, and noted that James Carville, known as the Ragin' Cajun and a native of New Orleans, where the conference was held, was the keynote speaker.

Small Business Administration Targets Textiles and Sewn Products as Biz Dev Case Study

Published October 30, 2019

Chris Pilkerton, Acting Administrator of the United States Small Business Administration, talks with Senior Editor Cary Sherburne about his experiences with companies in the textiles and sewn products industries, especially their use of Maker Spaces to make resources more available to small businesses while also doing good for the community. It becomes a case study that can inspire other industries to adopt similar strategies for success.

Mile High Labs Seeks New Heights in Manufacturing Quality, Productivity for CBD Products

Published October 28, 2019

As we continue to look into the cannabis-related market, including how cannabis-related products are being used in apparel—more specifically, activewear—and the special packaging requirements the market has, we took time out to speak to Christopher Lackner of Mile High Labs in Colorado to gain an understanding of how the hemp plant is processed to deliver CBD-based materials for the market.

The Inaugural PRINTING United Kicks Off in Dallas

Published October 24, 2019

SGIA President and CEO Ford Bowers talks to Cary Sherburne about the inaugural PRINTING United, which kicked off yesterday.

Hippo Packaging Capitalizes on CBD Craze

Published October 21, 2019

In case you haven’t been following it, the market for products containing CBD—or cannabinoid derived from the hemp plant—is growing rapidly. It’s really only taken off in the U.S. since the approval of the 2018 Farm Bill legalized CBD extracted from industrial hemp with less than 0.3% THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana. Hippo Packaging in San Diego is focused on meeting the unique packaging needs for this emerging market segment.

How the Digital Ecosystem in Textile Production Streamlines Operations

Published October 21, 2019

In this video sponsored by EFI, the company's Chief Revenue Officer Frank Mallozzi explains EFI's "ecosystem" approach to the markets it serves, focusing on the components that create an inspiration to production, shipping, and invoicing for textiles. He also outlines the range of EFI Reggiani printers available, from the entry-level Next to the EFI BOLT at 90 meters per minute at the high end.

First North American HP Stitch S1000 to Serve Professional Photographers

Published October 14, 2019

When you think about digital textile printers and where they might be installed, your first thought isn’t a photo lab. But that’s exactly where the first North American HP Stitch S1000 production model went. Senior Editor Cary Sherburne spoke with Mark Lane, co-owner of American Color Imaging (ACI), to learn how this printer will fit into its overall business model.

Textiles & Apparel: What to Expect at PRINTING United

Published October 7, 2019

As PRINTING United approaches, we checked in with SGIA’s Ray Weiss, Director of Digital Print Programs, to better understand what textiles and apparel solutions will be at this expanded show, and to get his advice on how commercial printers, display graphics companies, or other attendees interested in gaining a foothold in this dynamic market can most effectively get the information they need at the show.

Acabada Launches CBD-Infused Activewear

Published September 30, 2019

As a proponent of the various benefits of cannabidiol (CBD), Senior Editor Cary Sherburne was intrigued to learn about Acabada’s CBD-infused activewear. She spoke with co-founder and CEO of Acabada, Seth Baum, to learn more. Watch for the March 2020 issue of Printing News for more information on all things cannabis, from definitions to sourcing CBD to unique packaging requirements and more.

Looking for Fun and Profit? Try Heat Transfer Sublimation!

Published September 23, 2019

Twenty-seven years ago, David Gross identified heat transfer sublimation as an interesting market opportunity with good potential for future growth. Today, at Condé Systems, he has made that vision a reality. Senior Editor Cary Sherburne spoke with Gross to find out how others can benefit from what he has learned.

Technical Textiles: When Do Possibilities Drive Demand?

Published September 16, 2019

Funxion was founded about a year ago as a spin-out from North Carolina State University’s Wilson College of Textiles, where its founders obtained their Ph.Ds. The company is focused on building out a platform for smart wearables that can be adapted to various use cases. Senior Editor Cary Sherburne spoke with Dr. Raj Bhakta, co-founder and CEO, to learn more.

