Tag: premier digital textiles

  • Premier Digital Textiles launch prize at 40th edition of New Designers

    Premier Digital Textiles launch prize at 40th edition of New Designers

    A Premier Digital Textiles prize to celebrate emerging talent will be handed out at the 40th edition of New Designers. 

    The Vibrancy in Print Award celebrates creativity, innovation and the power of digital textile printing. 

    It will be given to the graduate who masterfully blends colour, pattern and digital techniques to create standout textile prints. 

    New Designers is an annual exhibition that brings together the best graduate design talent from across the UK. 

    During two weeks in July 2,500 talented graduates from a range of disciplines, including textiles, graphics and product design will showcase their work. 

    Elen Hughes, Sales and Marketing Coordinator, Premier Digital Textiles, said: “The winner of the Premier Digital Textiles Vibrancy in Print Award will receive an exciting £500 cash prize, along with £500 worth of our PrepRITE fabric and print time, enabling them to bring their designs to life.

    “As Europe’s leading supplier of fabric truly prepared for digital print we very much wanted to support New Designer’s 40th show. It’s a crucial platform to nurture and celebrate creativity, innovation and emerging talent within the design world. 

    “This initiative not only empowers the next generation of industry leaders and influencers but also plays a key role in the evolution of the industry. By championing fresh ideas and diverse perspectives, we can help the sector adapt and thrive in an ever-changing landscape, where new ways of thinking and creating continue to challenge traditional boundaries.”

    The winner of the Premier Digital Textiles Vibrancy in Print Award will receive ongoing mentoring support from the North West-based company’s industry experts and feature in an exclusive ‘New Designer Spotlight’ interview across its social media channels. 

    “Whether abstract, geometric, or inspired by nature, the winning designs should highlight the full potential of digital textile printing in a modern and dynamic way,” added Elen.

    “It’s important to mention also that the winner will have the opportunity to be showcased in OEM demo and experience centres worldwide, offering global exposure to leading brands, industry professionals, and innovators. Each display will credit the designer, ensuring well-deserved recognition for their work.”

    New Designers 2025 will be held at the Business Design Centre, London for two weeks from July 2. 

    JUDGES – The Premier Digital Textiles Vibrancy in Print Award – Week 1: July 2 – 5 

    Elen Hughes

    Grainne Brennan

    Toby Lunn

    Ashok Kallumpram (TBC)

  • PrepRITE brand launched by Premier Digital Textiles

    PrepRITE brand launched by Premier Digital Textiles

    Premier Digital Textiles has released an extensive range of new high quality fabrics to the global markets.

    Its PrepRITE brand includes fabrics in multiple weaves, weights, constructions and compositions and is designed to help transform creative ideas into stunning prints.

    Nick Smith is Managing Director of Europe’s leader in delivering high-quality fabric truly prepared for digital print.

    He said: “Our new PrepRITE range comes at an exciting time for us and indeed the industry. What we have is a specialised fabrics brand that enhances print performance across a wide range of ink types, including sublimation, pigment, and latex inks.

    “Each fabric is meticulously engineered to meet specific printing needs, the highest quality standards and also positively contributes to our planet.”

    Premier Digital Textiles is part of the Premier Textile group along with USA-based Premex Solutions and Bancroft Soft Furnishings.

    The company houses over 4 million metres of stock at its modern warehouse facilities in the UK and America.

    Having already been serving the American market as Premex Solutions since October 2022, Premier Digital Textiles began trading from the UK in August 2023.

    “In the first year of trading across the UK and US divisions we delivered £5 million revenues,” said Nick.

    “We take pride in serving the digital print industry with high-quality textiles, offering a diverse range of fabrics that cater to the home furnishings, interior decor and fashion markets.”

    He added: “Fabrics in the PrepRITE range include organic cotton, recycled polyester, innovative cotton and polyester alternatives.

    “And as customers continue to look for added value, we firmly believe that PrepRITE is the go-to choice for professionals seeking reliable and high-performing print fabrics.”

  • “I made your fabric,” say Premier Digital Textiles

    “I made your fabric,” say Premier Digital Textiles

    To celebrate Fashion Revolution Week, Premier Digital Textiles outlines its commitment to ethical fashion

    Fashion Revolution Week encourages consumers to ask, ‘Who made my clothes?’

