Epson India is making significant strides in the textile printing industry, bringing innovative digital solutions that cater to the evolving needs of the market. At the Global Textile Technology & Engineering Show (GTTES), the company showcased its latest advancements, including a live demonstration of its direct-to-fabric (DTF) printing solutions and a soft launch of its upcoming direct-to-film (DTFilm) printer. Mr. Vasudevan L K, General Manager, Epson India Pvt. Ltd., provided insights into the company’s offerings, market presence, and strategic initiatives to enhance textile printing in India.
Showcasing Innovation at GTTES
For the first time, Epson conducted a live demonstration of its Monna Lisa direct-to-fabric printer at the exhibition. Traditionally, the company has only displayed sample prints, but this year, it introduced a hands-on experience for attendees with its entry-level and most popular model for pigment printing. Additionally, Epson took the opportunity to soft-launch its upcoming direct-to-film printer the Epson SureColor G6030, further solidifying its commitment to expanding its portfolio in digital textile printing.
Success of the Monna Lisa Pigment Printer
A key highlight at the Epson stall was the Monna Lisa ML-8000 printer with pigment printing technology. Since its launch, the Monna Lisa ML-8000 has gained considerable traction in India, with a strong market presence and a growing number of repeat customers. According to Mr. Vasudevan, several clients who had initially purchased one machine have gone on to acquire multiple units within two years, a testament to the printer’s efficiency and reliability.
One of the unique successes of this model is its reputation among buyers of the exceptional quality of the printed product. Customers have insisted that jobs be printed on the Epson Monna Lisa due to its superior print quality. This organic demand reflects the machine’s impact on the industry and underscores Epson’s technological leadership in pigment printing. Additionally the users have found its ease of use and cost savings to be hugely beneficial. Lastly exceptional service has played an important role in getting repeat customers.
Advancements in Pigment Printing Technology
Pigment printing has been a part of the textile industry for over two decades, but Epson has taken significant strides in refining the technology. The company is now on its fourth-generation pigment printing solutions, enhancing color brilliance and fabric feel to the levels comparable with reactive printing. These improvements enable users to print on a wide variety of fabrics without concerns over quality limitations.
Epson’s advancements have also played a key role in driving industry-wide adoption of pigment printing. Initially, very few players actively promoted this technology in India. However, the growing success of Epson’s machines has spurred greater interest and investment in pigment-based digital printing solutions.
Comprehensive Printing Solutions for the Textile Industry
Epson is one of the few, if not the only, brands offering a full spectrum of textile printing technologies under one roof. The company’s product portfolio includes:
- Dye Sublimation Printing: Primarily used for sportswear, polyester fabrics, and fashion textiles.
- Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing: Ideal for printing on dyed fabrics, particularly for T-shirts and embellishments.
- Direct-to-Fabric (DTF) Printing: Catering to larger production needs with flexible printing options.
- Direct-to-Film (DTFilm) Printing: A newly introduced technology that expands printing possibilities.
With a range of printers covering various applications and production volumes—from small-scale gifting applications to large-scale industrial production—Epson provides unparalleled flexibility to its customers.
End-to-End Control Over Technology
One of Epson’s strongest differentiators is its complete in-house development of core printing technologies. Unlike many competitors that source printheads, control boards, and inks from different suppliers, Epson designs and manufactures every critical component, including:
- Print Mechanism: Engineered for precision and durability.
- Printheads: The heart of the technology, proprietary Precision Core MicroPiezo print heads developed exclusively by Epson.
- Inks: Manufactured by Epson to ensure compatibility and high-quality output.
- Software: Designed to optimize print quality, speed, and cost-efficiency.
This holistic approach allows Epson to offer superior print quality, high-speed performance, and the lowest running costs—key factors for customers looking to maximize their return on investment (ROI).
Epson’s Commitment to Sustainability in Textile Printing
Sustainability is no longer an option—it is an imperative. Recognizing this, Epson has embedded sustainability into the core of its operations. At the heart of Epson’s efforts lies their philosophy of developing efficient, compact and precise technologies— or “Sho-Sho-Sei” as it’s known in Japan. This has been infused into every Epson product since the beginning. Designing for low energy consumption, minimized waste, small footprints, high reliability and minimal moving parts results in outstanding sustainable solutions for customers. This is what sets them apart from other brands. There is an unwavering commitment to innovation, durability and sustainable and cost-effective solutions that cater to a wide range of industries.
The company has integrated several environment-friendly practices into its digital fabric printing solutions to minimize environmental impact. Epson’s digital fabric printing solutions promote sustainability through waterless printing technologies and eco-friendly pigments. Unlike traditional methods, Epson’s pigment inks eliminate the need for water, reducing water consumption and wastewater. These inks are certified by the Oeko-Tex® Eco Passport, minimizing chemical use, making the process safer and more eco-friendly. Traditional reactive dyeing methods require extensive washing and chemical treatments, leading to significant water wastage. However, Epson’s fourth-generation pigment inks enable brilliant color reproduction and superior feel while eliminating excessive water usage. Additionally, Epson’s printers are energy-efficient, further lowering the environmental footprint. These innovations help businesses meet sustainability goals while producing high-quality, custom textiles with minimal impact on the environment. The company has aligned itself with global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and has taken a leadership role in implementing eco-friendly manufacturing practices.
Expanding Market Presence: Home Textiles, Apparel, and Technical Textiles
Epson’s journey in digital textile printing began with home textiles, a sector that readily embraced digital solutions to replace traditional analog methods. Today, a major portion of Epson’s pigment ink-based machine installations cater to home textile applications, a testament to the industry’s trust in Epson’s technology.
Moving beyond home textiles, Epson has a strong presence in apparel printing, particularly in segments like sarees and shirting. Saree manufacturers, who work with thin, delicate fabrics, predominantly rely on reactive inks to achieve deep penetration and vibrant color consistency. Epson continues to enhance its pigment printing solutions to meet the penetration and superior feel of the fabric as per the expectations of this market. In contrast, pigment printing has already gained substantial traction in the shirting segment, reflecting a broader industry shift towards more sustainable printing practices.
Digital Printing’s Role in India’s Trillion-Dollar Textile Future
India’s textile industry is poised for exponential growth, with projections indicating it could reach appx. $350 billion in manufacturing and exports as part of the country’s larger vision of becoming a trillion-dollar economy. Digital textile printing will play a pivotal role in this transformation, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional analog printing methods.
Currently, over 90% of fabric production in India is dye based, with only a small fraction dedicated to printing. Among printed textiles, digital printing accounts for just 5%, and there is significant room for growth. As the industry transitions, analog printers are increasingly looking to adopt digital solutions. Epson is uniquely positioned to facilitate this transition, thanks to its expertise in color management and proprietary Micro Piezo printhead technology.
Epson is not just a technology provider—it is an enabler of sustainable transformation in the textile industry. By championing eco-friendly manufacturing, advancing pigment ink innovations, and expanding digital printing applications, Epson is shaping the future of textile printing in India and beyond. With India’s textile sector on the cusp of unprecedented growth, Epson stands ready to empower businesses with the tools they need to thrive in this evolving landscape.
