A Strategic Vision for Growth, Technology, and Environmental Responsibility
Aleph, a globally recognized name in industrial digital textile printing, is making significant strides in the Indian market with a strong emphasis on sustainable, high-performance solutions. Backed by cutting-edge technology, advanced printing solutions, and the recent acquisition by Durst, the company is poised to redefine the textile printing landscape in India.
At the forefront of this transformation are Mr. Alessandro Manes, CEO of Aleph Srl – (A Durst Company), Mr. Kevin Myers, Internation Sales Manager – Textiles of Aleph Srl – (A Durst Company) and Mr. Vinod Krishnamurthy, CEO of Fortuna Colors and Prints, Aleph’s partner in India. In exclusive discussions, they shed light on Aleph’s journey, innovations, and ambitious roadmap for expanding in India with a focus on waterless, sustainable textile printing technologies.
Aleph’s Journey: A Legacy of Innovation in Digital Textile Printing
Aleph was founded in Italy’s Como region, a hub for textile innovation, and has been at the forefront of digital printing technologies for decades. Over the years, Aleph has focused on technological advancements, sustainability, and efficiency, enabling textile manufacturers to embrace digital transformation.
Mr. Alessandro Manes highlighted Aleph’s evolution and technological breakthroughs, emphasizing the company’s mission to develop water-efficient and energy-saving printing solutions. “Innovation in green applications is our top priority. Our R&D is working extensively on pigment-based printing that reduces water consumption and minimizes energy usage,” he stated.
A significant milestone in Aleph’s journey was its acquisition by Durst, a strategic move that has accelerated its research, development, and manufacturing capabilities. Manes explained, “Durst shares our philosophy as a family-driven company committed to innovation. With this partnership, Aleph now has access to Durst’s advanced R&D, which will drive the next wave of sustainable digital printing solutions.”
Expanding Global Footprint: India as a Key Market
Aleph has a strong presence in Italy, Turkey, the USA, Central America, Brazil, and South Korea, among other textile-producing regions. However, India stands out as a key growth market due to its rapidly expanding textile industry and increasing adoption of sustainable technologies.
“India is a massive opportunity for Aleph,” remarked Kevin Myers. “We are seeing a strong shift towards digitalization and eco-friendly solutions. The demand for waterless printing and pigment-based technologies is growing, and Aleph now after becoming a DURST company has so much more to offer is well-positioned to support with more new technologies.”
With increasing global emphasis on sustainability, brands and textile manufacturers in India are looking for greener solutions that reduce resource consumption. Myers added, “Sustainability is no longer a choice but a necessity. Apparel manufacturers, particularly in India, are recognizing the need for water-efficient printing solutions to meet global sustainability standards.”
Aleph’s expansion strategy includes:
- Introducing our advanced digital printing solutions with a 16 head Kyocera head Reactive printing machine giving almost the speed of 32 heads saving on replacement head costs and faster ROI
- Collaborating with Indian manufacturers to enhance sustainability efforts
- Setting up local service centers and spare parts warehouses to ensure seamless support and maintenance
Sustainability: The Future of Textile Printing
Sustainability is a core pillar of Aleph Srl – (A Durst Company) with innovation as a key strategy. Traditional textile printing is one of the most water-intensive and polluting industries worldwide, but Aleph aims to change this with its waterless pigment-based digital printing solutions.
“We are investing heavily in sustainable technologies, particularly in pigment printing, which eliminates the need for washing and steaming,” explained Vinod Krishnamurthy. “This dramatically reduces water consumption and energy use, making it a game-changer for textile printing.”
Aleph’s latest innovations focus on:
- Pigment inks with Binder Printing with Inline Jettable Pre-Treatment and Fixation Solutions: Enhancing the efficiency of digital printing while reducing the use of harsh chemicals. This allows for direct application of pigment inks, eliminating offline pretreatment and post-processing water consumption.
- Sublimation Transfer Printing: Offering high-quality printing on polyester fabrics with minimal environmental impact.
- Non-Woven Textile Printing for Medical and Food Applications: Expanding beyond apparel and home textiles into high-tech applications.
Krishnamurthy elaborated on the economic viability of sustainable printing, stating, “For sustainable technology to be truly adopted, it must be cost-effective. Aleph’s solutions not only reduce environmental impact but also ensure higher efficiency and lower operational costs for textile manufacturers.”
Building Strong Partnerships in India
To establish a robust presence in India, Aleph has partnered with Fortuna Colors and Prints, led by Vinod Krishnamurthy, to expand its distribution and service network. Krishnamurthy emphasized, “Aleph needed a strategic partner in India, and we have worked closely to restructure and reposition the brand to better serve the local textile market.”
Aleph has already begun installing high-end digital printing machines in India, with Orient Fashion being one of its first customers is running reactive and getting a pigment printer by end of the month. The successful installation of Aleph’s machines at Orient Fashion marks a significant milestone in Aleph’s India expansion strategy.
Kevin Myers shared his experience working with Orient Fashion: “They are a well-integrated company that understands digital printing. We have seen excellent results with our first installation and are excited about the upcoming second machine featuring sustainable pigment technology.”
To further strengthen its foothold, Aleph is focusing on:
- Setting up localized service teams to provide faster technical support
- Establishing a spare parts warehouse to ensure uninterrupted operations for Indian customers
- Developing training programs for Indian textile manufacturers to maximize efficiency with Aleph’s machines
Future Outlook: Aleph’s Vision for India’s Textile Industry
With India expected to become one of the world’s top three economies by 2030, the textile industry will play a crucial role in this growth. Aleph now becoming a Durst company has a leadership team is confident that its sustainable digital printing solutions will align with India’s ambitious development goals.
“India is poised for tremendous growth in textiles, and Aleph wants to be a part of this journey,” said Manes. “We are bringing next-generation digital printing technology that not only enhances efficiency and quality but also supports India’s sustainability goals.”
Looking ahead, Aleph is committed to:
- Scaling up operations in India with new product launches tailored for the local market
- Investing in R&D to further improve energy-efficient and waterless printing solutions
- Strengthening its partnerships with Indian textile manufacturers and brands
Vinod Krishnamurthy summed it up best: “Aleph is not just selling machines; we are enabling a sustainable future for textile printing, also addressing challenges of clients who have a digital printing setup. We will cover software, design, color management, inks and application on machine to bring value more than just giving a printer. Our focus is on delivering long-term value through cutting-edge technology, service excellence, and environmentally responsible printing solutions.
Aleph’s Commitment to a Greener, More Efficient Textile Industry
Aleph’s expansion in India is not just about business growth—it is about driving a shift towards sustainable, next-generation textile printing. With its advanced waterless pigment technology, strategic collaborations, and customer-centric approach, Aleph is poised to make a lasting impact on the Indian textile industry.
By integrating innovation, sustainability, and localized support, Aleph is well on its way to becoming a key player in India’s digital textile revolution, empowering manufacturers to adopt eco-friendly solutions while maintaining cost-effectiveness and high-quality production standards.
As the textile industry in India gears up for a more sustainable future, Aleph’s cutting-edge solutions offer the perfect blend of technology, efficiency, and environmental responsibility, paving the way for a greener and more prosperous textile sector.