    At Premier Digital Textiles, we proudly respond: ‘I made your fabric’. And that’s because we believe fashion should be a force for good.

    Now in its 11th year Fashion Revolution Week started in the wake of the 2013 Rana Plaza disaster in Bangladesh.

    As a global movement it justly continues to raise awareness about the human rights and environmental impacts of the fashion and textile industry.

    Premier Digital Textiles, Europe’s leader in delivering high-quality fabric truly prepared for digital print, has long been an avid supporter – and contributor – of the need for transparency, fairness and sustainability in the fashion industry.

    Our commitment to change: How we’re contributing

    At Premier Digital Textiles, we believe fashion should be a force for good and are proud to share the actions we’re taking to build a more ethical and sustainable fashion and textile industry. The goal is to shift the fashion and textile industry towards practices that prioritise people and the environment over profits.

    1. Transparency in our supply chain
    We’re committed to transparency, ensuring that we know exactly where our fabric comes from. We collaborate closely with our mill partners to guarantee ethical production, fair wages and safe working conditions. Our mill partners meet social audit requirements including SA8000, Fair Trade, STeP by Oeko-Tex and GOTS.

    2. Sustainable materials and practices
    We’re reducing our environmental footprint by using eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, recycled cotton and recycled polyester. Our mill partners’ strategic actions in renewable energy, emission reduction, water conservation, recycling and circularity underline this.

    3. Supporting fair labour practices
    Fair wages and safe working conditions are at the heart of our mission. We partner with suppliers who uphold labour rights and are dedicated to improving the lives of their workers. Our mill partners go beyond the basics, offering equal opportunities supporting community welfare programmes and providing benefits such as subsidised education, free accommodation, transport and medical check-ups.

    4. Ethical design and production
    We focus on creating durable cloth that stands the test of time. By designing for longevity, we reduce overconsumption and encourage customers to invest in quality.

    As part of our commitment to these values, we work alongside global mill partners and maintain close working relationships with UK weavers and finishers who share our same values.

    Global mill partners: Our Head of Supply Chain Sarah Marlow reflects on “invaluable” visits

    As part of our commitment to improving the way we work with our mill partners, our Head of Supply Chain, Sarah Marlow, recently undertook trips to meet with some of them.

    These trips were an invaluable part of our ongoing mission to ensure ethical and sustainable practices across our supply chain.

    Reflecting on her travels in 2024, Sarah shared her insights and the importance of building and renewing relationships with global mill partners.

    She said: “The primary goal of my visits was to understand the complexities of the production process and the importance of building strong relationships with our suppliers.

    “I walked through the entire production journey, from fibre cleaning to final packing. It was a valuable opportunity to gain insights into quality control and international compliance.”

    Sarah’s visits included both a small, specialised mill and a larger producer with over 10,000 employees.

    These visits highlighted the importance of nurturing personal relationships with suppliers, ensuring shared commitment to ethical practices and quality standards.

    Sarah added: “Regular updates and TEAMS meetings with our mill partners allow us to stay aligned on goals and continually improve. As we plan additional visits in 2025, I’m excited for the new perspectives and insights these will bring. I look forward to the ongoing updates and new insights we will gain through our regular meetings and planned visits in 2025”

    These visits underscore the importance of staying connected with our supply chain partners and continuously seeking new ways to enhance our practices. They are a key part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability, transparency and ethical production.

    ‘It’s left a positive lasting impression,’ says Business Development Manager Grainne Brennan following a trip to India

    Grainne Brennan recently returned from a visit to India, where she had the opportunity to spend time with one of Premier Digital Textiles’ key mill partners.

    The trip, she says, proved invaluable both professionally and personally.

    “This visit brought a new level of understanding and collaboration to our partnership,” Grainne shared. “As someone who works closely with the team every day, meeting them in person helped to strengthen that relationship in a really important way.”

    During her time on the ground, Grainne was able to witness the full manufacturing journey, an experience that deepened her appreciation of the process.

    “I gained insight into everything from spinning the yarn to weaving and finishing the final fabrics. It really helped me understand just how much is involved at every stage.”

    One standout moment for her was seeing the fabric finishing process in action.

