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- Click here to learn more about Epson\u2019s innovation for the textile industry.<\/strong><\/a> <\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Textile wet processing, including dyeing, printing and finishing, consumes substantial volumes of water, with research<\/a><\/strong> showing that dyeing alone can use around 100\u2013125\u202flitres of water per kilogram of fabric, much of which becomes wastewater.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Along with this, much of this water re-enters the environment as contaminated wastewater<\/strong><\/a>, carrying leftover dyes and harmful chemicals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These inefficiencies translate directly into higher production costs and increased exposure to sustainability-related scrutiny for local businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Operational efficiency through digital printing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Digital textile printing is transforming how designs come to life on fabric.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unlike traditional dye-based processes, which involve multiple stages of washing and rinsing, Epson\u2019s Monna Lisa ML-13000 printer<\/strong><\/a> uses advanced pigment inks that can reduce water use by up to 97%<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It eliminates the need for pre-treatment and constant rinsing, while maintaining colour vibrancy and detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Printing-scean-1024x768.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThis shift from analogue to digital enables designers to print shorter runs while customising designs and producing only what\u2019s needed, cutting down on overproduction and waste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Businesses can now align production volumes with market demand, reducing unsold inventory and maximising profitability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because Epson\u2019s printers are compact and adaptable, local studios can print high-quality fabrics on demand, respond faster to seasonal trends and avoid the environmental toll of long supply chains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This approach aligns with the growing sustainable fashion movement in South Africa, from small ateliers reworking fabric off-cuts to designers creating limited collections inspired by heritage prints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Technology now allows businesses to integrate sustainability into their operations without compromising design or commercial agility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Circular economy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Epson\u2019s research extends beyond printing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Its Dry Fiber Technology prototype defibrates used textiles into reusable fibres, which can then be transformed into non-woven fabrics without using water, requiring only moderate humidity for the transformation<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Applied at scale, it could help solve two challenges that plague fashion globally: the low rate of textile-to-textile recycling, which is currently only around 1%<\/strong><\/a> of materials made into new fabrics, and excessive water consumption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Japanese designer Yuima Nakazato showcased garments made from non-woven fabric produced with this method in a past collection, sourced from second-hand clothing collected in Africa, and proving that circular fashion can still be couture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Gio-Staiano-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nCreated by Yuima Nakazato<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00a9Gio Staiano<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The fabric was printed and incorporated into his insightful works presented at Haute Couture Week in Paris.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Dry Fiber Technology enables Nakazato to pursue a production process with a lower environmental impact and that benefits from material\u2019s circularity as well as delivering high-quality custom clothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
South African fashion businesses can reduce operational costs, improve production efficiency and meet growing sustainability expectations from both regulators and consumers by embracing digital textile printing and innovative recycling methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Technology, in this way, can be a driver of growth, competitiveness and long-term resilience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n