Printing Industry Commentary & Analysis

Texintel Live Interview with EFI Reggiani’s Adele Genoni

Published January 26, 2023

This video interview, conducted by and provided compliments of textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan, discusses digital textile printing with Adele Genoni, senior vice president and general manager of EFI Reggiani. They discuss new printing technologies and Adele shares her insights on industry trends and how EFI Reggiani technology is evolving to fulfil market demands.

Aquario Textile Designer Delivers Essential Tools for Surface Pattern Design—Create, Color, Repeat, and Print

Published January 19, 2023

Have you been wondering whatever happened to Adobe Textile Designer? In this article, compliments of textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan, we learn what Aquarios, who is now licensing and further developing Adobe Textile Designer, has up their sleeves. It is also important to note that the software supports a PDF workflow, which can be more efficient than a workflow dependent on image files.

Textiles From Seaweed Moves a Step Closer as AlgiKnit Raises $13 Million in Series A Funding

Published January 12, 2023

One of the challenges for textiles and apparel with regard to its abysmal sustainability performance is weaning itself away from petro-based fibers, including polyester and polyester blends, which account for about 60% of garment fabrics today. We've written about a number of alternative natural fibers that could replace these detrimental fossil-based plastics. Most recently, seaweed has surfaced as a potentially viable alternative. Sound icky? It’s not. Be sure to read this article compliments of textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan that describes the potential of AlgiKnit yarns to make a difference in sustainability for textiles and apparel.

Meet Fashion Designer Megan Van Engelen, Winner of the Epson Design Awards

Published January 5, 2023

Events like Epson Design Awards are critical to helping new talent get recognized and established. It is this new talent that is the hope for our future. This year, the recipient was Megan van Engelen. In accepting the award, she said, “I really want to tell my story, and I think that’s more important than saying that the world is dying, because at this point, we need to show people how we can offer solutions and I think that’s what designers are for, and that we show people how we can be more sustainable.” Thanks to textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan for sharing this story.

A Carnival of Innovation: The Latest Textile Technology from PRINTING United

Published December 15, 2022

Textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor rounds up the textile and apparel technologies that were introduced and shown at PRINTING United.

Texintel Spotlights Latest Innovations for Digital Manufacturing in Textiles

Published December 8, 2022

As we get back to in-person trade shows, suppliers to the textiles and apparel industry are proud to show off the latest innovations, assuring producers that despite the difficulties of the pandemic, supply chain and more in recent years, their development efforts continue. In this industry round-up, textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan shares some of the latest innovations that are driving digitization across the supply chain.

Kent UK’s PressOn Has Been a Disruptive Force for More than 20 Years

Published December 1, 2022

Andy Wilson, the owner of Kent UK based PressOn, a wide-format printing company, entered the print industry some 28 years ago and has been a disruptive force ever since. He has consistently questioned the norm to develop and deliver new products, applications, and commercial opportunities—often in challenging times. We share his story here, compliments of textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan.

Aquario Textile Design Software Delivers Essential Tools for the Surface Pattern Designer—Create, Color, Repeat, and Print

Published November 17, 2022

The design of textiles now demands speed, accuracy and embedded data. The patterns we create are no longer single use, and in a digitized world, their final product form, material application, and flexibility must now be considered and often incorporated into the original artwork. WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan looks at Aquario Textile Designer offers a comprehensive suite of professional apparel and textile design tools with which to prepare and perfect the origination and production of a textile pattern or product.

Investing for Success: Caspar Offers a Smart Production Solution for Digital Textile Printing

Published November 10, 2022

As the digitization of the textile industry accelerates, on-demand textile printer Caspar’s business model is built for a new decade of industrial manufacturing using smart technologies—they have equipped their smart factory with necessary tools for success. This interview, compliments of textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan, tells the story.

Up and Coming Talent in the Spotlight at the Epson Design Awards 2022: An Interview with Last Year’s Winner Sophie Wantia

Published November 3, 2022

Printer manufacturer Epson and fashion innovator LABELEDBY are organizing once again this year the Epson Design Awards, scheduled for November 15th. In this article, compliments of textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan, we take a look back at last year's winner as an example of what we can expect from the 2022 awards.

The Wallcoverings Industry Is Set for Disruption and John Mark Ltd Is Leading the Field

Published September 22, 2022

One of the trends that emerged from the pandemic was an increased focus on décor -- home, office and otherwise. And that included a resurgence in interest in wallpaper. New technologies, including high quality production inkjet printing and equipment designed specifically to output short runs of customized wallpaper, have made it easier than ever before to produce bespoke wallpaper. And designers and producers alike are taking advantage of this trend. In this article, compliments of textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan, we highlight the work of John Mark Watson of John Mark LTD as an inspiration to others.

Meet Lily Elo: First Class Honors BA (Hons) Textile Design Graduate in 2022 at Nottingham Trent University

Published September 8, 2022

As part of our ongoing series featuring the next generation of textile designers compliments of textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan, we welcome you to read about Lily Elo. Her current project INTERFERENCE focuses on the phenomena of light interference creating an iridescent color spectrum.