    “I’ve visited our UK-based finishers before, so I had some foundational knowledge going in,” she explained, “but seeing how the process is done in India added a whole new dimension. It was fascinating.”

    What left a lasting impression on Grainne was the mill’s strong commitment to sustainability and ethical practices.

    “Their investments in zero-discharge water treatment, afforestation projects and renewable energy really spoke to their forward-thinking approach,” she noted. “But what struck me most was their social focus – especially their efforts around women’s empowerment. Women make up 50% of the workforce, which is something truly inspiring to see in action.”

    Reflecting on the experience, Grainne said: “This trip gave me far more than just insights into the manufacturing process – it gave me a deeper understanding of who we’re working with and reaffirmed why this partnership matters so much.”

    UK partners

    In addition to our global mill partners, we maintain close working partnerships with UK weavers and finishers. It enables us to build strong hands-on relationships.

    The ability to visit regularly allows us to ensure that production is carried out ethically, with fair labour practices in place. It gives us greater transparency across our supply chain, and it’s encouraging to see our partners continually striving to improve and meet ambitious sustainability targets.

    The future of fashion: What’s next?

    During this journey toward a more sustainable and ethical fashion and textile industry, we rightly recognise that change takes time.

    At Premier Digital Textiles we are deeply committed to contributing to a fashion and textile industry that is fair, sustainable and respects people and the planet.

    So join us in the revolution

    During Fashion Revolution Week 2025, we encourage you to ask, ‘Who made my clothes?’

    Whether you’re purchasing fabric with us or another company, your choices matter.

    By supporting ethical brands and demanding greater transparency, you help create a future that’s better for planet earth and its people.

    At Premier Digital Textiles Ltd, we’re proud to be part of the solution.

    Together we can revolutionise the fashion and textile industry – one conscious choice at a time.

    Author: Elen Hughes, Premier Digital Textiles

  • PDT announce the expansion of their environmentally certified textile collection

    PDT announce the expansion of their environmentally certified textile collection

    Premier Digital Textiles are proud to announce the expansion of their environmentally certified textile collection. 

    A specialist print-ready collection expertly developed and sourced to fulfil the Industries requirement for Textiles that meet the needs of an expanding marketplace for sustainably sourced fabrics suitable for Digital Textile printing.

    In tune with industry trends and demands, and in partnership with their longstanding connections amongst the world’s most prestigious mills, the textile specialists and fabric technologists within the Premier Digital team have created a substantial offering of fabric print bases that offer the manufacturer viable, sustainable alternatives to the world’s most popular woven and knitted textiles.

    Certification is paramount, and as we move into an era of transparency within the global supply chain, sourcing confidence is essential. Premier Digital Textiles have worked tirelessly to provide accurate certification, and importantly, a collection with the provenance that the consumer now demands.

    Which certifications apply :

    Cottons – Soil Association, GOTS, Oeko-Tex, BCI

    Polyester – Repreve (by UNIFI)

    ENVIRONMENTALLY CERTIFIED COLLECTIONS INCLUDE:

    Organic Natural Fabrics 

    2386 Recycled and Organic cotton blend – twill – 213gsm

    6903 Organic Natural drill – 255gsm

    2886 Organic Half panama bleached  – 309gsm

    2886 Organic Half panama natural – 309gsm

    3030 Organic Dedsuti – 195gsm

    6985 Organic Satin -140gsm

    7027 Organic Interlock – 210gsm

    2260 Organic Plain – 156gsm

    6999 Supa Soft Organic Cotton – 150gsm

    Recycled Polyester (100% or blended)

    2331 Freemont – Linen look poly – 210gsm

    2333 Eco Austin – Polyester linen – 284gsm

    2336 Eco Phoenix – 247gsm

    2332 Eco Canvas – 215gsm

    2406 Cordoba

    2565 Colorado – 100% Recycled half panama

    Premier Digital Textiles also see the value of the addition of Lyocell (a wood pulp fibre) to the strong offering of their current sustainable textiles and an important fibre for future production.  

    Lyocell will be launching at the end of March. Please contact sales for more information. 

    Premier Digital Textiles have been supplying the worlds Textile industry for over 30 years, and the Digital Textile industry for over 15 years. Importantly they are also credited as the pioneers for the many new substrates and woven innovations that have unlocked the textile supply chain to bring the print Industry a balanced selection of print-ready Textile substrates available in large and small volumes.