Web2Fabric™: Lessons Learned

Published September 9, 2019

Web-to-print has become well-entrenched in commercial printing, and same on-demand production model is now making its way into the textiles and apparel industry. Cary Sherburne talks to Steve Smith, founder of DPInnovations, about the company’s Web2Fabric, a set of tools that can be modularly configured to meet the needs of individual companies.

Application Development Is the Key to Spurring Digital Textile Printing Growth

Published September 3, 2019

Roman Barba, Market Development Manager, Textiles, for HP says, "When you buy a printer, it's not about the printer itself—it's what you can do with it." This philosophy is a key to HP's application development efforts in sportswear, fashion, decoration, and soft signage. Barba explains how HP approaches each of these markets from an application perspective in this video sponsored by HP.

HP Makes Color Management Easy with HP Stitch Series Textile Printers

Published August 27, 2019

Joan Jorba, Textiles R&D Engineering Manager at HP, explains how HP has implemented color management for its HP Stitch S Series dye sublimation printers in this HP-sponsored video. He reports that the goal was to make color management easy, even for users who have limited color knowledge, and to ensure accurate color across fleets and with hybrid analog/digital production.

Tim Williams Explains How Color Solutions International Helps Improve Color in Textiles and Apparel with Certified Color Standards

Published August 26, 2019

Color Solutions International Tim Williams provides background on the company and the value it brings to the textile and apparel supply chain. This includes integration with Datacolor's ColorReader PRO and Adobe Textile Designer. He notes that 30% of colors are from the company's ColorWall which has nearly 10,000 colors available, and 70% are custom colors requested by brands.

HP Smart Services Improve Uptime and Productivity in Textile Printing

Published August 22, 2019

Joan Carol, Services Segment Manager, EMEA, discusses HP Smart Services for textile printing in this video sponsored by HP. He shares how the system works for both predictive and responsive service and leverages HP's large global service footprint for fast response when needed.

Datacolor ColorReader PRO Can Shrink Color Acquisition and Approval from Weeks to Days or Hours for Textile Designers

Published August 22, 2019

Datacolor's Ken Butts explains the importance of its new ColorReader PRO in the overall textile and apparel design process, enabling designers to quickly and easily acquire color data from inspiration items that can be passed along the rest of the supply chain. The ultra-portable colorimeter also links to CSI ColorWall color libraries. It is also integrated with Adobe Textile Designer.

Katelyn Lee of Cotton Incorporated Discusses Preparation of Cotton for Digital Printing

Published August 21, 2019

Katelyn Lee, Textile Chemist at Cotton Incorporated, explains how cotton, as a natural fiber, can be processed in the carding, spinning, and woven fabric preparation to prepare it as a good surface for digital printing with pigment or reactive inks. She also identifies developments the industry should be focusing on to make the process more effective and sustainable.

Customer Spotlight: Konica Minolta’s AccurioJet KM-1 Inkjet Press Opens New Business Opportunities for Hummel Integrated Marketing Solutions

Published August 20, 2019

Senior Editor Cary Sherburne interviewed John Hummel, fourth-generation owner and CEO of Hummel Integrated Marketing Solutions, to gain insight into how the acquisition of a Konica Minolta AccurioJet KM-1 UV inkjet press has enhanced his business.

How HP's PrintOS Helps Move Digital Textile Printing Forward

Published August 20, 2019

HP launched PrintOS for commercial print and packaging three years ago. Now HP has migrated this cloud-based production management solution to its new textiles business as well. In this video sponsored by HP, Jan Panek, Worldwide Software Solutions Senior Product Manager, explains how it helps textile printing operations be more efficient.

Executive Q&A - Wim Maes, Summa

Published August 19, 2019

Many of our readers will remember Wim Maes for his tenure as the CEO of Xeikon, a role he held from 2009 to March of 2017. From Xeikon to Summa, Wim Maes helps make the company a worldwide industry leader.

