Sponsored by Brother
Inkjet printer specialist Brother IPB has created a medium- and long-term vision that it said will culminate in carbon neutrality by 2050.
According to the company’s EMEA marketing manager, Folker Stachetzki, the plan aims to discourage greenwashing in the textile industry – a term used to describe marketing spin that exaggerates environmental claims.
Stachetzki says: “Our objective is to keep C02 emissions as low as possible, and to reduce them for the next two decades. [To achieve carbon neutrality by 2050] we have established an Environmental Management Department to keep the company on track.
“We will continue to invest in research and development so that our printers are equipped with the latest cutting-edge technology that protects the environment while maximising performance.”
Brother IPB made its ITMA debut in Milan this year
Environmental awareness
Brother IPB has taken these measures in response to customer dialogue. “The topic of sustainability has become more pertinent among print service providers,” says Stachetzki.
Traditionally, it was a challenge for equipment manufacturers to develop a solution that ticks both boxes, and this gave rise to greenwashing as many machine producers prioritised quality. These factors often culminated in more energy intensive equipment that was reliant on hazardous chemicals, but Brother IPB has been working hard to change public perception of the textile printing sector.
Stachetzki explains: “It is important to our customers that their printers are reliable. The alternative is replacement parts and regular downtime, which is costly and limits productivity. Colour intensity and print quality are also important customer considerations.”
The traditional textile industry has been slow to adopt digital solutions compared with other industries, such as the automotive sector. To boost confidence in innovative solutions, it is important to educate new users so they can utilise their investment and secure a quick return on investment.
Stachetzki says: “Our customers really appreciate Brother’s support and service. Brother IPB certified technicians are always available to help customers with any problem and we provide this assistance as quickly as possible.”
Brother IPB showcased its latest direct-to-garment and direct-to-film textile printing technologies
Green innovation
Digitalisation and sustainability were overarching themes at ITMA 2023 in Milan, Italy, which took place on 8-14 June. Brother IPB exhibited at the quadrennial exhibition in Hall 7, which was home to leading figures in the digital textile printing market.
“It was our first time at ITMA,” says Stachetzki. “Machine sales are an important aspect of trade shows, but we think product sentiment is a more accurate measure of success. ITMA demonstrated that we surpass market expectations, so it was a successful fair for us.
“Making new contacts and strengthening existing ones is another barometer of success at Brother IPB. It is always nice to greet familiar faces at trade fairs while also meeting interesting new people.”
The company showcased its new colour intense direct-to-garment (DTG) GTX600 Extra Colors alongside a standalone DTF printer and the new wide-format WF1 latex machine.
Stachetzki says: “[GTX600] Extra Colors is supplemented by the colours orange and green, which are two of the hardest colours to achieve in direct-to-textile printing. Supporting the extra colours are two additional ink tanks and print heads, which significantly expand the machine’s colour spectrum.
“We have also leapt into the latex printing market with the launch of WF1. The machine has a print width of 1,615mm on coated and uncoated material and is equipped with Brother IPB’s own specially developed print heads. The printer’s inks are also water-based, environmentally friendly and Greenguard Gold certified.”
Brother IPB presented its new wide-format latex printer WF1
Brother IPB’s Industrial Sewing Machines (ISM) division was also exhibiting at ITMA 2023, but at a separate booth. Stachetzki comments: “The company presented its BM-2000 bonding machine, which enables simultaneous adhesive application and fabric bonding.
“The BM-2000’s cylinder design is compatible with a wider range of applications, such as long sleeves and trouser legs, and the choice of fabrics is greater because the temperature of the adhesive is only 120 degrees, which means customers can choose the garment without fear of heat damage.”
According to Stachetzki, sustainability inspires innovation at Brother IPB. An example of this is the company’s in-house ink for both its textile and wide-format latex printers. The water-based inks are GOTS approved and have Oeko-Tex Eco Passport certification.
Stachetzki continues: “Our specially developed print heads recirculate ink, which reduces consumption in our DTG printers because non-printing droplets are recycled around the ink circuit ready for use. We have also reduced packaging waste by introducing 9/18 litre tanks.
Moreover, Stachetzki believes durability is overlooked as an enabler of sustainability. He says: “Our machines are built using the best materials and are of the very highest quality, so maintenance is minimal. Because demand for spare parts is lower, there are fewer carbon emissions in their assembly and transportation.
“We are proud that Brother IPB technologies inspire customers, and we are convinced that we will continue to do the same with upcoming developments.”
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