    “Our fundamental commitment to sustainable fabric development is at the heart of what we do. Our team has been working closely with existing key suppliers for over 12 months, to bring new sustainable fabrics to market. This has involved close collaboration and a sharing of knowledge, which has resulted in an exciting new range of print ready fabrics, all of which are fully certified and tested to meet our exacting quality standards”.

    “Premier truly believes that quality and cost shouldnt be compromised in the search to deliver customers truly sustainable print solutions.” “Premier Digital Textiles are proud to offer the industry a comprehenshive collection of eco print ready base fabrics and look forward to sharing future innovations and developments, alongside continued investment in the supply of sustainable textiles.”

    – Emily Falconer: Business Development Premier Digital textiles.

     For more information please contact sales: HERE

    Article also shown on Textintel website

  • The Dye Sublimation Heat Transfer Process Explained

    The Dye Sublimation Heat Transfer Process Explained

    The Heat transfer process is the means by which Dye-Sublimation printing is transferred and fixed to the fabric to be produced.

    Dye-Sublimation is an ink-set used exclusively on Polyester Fabrics.

    Sublimation is a scientific term which describes the process by which a solid transforms into a gas without an intermediate liquid phase.

    This process allows colour to be fixed onto Polyester fabrics with a great degree of accuracy and impact, owing to a vivid colour gamut.

    In Dye-Sub printing the process is for the pattern to be printed with dye-sub inks using a standard inkjet printer onto a high release transfer paper.

    The next stage of the process is to place the paper next to the textile to be transferred in a high temperature heat transfer press.

    When this happens, the ink sublimates from liquid to a gas and transfers from the paper to the textile producing vivid colours in near perfect resolution on the textile.

    In order to transfer the image from the paper to the substrate, it requires a heat press process that is a combination of time, temperature and pressure.

    The heat press applies this special combination, which can change depending on the substrate, to “transfer” the sublimation dyes at the molecular level into the substrate.

    The most common dyes used for sublimation activate at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

    However, a range of 380 to 420 degrees Fahrenheit is normally recommended for optimal colour.

    The end result of the sublimation process is an almost permanent, high resolution, full colour print.

    Because the dyes are infused into the substrate at the molecular level, rather than applied at a topical level (such as with screen printing and direct to garment printing), the prints will not crack, fade or peel from the substrate under normal conditions.

    Dye Sublimation printing onto Polyester Fabrics is very accurate, with great stability and ease of process, heat transfer is widely used as a printing method by many digital textile printers specialising in Fashion, Interiors, Sportswear and Athleisure.

     

  • Colour Management and Fabric Consistency

    Colour Management and Fabric Consistency

    Colour Management and Consistency of Textile Supply and Fabric Preparation is the key to successful Digital Textile Printing.

    The artwork source and its pre-press preparation is critical. Bridging the transfer of accurate colour, print mark appearance, and the technical components of colour yield from Cameras, to Image Scanners, variable Monitors, CAD / CAM, and infinite light sources, cannot be underestimated and requires both specialist software, and technical specification to ensure that the final printed fabric meets the clients expectations and standards.

    The visual colour viewed on the creator’s monitor will vary significantly between design studios, commercial artists and the final production source, who are often in different locations, many miles apart. Pre-press sampling and or screen calibration is mandatory.

    It can be a challenging technical process and without professional calibration colour management is impossible. Colour management software, utilised in design and pre-press, alongside fabric profiling gives excellent results and offers a seamless channel for successful production.

    To circumnavigate the variance in print supply and in order to provide universal colour reference, colour charts or chips are often used as a reference to define accurate colour prior to, and during digital textile printing.

    Pantone references are often quoted as an Industry Standard for Colour matching on Textiles, but not all Pantone chips are within the Colour Gamut of your chosen Digital Textile printer and their print technology.

    Variations in colour gamut, yield, and colour appearance occur due to a number of factors; the reflectivity of the fabric, the standard of whiteness, the type of ink set utilized, and the number of colours used (within the ink-jet machine) during printing can vary significantly.