WTIN Shares Insights on Smart Textiles for Fashion, Entertainment, Lifestyle

Published August 19, 2019

Last week, Senior Editor Cary Sherburne tuned in to an interesting WTIN webinar, Smart Textiles for Fashion, Entertainment, and Lifestyle. She summarizes some of the key points here, but recommends that industry professionals interested in smart textiles review the entire free webinar.

Mimaki Continues Expansion of Digital Textile Printing Portfolio with New Product Launches at ITMA

Published August 19, 2019

Mimaki's Ronald Van Den Broek talks about what's new with the Mimaki digital textile printing product portfolio, including the Tiger 1800B MkII printing at 400 square meters per hour; the company's ability to control the entire workflow (both analog and digital processes); TA Job Control for advanced, interconnected job control; a new ink type for printing on real and synthetic leather; and the technology demonstration of a textile printer with a dual ink system to broaden the range of fabrics it can print on.

How Digital Affects Sustainability in Textiles

Published August 15, 2019

Carlos Lahoz, Global Textiles Brands Strategist, explains the role of digital technologies in improving sustainability within the textiles and apparel industry in this video sponsored by HP, from design through production and supply chain. He talks about the role of innovation in helping move the industry to a more digital and sustainable future.

Kornit Konnect Helps Textile & Apparel Designers and Producers Leverage Data as an Asset

Published August 15, 2019

Omer Kulka, Vice President of Marketing and Product Strategy for Kornit Digital, speaks with Senior Editor Cary Sherburne about Kornit Konnect, a cloud-based solution that delivers on Kornit's vision of a data-driven business and production environment for textiles and apparel, stressing the importance of data as an asset in the design and manufacturing environment.

Jeff Jacobson Shares Thoughts About EFI’s Past and Future

Published August 15, 2019

In a surprise announcement this week, EFI reported that with the departure of CEO Bill Muir for personal reasons, Executive Chairman Jeff Jacobson would be taking on the additional role as CEO of the company. Senior Editor Cary Sherburne spoke to Jacobson to gain insight into his plans for the company’s future.

The Digital Future of the Textiles Industry

Published August 13, 2019

Joan Perez Pericot, General Manager for HP's textile business, shares his thoughts on the current state of the textiles industry, the impact digital technologies are having, the opportunities he sees in the future, and the role HP wants to play in this evolving market.

Digital Printing of Textiles: A Growth Opportunity

Published August 12, 2019

World Textile Information Network (WTIN) has released its latest data regarding worldwide digital printing of textiles and we recap some of that information here.

Pointcarre Helps Brands, Designers, and Producers Create a More Efficient Textile Design and Approval Process

Published August 12, 2019

Pointcarre develops, sells, and supports textile design software. President Steve Greenberg explains how the product helps brands and designers visualize the surface design of fabric prior to production. The product supports both Pantone and CSI color libraries.

Executive Q&A—Wim Maes, Summa

Published August 12, 2019

Cary Sherburne talks to Wim Maes, Executive Member of the Board at Summa NV, a global leader in cutting and finishing equipment for the printing, signage, outdoor advertising, packaging, and textiles industries.

Sustainability and Offset Inks: The Latest Trends and Issues

Published August 12, 2019

According to a recent study by the European Printing Inks Association (EuPIA), the share of offset printing inks is less than 2% of the overall eco footprint of the printed paper material or paper packaging on which they are used.

Twine Turns the Thread Market On Its Head at ITMA

Published August 8, 2019

Yariv Bustan, Vice President of Product Marketing for Twine, explains the company's digital thread dyeing system that creates on demand a multi-color thread on a single spool (or a single custom color) that can be used to produce complex embroidery, knitting, and sewing applications. He also comments on the sustainability aspects of the solution for these markets.

The Importance of Implementing a Smart Factory Strategy

Published August 6, 2019

EFI's Senior Product Director for Scheduling, PrintFlow & TGO Udi Arieli, explains how FedEx Office has leveraged technology to build a Smart Factory, the benefits they have achieved, and why it is important for other companies to follow suit.

