Less water
Digital fabric printing involves using inkjet technology to apply colour dyes simultaneously to a specially prepared fabric surface. In contrast to traditional print methods, digital printing is quick and personalised. The technique allows for printing on smaller lengths of fabric, lessening demand for water, chemicals and textile waste.
Designers are increasingly taking up the technology. For instance, the winner of the Karl Lagerfeld Award for Innovation at last year’s 2020 International Woolmark Prize, BODE from the USA, used digital printing in her winning designs – see image. BODE utilised the support of pioneering digital printing company Think Positive which is a trade partner of the International Woolmark Prize.