    The only practical solution is to profile the machine print on the fabric to be used using X-rite/Barbieri or other similar type equipment and software. But even then, some Pantone chips may not be attainable. Therefore, precise Pantone colour matching on Textiles has to be understood in this context.

    The increased number of digital textile printing machines and available print sources has increased the variables of Colour Management. What works on one machine, does not always work on another. What works on one fabric does not always work on another.

    Choose your Digital print partner wisely, the best print systems are those that are developed for specific machines, using specific inks and specific fabric types. Dye Sublimation, Pigment, Reactive and Latex etc…will all yield specific benefits.

    Colour Management is a complex area that has to be dealt with at the practical as well as at the theoretical level.

    In this context the reliability and consistency of the fabric used now assumes critical importance.

    Different coating chemicals and different optical brightening agents can introduce colour variables that make reproducing the same colour on the same fabric a complicated and error prone enterprise.

    Therefore, it is vital that the printer is absolutely confident in their fabric source.

    A well organised and well controlled fabric sourcing operation is vital for the Digital Printer, where economies of scale, rigid batch controls and tight technical specifications ensure the best possible environment for the Digital Textile Printer and guaranteed colour consistency.

  • Digital Textile Print Processes Explained

    Digital Textile Print Processes Explained

    When printing Fabrics using Digital Ink-jet technologies, the fabric chosen will determine the ink-set used and the type of digital printing process that follows.

    The number of available ink- sets for Digital Textile Printing are growing as the Digital Print market expands in size.  The five most important ink-sets and their printing process are shown and described below.

    Dye-Sub Ink-Set

    Sublimation is a scientific term which describes the process by which a solid transforms into a gas without an intermediate liquid phase.

    This process allows colour to be fixed onto Polyester fabrics with a great degree of accuracy and impact, owing to a vivid colour gamut.

    Uncoated fabrics can be used with Dye-Sub Ink-sets.

    Process :

    In Dye-Sub printing the process is for the pattern to be printed using a standard inkjet printer onto a high release transfer paper.

    The next stage of the process is to place the paper next to the  textile to be transferred in a high temperature heat press.

    When this happens, the ink sublimates and transfers from the paper to the textile producing vivid colours in near perfect resolution on the textile.

    Pigment Ink-Set

    Pigment inks are inks where the colorant is a fine particle dissolved and suspended in a carrier fluid.

    The process deposits the ink on the pre-coated fabric which, when the fluid dries, allows the particles of the colour to physically bond to the fabric.

    In recent technical developments the range, performance and clarity of colours has expanded significantly, resulting in the general suitability of Pigment Ink-Sets for all types of fabrics and fibres.

    Process :

    In Pigment printing the ink and carrier fluid are printed together directly onto the fabric using an inkjet printer.

    The fabric is dried as it is printed, and fixation takes place, at approximately 150°C  in a baker or thermo-fixation device.

    Fabrics for Pigment printing have to be pre-coated before use.

    Reactive Ink-Set

    Reactive Ink-Sets  are organic compounds whereby through a covalent bond the dyes become a chemical part of the fibre component of the fabric being printed through a reaction between the liquid of the dyestuff and the fabric itself.

    The chemical bond is very strong and produces vivid colours on Cottons, Linens and other cellulosic fabrics with excellent fastness properties.

    Process :  

    The printing process for Reactive Ink-Sets however is complicated.

    First the pre-coated fabric is directly printed in an inkjet printer, and the inks are dried during the printing process.

    Then the fabric is processed slowly through a High Temperature Steamer to fix the colours to the fabric.

    Finally, the fabric is washed and dried to remove any surplus colour, so that no fading occurs during subsequent washing.

    Fabrics for Reactive printing have to be pre-coated before use.

    Acid Ink-Set

    Acid Ink-Sets are usually sodium salts of sulfonic acids, whereby the dyestuff, benefitting from an increased solubility in water in an acidic solution, creates an ionic bond with the fibres of the fabric being printed.

    Generally, this Ink-Set is only used to print Wool, Cashmere, Angora, Nylon and Silk fabrics, where its performance in terms of clarity, fastness and Intensity is exemplary.

    Process :

    The printing process for Acid Ink-Sets, as with Reactive Ink-Sets however is complicated.

    First the fabric is directly printed in an inkjet printer, and the inks are dried during the printing process.