Textile Technology Highlights S/S 2022: Trailblazing Innovations and New Developments

Published August 25, 2022

With the return of in-person trade shows and events in 2022, suppliers to the industry have plenty of technical developments on display, and the industry is poised to see accelerated growth and a continuing transition to digital technologies. In this article, textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan highlights a few of them.

Why Are Live Workshops So Powerful? We Interview Jason Burroughs of Perfect Colours to Find Out More

Published August 18, 2022

Live events are back in play and here to stay! They support and connect the print community by providing a window of opportunity where networking and the transfer of knowledge go hand-in-hand. Textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan talks with Jason Burroughs, Managing Director of Perfect Colours, about why their workshops offer the visitor such a valuable experience.

Textile Sustainability Spotlights S/S 22—Innovations and Insights

Published August 11, 2022

In this article, compliments of textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan, we take a look at textile sustainability innovations and insights, with a focus on the supply chain, greenwashing, and truly sustainable initiatives.

From Kit Miles To Sebastian Cox—Barbara Chandler’s Photo Gallery at the New Designers Expo Celebrates 37 Years of Creative Talent

Published August 4, 2022

Design writer, curator, and photographer Barbara Chandler, who has been writing about design and decoration for more than 40 years, has documented the New Designers in Residence program at the Business Design Centre in Islington, UK. She has meticulously recorded their details in an ongoing commentary on Flickr and has a huge archive going back some 15 years. In this article, provided by textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan, you will see and learn about the program and some of her favorite images.

Maria Begum Wins the Epson Design In Context Award in a Celebration of Printed Excellence

Published July 28, 2022

The textiles industry is blessed to have many young, innovative and creative designers entering the field. Maria Begum is just one example. She was recently awarded the Epson "Design in Context Award" for her work titled "The Floating Fields of Bangladesh," which combined dye sublimation printing and laser engraving to achieve stunning results. Thanks to textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan for sharing this story with us.

Meet Phoebe Lewis: Creating Pigments from Seaweed for Industrial Textile Printing

Published July 21, 2022

We all love bright colors in our garments and home decor, but much of this color comes from toxic dyes that have deleterious effects on the environment. We congratulate professionals like Phoebe Lewis, an industrial designer focusing on developing products that help restore marine ecosystems and coastal communities, for her work in creating natural dyes from seaweed that could replace some of those toxic alternatives.

PONGS Group Use Digitally Printed DESCOR PREMIUM Wallcoverings to Add Drama, Scope, and Style to Their Designer Kitchens

Published July 14, 2022

Home decor is a hot market, and wallpaper, which had fallen into disfavor over the years, is making a comeback, fueled largely by the high-quality, fast turn, customized wall covering products now enabled by digital printing solutions. Printer manufacturers like Xeikon are offering turnkey wall covering production solutions, and companies like Spoonflower see high demand for custom wall coverings from its maker community. In this article, complements of textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan, PONGS Group explains how they use digitally printed wallcoverings to add drama, scope, and style to their designer kitchens.

Next Generation Textile Professionals Focus on Climate

Published June 30, 2022

In this story, compliments of textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan, five winners of the prestigious Central Saint Martins Maison/O Green Trail competition demonstrate how the next generation of textile professionals is working to address the climate emergency. Their submissions range from transformational garments to production methods that scale textile dyeing with bacteria and spatial design that supports reforestation.

A Vibrant FESPA Global Print Expo 2022 Affirms Business Bounce-Back as a Confident and Investment-Ready Audience Focused on a Profitable and Sustainable Future

Published June 16, 2022

As the industry and the world returns to in-person events, the recent FESPA exhibition in Berlin is a good example of the pent-up energy after a long virtual experience induced by the pandemic. FESPA Global Print Expo 2022 brought the specialty print community together for four motivational days in Berlin (May 31 to June 3, 2022), in an atmosphere of overwhelming positivity that affirmed the industry’s readiness to bounce back from the challenges of the last two years.

Judging the Future of Design

Published June 9, 2022

Leading up to the UK’s Design Futures 2022 competition, textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan spoke to one of the judges, designer Phoebe English. A dynamic thinker with a careful, considered approach, Phoebe is on an ever-evolving search to better her practices, making her the perfect judge for this year’s innovation challenge which is focused on design for circularity. Learn more about her advice to designer applicants.

Learn How the Company Digital Space Created a New Wallcovering Business With Digital Printing Technology

Published June 2, 2022

Last week we wrote about British home decor firm Gillian Arnold leveraging digital printing to bring production of wall coverings in house. This week, we share another wall covering success story that started with digital production of 200 square meters of wall covering by Digital Space for Marriott Hotels.

