Interview with Mr. Jos Notermans, Sales Manager at SPGPrints during ITM 2024 Exhibition
My name is Jos Notermans. I am responsible for our digital portfolio, focusing on machines. Most people know us originally as Stork, the inventor of rotary screen printing in 1963. Naturally, we ventured into digital printing by the end of the eighties, launching our first digital machine at ITMA in 1991. Since then, we have continuously developed our technology, and now, Jasmine represents our 9th or 10th generation of digital machines. Besides rotary screen printing, we have been active in digital printing for over 30 years.
Digital Printing and Sustainability
Initially, digital printing’s main advantage was the freedom of design, offering limitless possibilities compared to traditional rotary screen printing. You could create large designs with millions of colors without repeating patterns. However, in the last 5 to 7 years, the focus has shifted toward sustainability. Digital printing uses significantly less energy and water than traditional methods, which aligns with the global emphasis on reducing environmental impact.
Developments in Digital Printing
Despite the growing popularity of digital printing, conventional printing still dominates the market, comprising about 85-90% of all printing. Nevertheless, we continue to innovate in both areas, making rotary screen printing more energy-efficient and less polluting while also advancing digital technology. This dual approach ensures that we meet the diverse needs of our customers, providing them with the best of both worlds.
The Future of Textile Printing
In the future, conventional and digital printing technologies will coexist, each offering unique benefits. Companies increasingly use both technologies, balancing cost efficiency with the creative and sustainability advantages of digital printing. As digital printing evolves, we incorporate AI and automation to improve reliability and reduce human intervention. For example, AI-driven camera systems can detect and compensate for malfunctioning nozzles, extending the lifespan of print heads and ensuring consistent print quality.
Market Trends and Regional Insights
The textile printing industry is shifting towards more sustainable practices, such as pigment printing, which eliminates the need for steaming and washing, saving water and energy. Additionally, there’s a move from traditional disperse printing to sublimation for polyester, offering further environmental benefits.
In terms of regional markets, Turkey remains a key area for SPGPrints, with a strong textile heritage. The trend of nearshoring, where brands produce closer to their customers, is gaining traction. This trend is also evident in Central and South America, where textile industries are growing to serve the North American market. Similarly, regions like the Middle East and Africa show potential for growth in digital printing, despite being in the early stages of adoption.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the textile printing industry will continue to thrive, driven by technological advancements and a growing emphasis on sustainability. SPGPrints is committed to leading this evolution, leveraging our extensive experience and innovative spirit to provide cutting-edge solutions. Whether through conventional or digital printing, our goal remains the same: to deliver high-quality, efficient, and environmentally friendly printing solutions for our customers worldwide.
