Textile printing is well known as a vast consumer of water and energy, which in some places is having significant impact on local ecology with water tables dropping, rivers running dry etc. This is impacting society and also businesses, for example in Turkey where textile producers have been forced to leave the Istanbul area to protect the remaining water supply there.
Christophe Bulliard, Sensient
Digital technology can have a positive benefit on the sustainability of textile production, as well as the typical benefits of fast design introduction, flexible production and new design possibilities. More efficient dye placement leads to a reduced need for water for steaming and washing, and power for drying, of between 50 and 90%. A particular area of improvement is the use of sublimation printing of polyester to replace other fabrics and processes, where water consumption of as little as 1 litre per linear metre of printed fabric can be achieved versus over 100 litres in more conventional cases.
One of the pioneers and market leaders in this segment is Sensient, and Dr Christophe Bulliard, Marketing Director, will be surveying the impact of digital technology on sustainability in textiles, and will be discussing recent advances that promise even greater benefits. Join us at the IMI Europe Inkjet Conference, 2-4 December 2015 in Amsterdam.
Mike Willis, IMI Europe