British Designer Brand Gillian Arnold Continues to Expand to Bring Wallpaper Production In-House

Published May 26, 2022

This British design house adopted digital heat transfer dye sublimation printing for on-demand manufacturing of home decor. Now they have turned their attention to wallpaper, bringing production in house with latex printing. The success they have achieved makes them a role model for a production process for sustainable home decor that gives creatives more flexibility than ever before.

Imageco Partners with HP Technology to Deliver Sustainable Printed Production for Retail Graphics and POS

Published May 19, 2022

At UK-based Imageco, sustainability is a key focus. When the current owner took over, he brought with him his passion for a more sustainable future and took steps to improve the company’s sustainability profile. Today, Imageco provides their customers with affordable, versatile products that are manufactured using a responsible production process, sustainable materials, and best practices wherever possible. Read the full story.

Saul Nash Receives The Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design

Published May 12, 2022

The British Fashion Council announced that Saul Nash is the recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design. The Award was presented by the Duchess of Cambridge on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen in this Platinum Jubilee year. The Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design was initiated in recognition of the role the fashion industry plays in society and diplomacy and to spotlight young designers who are talented and making a difference to society through either sustainable practices or community engagement.

Discover How White Ink Technology Is Pushing the Boundaries of Interior Décor to Create New Applications for Print

Published April 28, 2022

Another sign of the growth in customized interior décor is the increased interest in using white ink in producing higher quality and more diverse interior décor products. This includes such applications and materials as signage and graphics, window displays, wallpapers, vinyl, glass, wood, aluminum, cork and even printed leather to name just a few options. Participants in a recent HP sponsored webinar discuss how the addition of white ink has helped them successfully expanded their businesses and product portfolios.

British Fashion Just Took a Leap Forward Towards Sustainable Manufacturing with the Fashtech Innovation Centre

Published April 21, 2022

When we talk of nearshore or close proximity production, there is always an unspoken truth: sewn manufacturing (or CMT to those within the industry) and its local availability. Once printed, textiles are almost always cut and sewn into a final product. Supply chain challenges of the last two years have exposed a sewn skills gap, and further highlighted a significant lack of manufacturing knowledge readily available in the UK (and other developed countries), making the reshoring of sewn goods in any volume a difficult proposition. This initiative is designed not only to incorporate more digital printing into apparel production but also to harness existing sewing skills in the UK and train sewists on the latest technology. There also lessons here for US apparel production. It’s a good example for other regions, such as North America, to follow.

Cardiff School of Art and Design Invests in the HP Stitch S300 to Expand Their Textile Department

Published April 7, 2022

A critical factor in the future of textiles and apparel is the education of new talent in the world’s fashion and design schools. Increasingly, these schools are bringing in digital technologies, including digital textile printing, to prepare their students for the changing world they will be entering. Cardiff School of Art and Design is one of the schools that is doing just that, as explained in this article compliments of textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan.

Discover How White Ink Technology from HP Is Pushing the Boundaries of Interior Decor to Create New Applications for Print

Published March 31, 2022

In this article, textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan shares a summary of a recent webinar with a panel discussion about how the business of interior decor has changed, the influence of digital textile printing, and the value of a printing system that includes white ink.

Educating the Next Generation: The Creatives in Residence Final Showcase

Published March 24, 2022

A little over six months ago, four young graduates joined the “Creatives in Residence” project based at the CMYUK demonstration facility in Shrewsbury. After a difficult two years with little access to their university facilities from 2020-2021 the CIRL initiative presented a unique opportunity to explore digital manufacturing technologies and build their commercial knowledge. In this article, textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan summarizes the results of the initiative.

Powering the Design Function for Customized Apparel and Sportswear Production With CorelDRAW

Published March 17, 2022

It seems that everything is accelerating these days, and the apparel business is not immune. Digital technologies help brands address both acceleration and changing trends while giving designers more freedom and agility to create. In this article, textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan explains.

Michael Cinco, the Grand Master of Dubai’s Elite Fashion Scene, Adds a Sophisticated Twist of Print with Epson

Published March 10, 2022

Textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan shares the story of Dubai fashion designer Michael Cinco, who has turned to digital textile printing to create truly amazing designs.

Designing in a Digital World—How CorelDRAW Simplifies the Creative Designer’s Workflow

Published February 24, 2022

If you are not immersed in the world of graphic design, and perhaps even if you are, you may not realize the suite of Corel solutions is still quite popular. Founded in 1985 by Michael Cowpland, with its first product, CorelDRAW, a vector-based illustration program designed to bundle with desktop publishing systems, being released in 1989. Today, CorelDRAW is a vector graphics editor developed and marketed by Corel Corporation. It is also the name of the Corel graphics suite, which includes the bitmap image editor Corel Photo-Paint as well as other graphics-related programs. And now the company points to suite as a solution for textile and apparel design, according to this article provided compliments of textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan.

