Kyocera, a Japanese company known for electronics and office technology, is getting into sustainable textile decoration – releasing a new inkjet textile printer that it says eliminates virtually all water usage from fabric printing.

“Traditional analog textile printing consumes a large amount of water, especially in the washing and steaming processes, and wastewater pollution due to fabric printing is a long-standing issue around the world,” notes Kyocera. Its new printer, FOREARTH, is meant to solve those environmental issues.

Various textiles printed with the FOREARTH printer.

The FOREARTH is an all-in-one printing system that uses a new proprietary pigment ink, pretreatment liquid and finishing agent, all of which are constantly discharged in the same sequence from the inkjet head. The system eliminates the pre- and post-process required of conventional dye printing and reduces water consumption of textile printing by 99%, according to Kyocera. The company also notes that the printing solution contributes to reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions because it doesn’t need large-scale equipment used for the pre- and post-treatment process.

The FOREARTH digital textile printer is available from Kyocera.

Kyocera also says the FOREARTH doesn’t require different types of dyes for various fibers and fabrics, unlike most conventional digital printing. The company’s all-in-one printing system enables “highly detailed printing on diverse fabrics ranging from cotton, silk and polyester to nylon and blended fabrics with a single machine,” according to Kyocera. The printer can be used for everything from fashion and sportswear to home textiles.

The printer is expected to be available for presale in the fall of 2023.

Stahls’ Announces Heat Press Shop Transformation Video Series

Stahls’ (asi/88984) recently debuted a new Heat Press Transformation video series featuring decorating industry consultant Marshall Atkinson. The series is designed to increase the efficiency of apparel decorators across the country.

Atkinson, owner of Atkinson Consulting, has more than 30 years of industry experience and is also the co-founder of Shirt Lab, dedicated to elevating apparel decoration with sales, marketing and operational experience. His coaching expertise and shop improvement ideas provide perspective for decorators to increase productivity.

In the new series, Atkinson evaluates every aspect of running a successful decorated-apparel business, including hands-on work with the sales department, production, artwork team and managerial staff. For the first episode, he visits Kampus Klothes, a 39-year-old print shop in Ivyland, PA. Watch the full episode and read the accompanying blog post here on Stahls’ website. 

Roland DGA Adds Partner Products to Online Store

Roland DGA, a provider of wide-format inkjet printers, vinyl cutters and other digital imaging technology, is working to make its e-commerce site a one-stop shop for customers. The company announced recently that it has added popular products, including Stahls’ Hotronix heat presses and GOframe stretcher bars to the site.

“We are extremely excited about partnering with these highly trusted companies to expand our offerings at the Roland DGA online store,” said Lily Hunter, senior product manager at Roland DGA.

She added that these products are just the beginning and that Roland plans to continue growing the number of partner products it offers for sale online.

“These new additions enhance the already impressive selection of media and accessories visitors can purchase with a few clicks of the mouse,” Hunter said.

Stickers International Offers New Reflective Stickers

The right sticker can help reduce traffic accidents, protect road crews and enhance visibility, according to Stickers International, a division of Top 40 supplier World Emblem (asi/98264).

The company recently added a reflective self-adhesive decal for creating safety labels; parking permits; security and warning stickers; decorating safety gear, such as hard hats, vests and flags; enhancing visibility for runners, bikers and motorcyclists; and decorating drinkware and other accessories.

The high-visibility pressure-sensitive vinyl flares up when hit with a beam of light. It’s waterproof, tear- and UV-resistant, so it can be used indoors or out. Supplied in sheets, it has strong adhesion and is nonyellowing.

The stickers come in six stock shapes or custom dimensions in a range of sizes. They work well with black or dark colors to contrast the light silver reflective color. The background of the sticker can be reflective, or the background can be dark and the sticker’s text reflective. There are no setup or design fees.

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