Conventional textile processes are characterized by large scale production runs and typically utilize large quantities of water, energy and chemicals, making them less suitable for the production of functional and smart textiles. Key objective of the research initiative is to introduce flexible, more resource effective textile functionalization processes.
Digital inkjet technology is a technology with large potential in resource effective production of high end products such as functional and smart textiles in addition to colour printing on textiles. The challenge is to make the potential of digital inkjet technology in high end products an opportunity for the European textile industry.
Digital inkjet technology stimulates innovation through the possibility of small production runs, enables novel production strategies (digitalisation of the value chain) and it effectively bridges design and technology. The technology offers strong potential in made-to-measure smart textiles with e.g. applications in health-care and sports.