“Motivation to Be Sustainable”: Understanding Key Trends and Behaviors

Published February 17, 2022

As we move towards a sustainable future, each and every product we consume has an environmental impact. Every choice that we make as designers and printers matters and collectively, we can make a significant contribution to the environmental impact of the products we create across all commercial sectors. Together we can drive effective change for a sustainable future. So says Wilbert van der Lans, Strategy Director at Make Sense, in a presentation he delivered as part of HP’s Sustainable Impact Series. Learn more.

Designer Q&A: Meet Kristen Dettoni of Design Pool Patterns, A New Format for Interior Decoration

Published February 10, 2022

As part of an ongoing series featuring designers in the world of textiles and apparel, textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan interviewed Design Pool founder Kristen Dettoni. Founded in 2019, Design Pool is an online business that combines licensing of Kristen's fabric designs with a program linking designers with printers that can do a quality job of producing according to design intent. Learn more about Design Pool and Kristen's award-winning Cryptology designs, the latest addition to her portfolio of designs.

Expanding Into New Horizons: Why British Interior Brand Art of the Loom Invested in Digital Tech

Published February 3, 2022

As digital technologies have evolved, their ease of use and affordability continue to drive the digital disruption of the home furnishings marketplace. In this article, compliments of textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan, we learn how British firm Art of the Loom has leveraged digital technologies to evolve its offerings over time. The family has been involved in textiles since 1815!

Meet Textile Designer Lucy Swann and Discover Her Unique Creative Journey and Fashion Designs

Published January 27, 2022

As part of our continuing “meet the designer” series, compliments of textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan, we introduce you to Lucy Swann, who has been designing beautiful surface patterns for the fashion industry for many years. She talks about her journey, how the industry has changed over the years, and her diversification efforts.

Investing in HP Technology and Design to Expand into the Contract Furnishing Marketplace—We Talk with Mallion and Knowles

Published January 20, 2022

Digital textile printing is starting to gain steam in the contract furnishing marketplace! Find out how this development is benefiting Mallion & Knowles! Our thanks to textiles expert Debbie McKeegan for sharing this story.

The African Print Company Invests in Digital Textile Print for Absolute Supply Chain Control

Published January 13, 2022

Choosing to purchase their own machinery and not to outsource the manufacture of their products will give the husband-and-wife team at The African Print Company absolute control of their supply chain as they gear up the business, removing the requirement for keeping inventory on hand. And importantly, giving them the freedom to listen to their consumers and create the designs and products that their loyal customers love. They intend to implement customized manufacture and on-demand production from day one.

The Best in British Hospitality Design

Published December 16, 2021

Want to find out what constitutes the Best in British Hospitality Product Design? Textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan is anxious to share! She interviews the team at this year's award winner, The Monkey Puzzle Tree. Cool name. Even cooler designs!

The Time is Now for Fashion to Get Wholly On Board with Sustainability!

Published December 9, 2021

As we move towards a sustainable future, each and every product we consume has an environmental impact. Every choice that we make as designers and printers matters and collectively, we can make a significant contribution to the environmental impact of the products we create across all commercial sectors. Together we can drive effective change for a sustainable future. That’s the message that global retail sustainability strategist Steve Lister is communicating through his participation in HP’s Sustainable Impact Series. Don't miss this important read! Or view the recorded presentation.

Eurojersey Leverages Digital Print for Knitted Collections

Published December 2, 2021

When we talk about digital print for fabrics, we are often dealing with woven fabrics. But digital print can be used with knitted fabrics as well, as demonstrated by the success of Eurojersey in introducing digitally printed knit collections. The company, based in Italy, has been around for nearly 70 years and continues to lead the market in technical fabric innovation and sustainable sourcing. With its digitally printed Sensitive® Fabrics, the company uses digital printing to give the fabric a different appearance and different properties compared to its plain color products. Learn more.

Driving the Reinvention of Printed Textile Production Demands an Acute Knowledge of Process

Published November 18, 2021

Over the years, digital textile printing appears to have become much simpler; and that is a tribute to the research and development teams, who have now perfected textile printing on an industrial scale by fine tuning physical manufacturing technology alongside digital innovation. But each unique combination of design, substrate, ink type, print process and post finishing has a cumulative impact on final printed output. This article, compliments of textile expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan, explains.

Not Fast Fashion—Extraordinary Fashion: Kornit Fashion Week Rocks Los Angeles to Deliver a New Future for Apparel Production

Published November 11, 2021

We talk a great deal about on-demand manufacturing in textiles and apparel, but it takes more than talk. Los Angeles Fashion Week may have been a tipping point between talk and action, according to on-demand apparel manufacturer Kirby Best. Why? Take a look at this article compliments of WhatTheyThink contributor and textiles expert Debbie McKeegan that demonstrates what can be done with digital technologies to change the way we think about—and produce—fashion.

Designer Q&A: Meet Irene Van Ophoven and Her Stunning Interior Products that Push the Established Boundaries of Design

Published October 28, 2021

In this piece, textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan interviews Dutch designer Irene Van Ophoven about her journey to establishing her own design studio, including how digital technologies have enhanced her ability to create innovative, stunning designs.