    Then the fabric is processed very slowly through a High Temperature Steamer to fix the colours to the fabric.

    Finally, the fabric is washed and dried to remove any surplus colour, so that no fading occurs during subsequent washing.

    Fabrics for Acid printing have to be pre-coated before use.

    Disperse Ink-Set

    The Disperse Ink-Set is a low soluble dyestuff effectively dispersed in water by powerful dispersing agents, which allow the dyestuff to be adsorbed into the interstices of the fibre which expands under temperature to allow the dyestuff to be encased within the fibre at a molecular level.

    This ink-set is widely used, it is applicable to automotive and other fabrics comprising Polyester or Acetate Fibres where extremely high fastness properties are demanded.

    Fabrics for Disperse printing have to be pre-coated before use.

    Process :

    The printing process for Disperse Ink-Sets, as with Reactive Ink-Sets however is complicated.

    First the pre-coated fabric is directly printed in an inkjet printer, and the inks are dried during the printing process.

    Then the fabric is processed very slowly through a High Temperature Steamer to fix the colours to the fabric.

    Finally, the fabric is washed and dried to remove any surplus colour, so that no fading occurs during subsequent washing.

  • Sustainability & Responsible Fabric Sourcing

    Sustainability & Responsible Fabric Sourcing

    In a world where the Textile Industry is seen to be one of the largest polluters of the environment, progress towards achieving sustainability in Textile manufacturing has proved to be a vital component in developing a winning market proposition for many textile Companies.

    Whether it is the use of illegal pesticides in cotton growth, or the irresponsible consumption of trees and oil reserves in fibre production, the Textile Industry has much to answer for, but it is changing, and fast.

    Taken alongside its voracious appetite for energy and water consumption, as well as its unrestrained pollution of local water tables, the Textile Industry has been forced to find answers for an increasingly environmentally aware customer base.

    Alongside the many improvements in bleaching and chemical treatment, as well as new re-cycling technologies, the widespread adoption of Digital Textile Printing has proved to be a vital component in the Industry’s battle to adopt effective sustainability strategies.

    Over the years, Digital Textile Printing has become the most effective sustainable solution in textile production.

    The machinery is smaller, less space consuming, and ink usage is a fraction of traditional analogue printing processes.

    A typical Digital print installation will use less than 25% of the Electricity, 10% of the water and less than 5% of the water table pollution of traditional printing processes.

    All of which adds up to a tremendous reduction in the environmental footprint of Textile printing.

    Yet behind the machinery and process choice lies the extensive use of certified inks, that through the various bodies such as Oeko-Tex, Reach and BlueSign reach acceptable standards of environmental safety.

    Many of the inks used in Digital printing are 100% Non-hazardous, 100% Toxin-free, Biodegradable, contain no animal by-products, and are safe for infants and babies.

    Inks generally meet the strictest industry standards as defined by Oeko-Tex 100 safety applications for infant wear, Global Organic Textiles (GOTS-3V), Residues Standard List (RSL) and the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colourists.

    Supporting this is the responsible sourcing of fabrics:

    The Digital Printer in his quest for environmental credentials also has to use fabrics that are prepared from renewable, re-cycled or organic sources.

    Premier Digital textile are market leaders in this sector with a wide range of responsible fabrics including Bamboos, Linens, recycled Polyesters and GOTS certified cottons.

    Sustainability is at the heart of the Premier Digital Textile supply chain and they provide eco-conscious certified cotton and recycled polyester alternatives.

    Premier Digital Textiles support and supply Sustainable textiles with a reduced carbon footprint, prepared using less water than conventional textiles and with reduced or no use of pesticides and growing agents. They now also offer an expanding selection of re-cycled polyester print bases.

    Whatever the print process, Premier Digital textile have an environmentally conscious fabric for the Digital printer to choose.

    As a company renowned for their innovation the sustainable sourcing team and textile innovators at Premier Digital Textiles continue their development of circular, eco-friendly fabrics.

    So, with responsible fabric sourcing, water and energy efficiency, zero wastewater, and fully certified inks, Digital Textile Printing continuously shows the way forward in the environmentally sensitive market of today, offering a High-Tech solution to redress the many ecological excesses of the past.