Mimaki introduces new innovations

Mimaki Europe has announced the introduction of two revolutionary technologies at ITMA 2023: a Textile Pigment Transfer Printing System and the Neo-Chromato Process.

“Traditionally, the dyeing process for natural fibres generates an alarming amount of wastewater – around 2 billion tonnes every day in the pre- and post- dyeing processes worldwide(1) – and contributes greatly to CO2 emissions,” said Arjen Evertse, General Manager Sales, Mimaki Europe. “In addition, the dyeing process is complicated in terms of equipment structure and process and often, overseas transportation of textile products from the main textile-producing countries also emits CO2.

“The Textile Pigment Transfer Printing System minimises water usage and simplifies the printing workflow. Additionally, its compact size and affordability allow small lot textile production to be implemented locally, leading to significantly reduced environmental impact.”

The transfer printing method is more sustainable than both analogue and digital textile dye printing methods with zero water consumption and substantially lower CO2 emissions. The system, demonstrated on the Mimaki stand (H7-C304), comprises three essential elements: the Textile Pigment Ink, the Transfer System and the Textile Pigment Transfer paper, Texcol.

Texcol is a revolutionary transfer paper pioneered by Dutch paper manufacturer, Coldenhove, that allows for transferring a digital print using an environmentally friendly 3-step transfer process to create a vibrant application on a wide range of materials, including natural fibres. The design is initially printed onto the paper using a customised TS300-1600 – Mimaki’s high-volume, high-quality dye sublimation printer – and Mimaki’s new pigment inks developed for the process.

Mimaki’s new Textile Pigment Ink is undergoing bluesign certification before commercial availability. bluesign is a renowned certification programme that ensures the highest levels of safety, environmental friendliness, and sustainability within the textile and apparel industry.

As the final stage, the Texcol paper undergoes a one-step waterless process, through an entry-level calendar machine onto the textile of choice.

Mimaki is also debuting its new, unique Neo-Chromato Process, which revolutionises the reuse of coloured polyester textiles.

By decolourising polyester textiles that have been dyed using dye sublimation technologies, this innovative process allows materials to be re-printed or dyed immediately, contributing to a smaller circular economy. There is no limit to how many times reused polyester can be treated with the Neo-Chromato Process and the process itself minimises water usage and pollution by enabling the disposal of the absorbent paper and decolouring solvents used in the process as burnable waste.