Debbie McKeegan Reports from FESPA

Published October 19, 2021

FESPA is back to in-person in Amsterdam and according to textiles expert, FESPA evangelist, and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan, the show has been packed! Debbie takes us on a tour through Printeriors, where fabulous digitally printed and sustainable interior designs are on display. She notes that in the two years since the last in-person FESPA, she has seen a growing interest in sustainable fabrics and printing technologies, with many attendees wanting to know where and how to access and/or produce the types of materials on display at the show.

Important New Developments and Product Launches: Direct to Fabric Digital Machinery

Published September 16, 2021

Despite the constraints of the pandemic, manufacturers of digital direct-to-fabric printing solutions have been hard at work bring innovative solutions to a market which is already bouncing back. In this article, textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan highlights the most important developments and product launches in this growth area.

Zimmer Technologies for Digital Textile and Carpet Printing Continue to Disrupt the Status Quo

Published September 2, 2021

Last month, we ran a long article about the pros, cons, and challenges of carpet printing. In this article, textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan interviews the CEO of Zimmer, a pioneer in innovative technologies for screen and digital printing (including carpet), coating, dyeing, steaming, and technical textiles.

Expanding Into New Markets: Manchester Print Services Goes from Wide Format to Interior Décor

Published August 19, 2021

Manchester Print Services in the UK is one of a growing number of companies driving new business models in the textiles industry, including digital production of interior décor, as well as specialized textile printing for events, exhibitions, and retail display.

Exquisite Italian Silks from Mantero Seta Printed to Perfection with Epson Monna Lisa Digital Technology

Published July 29, 2021

Throughout history, silk has been recognized as one of the most, if not the most, exquisite and luxurious fabrics available. Now fabric printers are having huge success with digital printing of this glorious textile. In this article, textile expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan shares an example from Italian firm Mantero.

Packed with Print, Color, and Creativity, Richard Quinn Delivers AW21 Fashion Through a Cinematic Lens

Published July 22, 2021

Fashion week on film? Richard Quinn unveiled this unique approach to debuting a new collection at the recent AW21 collection at the Electric Theatre, London. Is this a sign of what's to come from other designers? It would seem it is partly the result of the many things we have learned about virtual events and digital technology during the pandemic.

Graduate Fashion Week: An Incredible Display of Resilience and Creativity

Published July 15, 2021

It has never been more important to shine a light on the achievements of students graduating with expertise in the textiles and fashion industry. Like many other industries, finding new talent is difficult. Textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan shares the story of one award-winning graduate we hope will be an inspiration to future generations of students who might consider careers in textiles and apparel.

Doing More With Décor—Opportunities, Innovations, and Applications for Interior Surfaces

Published June 24, 2021

Much of the discussion around the benefits of digital textile printing have focused on apparel, and its associated development and manufacturing processes as well as its supply chain issues. In this article, textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan points out that home décor is also a high growth opportunity for digital textile printing and other forms of inkjet printing, including wall coverings.

Terry Raghunath of HP Shares His Insight and Experience for Printed Interior Decoration

Published June 17, 2021

There is a lot of focus on digital textile printing for apparel, but another great market opportunity for digital textile printing is interior décor. In this article, textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan talks with Terry Raghunath, Business Development Manager for Printed Decorative Applications based at HP Barcelona, about market trends and how HP focuses its development efforts to meet them.

Meet the Design Duo Breathing Life into Vintage Furniture Using Creativity and Print

Published June 10, 2021

Upcycling has become an important element of the circular economy, and furniture is no exception. Learn how this creative team is using digitally printed fabric to increase their ability to upcycle furniture and more!

What Are Acid Inks for Digital Textile Printing and Why Are They Used?

Published June 3, 2021

With the growing interest in and functionality of pigment inks for digital textile printing, you might wonder why one would still use acid inks. Textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan explains.

Where Design Color and Textile Printing Interconnect, the Workflow Must Be Digital

Published May 20, 2021

As digital workflow increasingly makes its way into the textiles & apparel supply chain, how do you simplify the complex process that carries a creative piece of artwork through print production? That’s the question that Debbie McKeegan, textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor, addresses in this article.

Designer Q+A Meet Kirath Ghundoo: The Queen of Geometric Wallcoverings

Published May 13, 2021

In this week’s article from textile expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan, we get an inside look at how Kirath Ghundoo, the Queen of Geometric Wallcoverings, has leveraged technology to build her own brand and a thriving business.

Building a Printed Design Business with Digital Technology—Artist Gillian Arnold and the HP Stitch S300

Published May 6, 2021

Designers are increasingly selling their designs directly to consumers for a variety of fabric-based applications. WhatTheyThink contributor and textiles expert Debbie McKeegan highlights the successes artist Gillian Arnold has had with this approach using the HP Stitch digital textile printer.