New in Technical Textiles: Smart Diapers, Lava Suits, and More

Published August 5, 2019

The topic of technical textiles can be a bit geeky. But there are always new and interesting developments in this area. Take P&G’s new smart diapers, or the protective lava suit for geologists from the University of Missouri working in volcanic areas, for example. Senior Editor Cary Sherburne digs into these topics and more.

SPGPrints' Jos Notermans Explains the Benefits of the Company's Archer Technology

Published August 5, 2019

Jos Notermans has been with SPGPrints almost since the beginning of the company's digital journey, joining the company in 1989. Most recently, he has taken over the role of managing the company's digital textile printing inks portfolio, including reactive, sublimation, and acid inks. He also explains benefits of the company's Archer technology and where the name came from.

Conceptive Colors Produces Pure Dye Colorants for Digital Textile Printing

Published July 31, 2019

Parashar Kacha, Business Head for India-based Conceptive Colors, a manufacturer of reactive and acid dye colorants for both conventional and digital textile printing, explains how the company has ensured highly purified dye colorants while guaranteeing the necessary properties of these dye colorants following two years of intensive research and development.

Kevin Currier Explains Durst Professional Services and its Lift ERP Solution

Published July 30, 2019

Kevin Currier, Product Manager for Software in North America for Durst, talks about the Durst Professional Services strategy, announced in 2018. He also explains the value of Durst Lift ERP, focused on large-format operations and the specific requirements these businesses have. He notes that Lift ERP is device-agnostic and can apply to the textiles and commercial print markets as well.

Lectra Acquisition of Retviews Helps Bring Realization of Industry 4.0 Closer for Fashion Brands

Published July 29, 2019

Lectra offers solutions that give fashion, automotive, and furniture companies the means to embark on the Industry 4.0 journey. Its recent acquisition of data company Retviews is another arrow in the company’s quiver. We spoke with Maximilien Abadie, Chief Strategy Officer for Lectra, to learn more.

CloudLab's Steven Antoni Explains the Company's Ecommerce Offering

Published July 29, 2019

CloudLab, an ecommerce provider, has an online store offering that integrates with other components in the workflow, including production and business applications, for an automated environment. Steven Antoni, President of CloudLab Americas, explains how.

Mouvent, A Bobst Company, Launches New Textile Printer at ITMA

Published July 25, 2019

Reto Simmen, Chief Business Officer at Mouvent, a Bobst company, talks about full commercial availability of its digital textile printers (including a new model introduced at ITMA, printing at 400 square meters per hour) with reactive or acid dye inks. He also explains the unique compact, lightweight printhead cluster technology these printers use.

ei3: Leveraging the Internet to Monitor, Manage, and Analyze Package Printing and Converting Machines

Published July 24, 2019

Spencer Cramer, CEO of ei3 Corporation, talks about how the company, founded in 1999, leverages the Internet to monitor, manage, and analyze machines. ei3 has partnered with Bobst to serve the package printing and converting industry and now has more than 5,000 machines connected in 100 countries around the world. The next step is develop predictive algorithms to identify potential machine issues before they occur.

Adobe's Mike Scrutton Offers Valuable Color Management Advice for Digital Textile Printers

Published July 23, 2019

Mike Scrutton, Director of Print Technology and Strategy for Adobe, talks about how Adobe Textile Designer enables brands to bring their defined color libraries into the world of digital textile printing. This helps ensure color consistency in a hybrid analog/digital production environment.

SensorKnits: A New Approach to Wearable Tech

Published July 22, 2019

As part of our coverage of textiles and apparel, we look for interesting developments, both in the more conventional textiles and apparel market as it transitions to a more digital approach, as well as developments in technical textiles. In this article, we present the work being done at the MIT Media Lab to use knitting to embed conductive fibers in fabric in order to add functionality.

Articles by Cary Sherburne