61 www.printmonthly.co.uk Issue 354 - May / June 2025 According to McMullin, Epson's design philosophy is centred on creating machines that can “adapt to varied production environments while maintaining their performance levels”. The Monna Lisa 13000 and 32000 JQ have been developed with user-friendly interfaces and scalable production capabilities, aiming to ensure the integration process is smooth and future-proof, regardless of the company's size. The 16000JQ also stands out with its new double-sided printing feature. As McMullin explains: “This allows it to automatically recognise pre-printed fabrics and produce prints on both sides with differing colours. This unique capability enhances customisation, engendering greater creative freedom for designers and allowing for new possibilities in textile design. ”Epson has responded to the desires of the textile and fashion market, which is increasingly putting sustainability at the top of its priority list. Consumers and producers alike are looking for an increase in sustainable fabrics, energy efficient print solutions, less waste in production, and fewer harmful chemicals in inks and dyes. Digital solutions like the ML-16000JQ allow for on-demand printing, which means that fabrics can be produced as needed rather than in large batches, thereby reducing energy consumption and waste. It uses less electricity and water compared to traditional printing methods. The machine also uses advanced ink formulations, such as Epson's GENESTA inks, which are designed to meet stringent environmental standards. All these elements have been specifically developed to provide a more environmentally conscious solution to market. Explaining the company’s strategy, McMullin concludes: “Our growth strategy is to support the shift of the market from analogue to digital textile printing to help reshape and contribute to a better, more sustainable textile industry. “Our wider portfolio allows us to address the varying demands of the wider market and make a greater contribution to minimising the environmental impacts incurred." Finishing Fruitfully For Rafa Menéndez, head of sales and marketing at PLASTGrommet, the shift towards sustainable practices within textiles is clear to see. As with McMullin, Menéndez has seen what he describes as “a growing demand” from customers for sustainable solutions. “FESPA’s 2023 Print Census showed 72% of print buyers are requesting environmentally friendly products and practices,” he says. “The use of waterbased inks, textile signage’s recyclability and reusability, and the fact that textile products are lightweight and so reduce the carbon footprint involved in transporTEXTILE PRINTING Striking a balance between environmental responsibility and economic viability is a challenge now faced by organisations globally, whatever their size and industry ▼ PLASTGrommet manufacture a wide range of finishing machines for the textile signage market
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjM0NDIxOA==