How Digital Pigment Inks and Technologies from Epson Are Changing the Future of Home Furnishings

Published April 29, 2021

The latest trend in the analog-to-digital transformation underway in textiles is creating home and other decor on demand. In this article, WhatTheyThink contributor and textiles expert Debbie McKeegan shares how Epson's developments in pigment inks are transforming home decorating.

Going for the Gold—How Rialto Designs Ltd. Is Reinventing Fashion Production in Leicester with Kornit Digital

Published April 15, 2021

Is Rialto’s growth a sign of the times? The UK-based digital textile printer thinks so. The company prints millions of meters of dye-sublimation prints onto polyester bases but is also investing in the future with technologies that can print digitally onto a wider array of fabric types.

Five Sustainable Fibers and Innovations That Will Define the Future of Fashion’s Printed Textiles

Published April 8, 2021

COVID-19 has accelerated the sustainability agenda, and implementing these various initiatives across highly complex supply chains will take a great deal of dexterity and commitment—but there can be no going back. Read what textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan has to say about the emergence of more sustainable fibers for textiles.

New Developments for Digital Textile Printing: The Future of Roll-to-Roll/Print-on-Demand Technologies to Explore

Published March 25, 2021

Digital technologies deliver sustainable production at any scale. As we move forward into the next decade, we move into a new era of digital textile production and the technologies that enable change. Textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan outlines a few of the latest developments in roll-to-roll digital textile printing.

Forest Digital of East Sussex Say that Their Epson Monna Lisa Evo Tre Is a Masterpiece in Digital Textile Printing

Published March 18, 2021

Working with top-end designers to create exclusive short runs means the fabrics printed at Forest Digital are not contributing to the “cheap-throw-away fashion” landfill that is so damaging to our world. In fact, we should be eliminating the term “fast fashion” from our vocabulary and our practices! Learn more about what this leading producer is doing to bring more sustainability to the industry.

New Developments for Digital Textile Printing Inks—Sustainability and Superfast Production

Published March 11, 2021

One of the key components of the digital textile printing ecosphere is inks—and increasingly, sustainable inks. In this article, textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan reviews the latest developments in ink technology for digital textile printing.

Why Greendrop of Italy Chose Pigments and Green Technology from Epson—Smart Digital Textile Printing

Published March 4, 2021

Textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan says the biggest driver of change in the textile industry is its past history. Now exposed as the second largest polluter of our planet, the conventional textile industry needs to clean up its legacy production processes and evolve. Greendrop of Italy is doing just that.

Imageco Gears Up for Sustainable Digital Print Production with the New HP Latex 800 Series

Published February 25, 2021

Imageco is on a mission to greater sustainability, driven by their own sustainability concerns and customer demand. In this article, textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan explains how the company is pursuing these goals with the latest HP Latex technology.

Five Textile Design Archives Offering Original Vintage Patterns for Interior Furnishings and Fashion

Published February 18, 2021

Over the centuries, fine art and textile design have always been close companions. Today's textile designers can take advantage of a number of outstanding archives of vintage designs that can act as inspiration, or be licensed for use. Textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan highlights a few.

Exploring the Possibilities of Interior Décor Printing with HP—Live from Barcelona with Leading Industry Experts

Published February 4, 2021

Textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan recently attended a very interesting session on the possibilities digital print offers for home décor. Presenters included a variety of industry experts with excellent insight. The piece also includes links to replays in case the reader wants to hear directly from the experts.

Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Textiles: Developments That Will Define the Next Decade for the Textile and Printing Industry

Published January 28, 2021

Sustainability is moving to the top of the to-do list in textiles and apparel as we as we enter a new decade and beyond. Sometimes it seems like not much has changed, but in this informative article, textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan lists many of the sustainability achievements we saw in 2020.

What Will Be the Role of the Creative Designer in Industry 4.0? Paintbrush to Pixel and Beyond—The Strategic Creative

Published January 21, 2021

As Industry 4.0 takes greater hold on the textiles and apparel industry, it is estimated that more than 25% of all work activities will be displaced by automation by 2030. But what does this mean for textile designers? Surely a robot can’t replace a designer! Designers have already moved from paintbrush to pixel, and while they won’t be replaced by robots, their roles will surely change. Read what textiles expert and WhatTheyThink Contributor Debbie McKeegan has to say on the topic!

Free Color Chart for Color Management in Digital Textile Printing

Published January 14, 2021

If you are a designer working in a larger organization, you probably have access to formal color standards. But there are a growing number of freelancers starting their own businesses, and creating color standards that ensure what gets printed carries out your design intent is not a trivial process. Textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie Mckeegan rides to the rescue with a free color chart to get you on your way.

The Digital Sprint: Simplifying Printed Textile Production to Deliver Increased Sales and a Sustainable Future

Published January 7, 2021

A recent report from McKinsey stated that 58% of fashion executives expected that assortment planning was a key area for 2021. The direct result means “less is more,” holding less stock and replenishing at speed in-tune with data and sales analytics. But how do they get that done? It means overcoming decades of doing things a certain way, and we all know that change is difficult. Further driving the need to make these changes are increased focus on sustainability and the need to restructure supply chains. These can be accomplished by, among other things, simplifying fabric printing, and as textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan points out in this article, that requires increased use of digital technologies across the board.

