FILIPINO designers and textile businesses are turning to digital printing technology to meet rising demand for customized, high-quality, and sustainable fashion, with Epson machines now widely used for on-demand production. PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF EPSON PHILIPPINES
PEP

Digital textile printing reshapes Phl fashion industry

DT

The Philippine fashion and textile industry is undergoing rapid transformation amid rising demand for customization, production efficiency and sustainable practices. Epson’s latest digital textile printing technologies are playing a key role in this shift, enabling designers and businesses to produce high-quality fabrics with greater speed and accuracy.

According to Epson Philippines, advanced dye-sublimation and direct-to-garment (DTG) printers are allowing Filipino designers to bring creative ideas directly onto fabric — from traditional motifs to modern graphic patterns — without requiring large batch production. These developments are opening new opportunities for small designers and start-up fashion labels to experiment, reduce risk and introduce limited-edition collections.

Among the devices now being used in the local textile sector are dye-sublimation models such as the SureColor SC-F9530/H and SC-F11030/H, as well as DTG printers including the SureColor SC-F1030 and SC-F2230. These machines can print designs straight onto garments or transfer them via heat, supporting both small-scale and business-to-business production.

Epson emphasized that precision printing ensures intricate details and vibrant colors are reproduced accurately for apparel, home décor and soft signage applications. The company noted that this accuracy enables artists and brands to consistently deliver the look intended in their original designs.

Beyond the creative advantages, the technology is also proving beneficial to apparel manufacturers and textile businesses seeking more efficient production. With on-demand printing, companies can reduce fabric waste, limit inventory buildup and respond faster to evolving trends and customer requests.

Epson said its printers feature built-in quality monitoring systems, cloud-based fleet management and integrated software designed to streamline workflow. These are bundled under the company’s “Total Solution” approach, which combines hardware and software in a single ecosystem meant to simplify operations for businesses scaling digital textile production.

Sustainability remains a key driver of industry interest. Traditional textile printing involves chemicals that are potentially harmful to workers and the environment. Epson noted that its dye-sublimation inks are certified safe under the Oeko-Tex Eco Passport Standard.

“By enabling on-demand production, Epson printers drastically reduce material waste and overproduction, a major contributor to textile pollution. This aligns perfectly with global calls for sustainable practices, a trend crucial for long-term success. By adopting Epson’s technology, Filipino businesses in the textile and fashion industries are not just creating beautiful garments, they are also contributing to a healthier planet and a more responsible industry,” said Masako Kusama, president and director of Epson Philippines Corporation.

Epson said its goal is to continue supporting Philippine designers and apparel producers as the local textile industry modernizes. With sustainability, efficiency and customization shaping future trends, the company expects digital printing to take an increasingly central role in the sector.