While megatrends like digitalisation and artificial intelligence are keeping the world in suspense, companies are also overwhelmed by increasing regulatory pressure in the wide field of sustainability. Even smaller enterprises are obliged to publicly report on their sustainability practices and to disclose verified sustainability and impact data on product level as part of fulfilling their legal obligation. Generic green claims like ‘reduced water and energy consumption’ and ‘free of hazardous chemicals’ will need to be supported with verified data from independent and qualified third parties. In the textile supply chain using the right chemicals is a crucial step in compliance and sustainability management. This talk will give an insight into what it takes to assess, quantify and visualise the sustainability performance of a chemical product throughout its lifecycle. Together with the organizations SCTI and ZDHC, bluesign is in preparation to launch an industry accepted assessment scheme for better chemicals on an aspirational level. Building on its strong chemical and textile expertise with a long history of in-depth on-site company assessments, bluesign is going to service the textile industry with solutions for the digital product passport (DPP) requirements. We will introduce how bluesign is preparing companies for the recently launched ESPR (Eco-Design for Sustainable Product Regulation).
Dr Daniel Waterkamp, bluesign

INNOVATION IN PIGMENT INK TECHNOLOGY FOR DIGITAL TEXTILES
As the textile industry prioritises sustainability, digital printing with pigment inkjet ink is emerging as a crucial alternative to other processes. This presentation examines the current and future advancements of pigment ink technology in digital textile printing. It will explore the latest developments in pigment technology and identify areas where continued innovation is needed, particularly to meet the demands of fashion applications. An innovation wish list will be outlined to propel pigment ink technology forward, assessing the feasibility of fulfilling these requirements to meet market needs. Expert insights will be provided into the efforts ink companies are making to address these challenges, examining innovative approaches and balancing various technical requirements.
Iris Coe, Fujifilm Ink Solutions

EMPOWERING SUSTAINABILITY: BRENNTAG’S ROLE IN SAFER AND SUSTAINABLE TEXTILE PRINTING INNOVATION
This presentation demonstrates the role of Brenntag as distributor and vital partner in supporting the textile printing industry towards a more sustainable future. By focusing on four key sustainability areas we highlight how our curated selection of low-carbon materials directly contributes to reducing the industry’s reliance on fossil fuels. In addition, our commitment to providing safer alternatives to hazardous substances ensures both consumer safety and environmental protection. Our unique position as a circular economy matchmaker enables us to connect different sectors within the industry, facilitating a seamless transition towards more sustainable practices. Lastly, our CO2 management services offer tailored solutions for companies looking to minimize their carbon footprint. This presentation underscores the Brenntag’s crucial role in not only supplying innovative products and services but also in offering the support and expertise necessary for the textile printing industry to achieve its sustainability goals. Join us to discover how we can work together to forge a safer, more sustainable future.
Annika Herbst, Brenntag

NEXT GENERATION RAPID LOW CURING SYSTEM
In this presentation, a groundbreaking solution to three pivotal challenges in plastisol ink technology is unveiled: chemistry, application, and analytical hurdles. The industry is revolutionised by the achievement of rapid curing at low temperatures with minimal dwell time. The innovative system combines a unique blend of low temperature curing resins. A novel rheometry test method for precise cure level determination is introduced, alongside comprehensive application testing using a meticulously designed experiment. Efficiency and performance in plastisol ink curing are redefined in this endeavour.
Ren Ivins, Avient

Innovations are essential for the development of a modern circular economy. The ‘PiColor’ and ‘PiColor Spin-off’ project focusses on the investigation and development of environmental friendly, sustainable and biodegradable screen printing inks coloured with plant-based pigments for textile and paper printing. The greatest challenge is to expand the available colour range with inks having good light and wash fastness, optimal shear behaviour, mechanical properties and good adhesion. Cooperations with industrial partners enable the development of inks that comply industrial requirements. Meanwhile, promising results are achieved, which give the opportunity to create products with lower fastness requirements, such as bags and packaging.
Dr Judith Deriu, University of Innsbruck