Positive Fashion: The Future of On-Demand Apparel and the Print Technologies That Will Deliver Sustainable Textile Production

Published December 17, 2020

How do you switch an entire industry to sustainable technologies and increased profitability? It’s been done in the past, of course, but never on the scale of the multi-trillion-dollar textiles and apparel industry. While it may seem impossible to turn this large ship in a new direction, the past year has caused some significant shifts to happen. Here’s what textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan has to say about this shift and what it may mean for the future.

How Screenworks Is Gearing up for (Even More) Customization by Blending Screen Printing with Investment in Kornit Digital DTG Technology

Published December 10, 2020

UK-based Screenworks is accelerating its growth by blending screen printing with digital printing, including investments in tools and solutions to enable production of a catalog of protective, antiviral, promotional, workwear, and day-to-day wear products and accessories. Read more from textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan.

The Digital Textile Industry Looks Forward to an On-Demand Future with Incredible Opportunities: Growing 230% By 2025

Published December 3, 2020

Looking for a growth opportunity? Look no further than the digital textile industry. A recent report from Allied Market Research predicts that digital textile printing will grow by over 230% by 2025. This is at least partly driven by a reduction in the cost of digital textile inks. Read what textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan has to say about this opportunity.

Digital Textiles Are Evolving: The Fabrics of the Future Are Sustainably Produced and Biodiverse

Published November 19, 2020

Sourcing fabrics is a complex field, and finding sustainable textiles is not as easy as it sounds. It’s much easier for the large vertical brand than it is for the smaller-volume printer. All of which is further complicated by the variance in digital textile printing applications. Textiles expert Debbie McKeegan offers strategies on how to build knowledge and seek new partnerships and stakeholders.

Where Design Color and Textile Printing Interconnect, the Workflow Must Be Digital

Published November 12, 2020

From the outside, digital textile printing can look like a plug-and-play operation; but for the specialist practitioner, the commercial reality is often quite different … until now. Textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan shares insight into some of the technology advances that can make the process easier without sacrificing quality and accuracy.

Rising Stars: Bolton School of Arts Graduates Scoop Industry Awards for Surface Design

Published October 29, 2020

UK-based Bolton School of Arts, School of Textiles and Surface Design, has worked closely with its graduates to help them find new ways to overcome the pandemic hurdles. In this article by textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan, several of its award-winning graduates are featured.

A Passion for Fashion: Meet Class of 2020 Graduate Amelia Hughes

Published October 22, 2020

It’s always exciting and rewarding to view the launch of new careers in fashion design. In this week’s article, we share the story of recent graduate Amelia Hughes and her hopes for the future in an interview conducted by textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan.

Speed x Sustainability = The Digital Imperative

Published October 8, 2020

In order to achieve the change required in the textiles and apparel industry, brands and manufacturers must be able to deliver product diversity at any scale – a new generation of agile manufacturing. While this clearly requires the adoption of digital technologies, like other industries moving along the analog-to-digital continuum, it doesn’t mean that analog technologies are going away. Read this insightful piece by textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan.

Amazon Accelerates the Ecommerce Race: Luxury Fashion, Sustainability and Print on Demand

Published October 1, 2020

Amazon has revolutionized retail sales and personalized/customized service. Now it looks like the company is taking it to the next level with the addition of a massive digital textile printing investment as part of its luxury stores where Amazon Prime customers can buy a wide range of top luxury fashion labels. This is part of Amazon’s Climate Friendly Pledge, helping customers make sustainable and eco-friendly purchasing decisions. Read more.

New York Textile Designer Elizabeth Halpern Shares Her Creative Journey and Passion for Print

Published September 24, 2020

Meet New York Textile Designer Elizabeth Halpern. She started out studying architecture but switched gears to work in the New York fashion district. In this Texintel interview, Halpern shares the story of her journey from architecture to fashion to life as an independent designer. What has inspired her and what is her biggest takeaway from her work in the fashion industry. Find out more!

Speed x Sustainability = The Digital Imperative

Published September 17, 2020

One of the ways the textiles and apparel industry is starting to adjust to the stresses exposed by the pandemic is to accelerate adoption of digital technologies. But what is the appetite for change, really? Textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan shares her insights.

Fashion Needs a Seismic Reset—It’s a Complicated Supply Chain and Reinvention Is Not as Easy as You Think

Published September 10, 2020

This article by textile expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan was originally published on Which PLM. In it, she notes the fashion industry is broken, not a surprise to anyone who has been following it, and suggests where we can go from here and why it might not transform as quickly as we would wish.

Customization in the Manufacturing Sector and a New Definition for Fast Fashion

Published September 3, 2020

What’s driving customization in the textile manufacturing sector, and why do we need to redefine fast fashion production? These questions are answered by textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan, who offers a look at Fashion Enter, an ethical, sustainable business that manufactures sewn products and which has embraced digitization and continue to invest in the future.

