Toby, for those who weren’t there, what was the TRAPIS & More Showcase all about?
The event brought together leaders from across print design, and manufacturing to explore where textile innovation is heading next. Mimaki’s showcase at Hybrid’s showroom in Crewe was about more than technology launches – it was a statement of intent. It showed how print technology, materials science and creative application are converging to redefine what’s possible in textiles.
How did Premier Digital Textiles fit into the showcase?
We are proud to collaborate closely with Hybrid Services and with Mimaki as a whole, supplying truly digitally prepared PrepRITE™ Fabrics that demonstrate the consistency, colour vibrancy and performance that modern digital print demands. It was a chance to show how fabric innovation underpins printer innovation. Every print result depends on the quality and stability of the substrate, and that’s where our expertise comes in.
What stood out to you most from the event?
The engagement in the new technologies and the quality of the product. You could really feel that the sector is moving beyond the ‘can digital compete?’ question. It’s now about how far digital can go and what kind of innovation will come next from the likes of Mimaki. From evolving pigment technologies to hybrid print systems designed for sustainability and speed, the showcase underlined how collaboration between OEMs, fabric suppliers and designers is driving real-world progress.
Why is this partnership between Premier Digital Textiles and Mimaki/Hybrid significant?
Because it demonstrates the power of joined-up innovation. Mimaki is at the forefront of print technology; we focus on optimised, sustainable fabric solutions. When you combine those strengths, you get print ecosystems that perform consistently, reduce waste, and accelerate production. It’s a partnership built around progress – not just promotion.
How does sustainability fit into this conversation about innovation?
Sustainability isn’t a feature anymore; it’s a baseline. The new generation of printers and fabrics are being designed with closed-loop thinking in mind, reduced water use, lower energy demand and recyclability. For us, it’s about helping printers and brands hit those targets without compromising colour, handle or performance. Furthermore you have the double benefit of the kind of innovation that creates solutions for all applications, whether that’s printers for a specific fibre type, or something more multi-faceted that covers a wide-range of options.
What does this kind of collaboration mean for the future of UK digital textile printing?
It shows that the UK can lead through partnership and precision. We’ve got the creative talent, the manufacturing capability and the appetite for sustainable innovation. Working with global OEMs like Mimaki and alongside key collaborators like Hybrid allows us to connect the component parts together and showcase what the UK textile industry can deliver on a world stage.
Finally, how would you sum up your key takeaway from the October showcase?
Innovation in textiles only matters if it reaches the customer – and that’s exactly what this event showed. From the lab to the production floor, collaboration is turning ideas into commercial reality. It’s exciting to see and Premier Digital Textiles will continue playing a leading role in making that happen.