JOURNEY TO SUSTAINABLE CARBON BLACK PIGMENTS FOR PRINTING SYSTEMS
Versatile approaches are available delivering sustainable carbon black pigment solutions to the printing ink world. Sustainability-linked projects in carbon black operations, e.g., decarbonisation, circular economy and especially R&D activities oriented on the need to significantly reduce CO2 emissions are running to improve yield and efficiency by use of alternative feedstocks, fuels and production technologies. The presentation reflects the newest progresses for sustainable carbon black solutions based on renewable sources as well as recycled carbon blacks prepared by tire pyrolysis oils derived from end-of-life tires.
Thomas Weprich, Orion

SUSTAINABLE AQUEOUS WHITE PIGMENT CONCENTRATE FOR PRINTING APPLICATIONS
The share of digital printing technologies is significantly increasing with double digit growth numbers. There is an increasing necessity for white TiO2 pigments, primarily in textile and packaging applications. Especially in DTG and DTF textile applications, printing white based on KRONOS 9900 exhibits highest opacity and whiteness on dark substrates. The pigment dispersion was developed to fulfill the highest level of technical requirements, a short filtration time and excellent storage stability. The unique manufacturing process of K9900 contributes to an overall energy reduction compared to regular available titanium dioxides. It is also TMP/TME-free. This facilitates the use in inks which must comply to Swiss Ordinance and Nestle Guidance.
Alexander Krause, Kronos

OEKO-TEX® CERTIFICATES AND PRODUCT LABELS: SHAPING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE IN COLLABORATION WITH DIGITAL PRINTING
Action is required now to shape a sustainable future. What goes in, must come out. Chemicals and dyes used in the digital printing of textiles are not typically food grade quality, nor do they have pharmaceutical purity. Impurities and harmful substances found in textiles, foams, adhesives, prints, metal items and other components of apparel, footwear, and home goods can have a negative impact on worker and consumer health. If chemicals used in production do not remain in or on the product, they are released into the environment during manufacturing or consumer use. Either result can harm humans and ecosystems. This presentation will consider the above in the context of the European Green Claims Directive and combating greenwashing focusing on digital printing.
John Murphy, Hohenstein

NEW SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS IN TEXTILE PRINTING USING PHA AND PLA BASED INKS
This presentation showcases two cutting-edge solutions to use biopolymers as printing inks on textiles: a novel plastisol type of PHA ink and a water-based dispersion of PLA. These bio-inks offer not only technical advancements, but also pave the way for a greener future in textile production. From their formulation to practical applications, we explore how these materials embody the future of textiles, offering biodegradability, minimizing microplastics, and reducing environmental footprint. Join us on a journey through the colorful possibilities and responsible practices of textile printing with PHA and PLA inks.
Brecht Demedts, Centexbel

CELLULOSIC AND NATURAL FIBER NONWOVEN AS FULLY SUSTAINABLE PRINT MEDIA
Get rid of plastic. Norafin's Extra Organic brand sets a new standard in the world of sustainable living with its linen materials derived from eco-friendly sources. Our commitment to making a positive impact on both your living space and the environment began over 20 years ago when we revolutionised the nonwoven market as the first company to produce nonwovens exclusively from natural materials. Our innovative transformation of flax fibers into a tear-resistant, ecological wallcover boasts impressive features such as high UV resistance, heat insulation, and sound-absorbing properties. The natural components of flax and viscose promote a healthy indoor climate and are biodegradable. Unlike traditional nonwoven wallcoverings, Norafin's flax wallcover does not require a carrier material and can be directly applied to the wall using flax wallcover adhesive. Join Norafin in making a difference for the better with our sustainable and high-performing linen solutions as your new print media.
Tim Natzschka, Norafin

ECO-FRIENDLY AND BIO-DEGRADABLE BANNERS FOR SOFT SIGNAGE PRINTING
Soft signage polyester banners, commonly used for advertising and promotional purposes, typically end up in landfills after use, where they contribute to environmental pollution due to their non-degradable nature. Normal polyester takes centuries to break down, releasing microplastics into the ecosystem and negatively impacting soil and water quality. Recent advancements in biodegradable banner materials offer a promising alternative. These biodegradable banners degrade naturally over time, minimising the accumulation of microplastics in landfills and oceans. Importantly, they maintain the same high performance as traditional polyester banners, offering comparable durability, print quality, and flexibility for signage applications. The switch to biodegradable materials significantly reduces environmental harm without sacrificing the product’s utility, making them a sustainable and eco-friendly solution for the future of the signage industry. This innovation is a vital step towards reducing plastic waste and fostering a more circular, responsible economy.
Lieven Tack, Balta-Captiqs