Connecting The Dots—Kornit’s Acquisition of Custom Gateway Creates Powerful Print On Demand Solutions For Ecommerce Fulfillment

Published August 24, 2020

Kornit is expanding its digital capabilities through the acquisition of Custom Gateway, positioning itself to offer a complete end-to-end digital production process. Textiles expert Debbie McKeegan explains.

Six UK References for Antiviral Textiles and Specialist Coatings that You Should Consider

Published August 17, 2020

In light of the global pandemic, increased attention is being paid to antimicrobial coatings for fabrics. Formerly reserved for medical and healthcare interiors, these fabrics are now in demand across multiple segments.

Digital Textile Printing Inks Sets and Print Processes Explained

Published August 13, 2020

As digital textile printing continues to gain steam in light of a needed supply chain restructuring for the industry, it can be confusing, especially for new entrants to the field, which ink is best for each fabric type and application. Textiles expert and Texintel CEO Debbie McKeegan explains the differences between five different digital textile printing ink sets.

The New Wearable Takes Center Stage Thanks to Digital Textile Printing Technologies

Published August 6, 2020

As the global pandemic crisis has evolved, the print community has sprung into action, converting capacity freed up by declining demand to production of personal protective equipment (PPE) for first-line workers and average citizens. This includes, of course, face masks, which has turned into big business. Read about one example of how a supplier has provided tools to make production of these life-saving masks easier.

How Hybrid Digital Textile Print Technology Is Unlocking the Textiles Value Chain

Published July 30, 2020

As machine manufacturers increasingly add hybrid functions to textile solutions, production costs go down while throughput goes up; in fact, the EFI Reggiani BOLT can produce more than 5,400 linear meters per hour and can include two analog stations for embellishments such as metallics. These speeds and the accompanying functionality rival traditional analog solutions and have a hugely smaller environmental footprint. Learn more.

The Fashion Industry Faces a Step-Change Post-COVID, Say McKinsey and Kornit Digital

Published July 23, 2020

What will the fashion industry look like post-COVID? It is broken in so many ways, and has been for some time, with the disruption of the pandemic laying bare the weaknesses and the fragility of the global supply chain. Check out this summary of the discussion at the Kornit Digital Live Talks event, titled “Business Unusual,” featuring Achim Berg, Global Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company.

What Is the Impact of Data on Creative Fashion?

Published July 16, 2020

Based on a conversation with experienced buyer Steve Brown and Kornit’s Omer Kulka, textiles expert Debbie McKeegan digs into the impact of data on creative fashion. As the industry’s most valuable currency, data, when used correctly, has the power to transform the industry and paves the way to greater transparency within the supply chain.

Does It Take a Pandemic to Change the Fashion Industry—Will COVID Be the Catalyst for Change?

Published July 9, 2020

Textiles expert Debbie McKeegan asks why it takes a pandemic to change the fashion industry, which has long been recognized as the world’s second largest polluter. Perhaps change is on the way, with manufacturers forced to re-examine fragile supply chains. Still, a lot will depend on changing consumer demands!

World Environment Day—Precious Resources and Textile Manufacturing

Published June 25, 2020

Earlier this month was World Environment Day, founded by the United Nations in 1974. It’s a good time to step back and re-examine how the textile industry, the world’s second largest polluter, can make changes to become more sustainable. Textiles expert Debbie McKeegan notes that sustainability can’t be a luxury item; it has to be an essential element.

Emerging Textile Trends and What to Expect from the New Normal Post-COVID-19

Published June 18, 2020

What can we expect in the textiles and apparel industry post-COVID-19 and what might the new normal look like? Will there be more room for micro-brands? Will consumers shift focus to more sustainable solutions? Textile expert Debbie McKeegan addresses these and other questions.

Five Sustainable Furnishing Fabrics and Where to Buy Them—Choose Eco-Friendly Textiles

Published June 11, 2020

There is growing demand for customized home décor as well as sustainable fabric solutions. Textile expert Debbie McKeegan explores five sustainable furnishing fabrics and why it is important to choose eco-friendly textiles.

What’s The Real Impact of COVID-19 On the 2020 University Graduates?

Published June 4, 2020

The British Fashion Council and the CFDA both call for the industry to slow down, adopt sustainable practice and reject over consumption. It’s a big ask, and many in the industry want this change, the reality may be that “fast fashion” has created a consumer neurosis within retail and that will take some undoing. Read the full article

Industry Expert Q&A with Thimo Schwenzfeier, Show Director of Neonyt, on the Future of Fashion and Sustainability

Published May 28, 2020

Debbie McKeegan has a conversation with Thimo Schwenzfeier, the Show Director of Neonyt and Director of Marketing Communications for Messe Frankfurt, about sustainability in the fashion industry, and how demand for sustainable fashion will only accelerate post-COVID.

Articles by Debbie McKeegan