Global digital textile printing equipment and ink sales are projected to grow 39 per cent by 2018. In the visual-communication sector, increased interest in printing on textiles seems to stem from key considerations; aesthetics and economics. As an alternative to PVC vinyl and rigid materials, printed textiles are versatile and appeal strongly to commercial customers. They typically find the softer, sleeker look and feel and more natural, fluid movement of textiles aesthetically appealing – whether for soft signage and graphics in retail, hospitality, or event environments.

Economic drivers are of course also influential; textile substrates can be less costly to store and transport, and can lend themselves more readily to re-use than rigid materials. This is attracting particular interest in the events industry, where stand designers and builders are seeing textile as a flexible, lightweight alternative that’s easier and cheaper to transport, construct, and de-mount.

The shift towards digital textile printing is also enabling new levels of customization and increased design complexity which – together with digital’s inherent just-in-time advantage – can be expected to fuel further growth. Garment production is another significant area of growth and migration from analog to digital production. Digitally produced garments are expected to become an important alternative to traditional screen printing within two years.