In 2024, Keypoint Intelligence conducted a detailed study on high-volume apparel decorators, offering comprehensive analysis into the printing operations of this specialized market segment. Based on detailed interviews with leading high-volume decorators across the globe, the report provides an in-depth understanding of the key shifts in the industry. This article highlights the significant changes encountered by apparel decorators, focusing on four primary printing technologies: Screen Printing, Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing, Hybrid Printing, and Dye Sublimation.
As the apparel decoration industry evolves, decorators are adapting to changes in customer expectations, production technologies, and operational efficiencies. These shifts are influencing the adoption and integration of various printing methods, with decorators balancing factors like cost, quality, material compatibility, and turnaround times to remain competitive in the market.
Top Resolutions Strategies by Print Technology
For high-volume apparel decorator companies, the top challenges varied slightly across the four printing technologies. Achieving color consistency was a common challenge faced across all printing technologies. For screen printers, longer set up times was a significant issue. For DTG Printing, higher costs weighed in heavier than the other technologies. For Hybrid Printing, system complexity was the biggest challenge and for Dye Sublimation, fabric compatibility is a big issue. It is also interesting to note that high costs were consistent across the board except for Screen Printing.
Top strategies to use to solve these challenges for each printing technology were evenly used across all print technologies with the outliers being Automated Equipment used more for Screen Printing and DTG Printing relied more on Advanced Color Management.
The Bottom Line
This article offers a preview of the extensive data available in Keypoint Intelligence’s Understanding High-Volume Apparel Decorator Report. Each printing technology clearly has a place in the Apparel Decorator’s industry. Selecting the appropriate printing technology for each job is a challenge. Customized planning tools are essential to achieve customer satisfaction.
Staying informed about effective marketing tactics is crucial for the success of your business and your customers. You can obtain more information about the High-Volume Apparel Decorators study here.Keypoint Intelligence provides timely and informative insights on current and future market trends and developments through multi-client studies and the Textile and Apparel Printing Advisory service.
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