In a ground breaking collaboration, Epson and renowned Japanese fashion brand YUIMA NAKAZATO are revolutionizsng the fashion industry by leveraging advanced pigment inkjet printing technology on Spiber’s Brewed Protein fibre. This innovative approach combines cutting edge technology with more sustainable practices, setting a new benchmark for responsible textile production.

Fashion designer Yuima Nakazato will be unveiling his latest collection at Haute Couture Week on 26 June at 1pm CET in the Palais de Tokyo. This much anticipated event will showcase the innovative use of Brewed Protein fibres, developed by Spiber using fermentation technology, and Epson's pigment inkjet printing technology, highlighting the potential for sustainable fashion to captivate and inspire.

YUIMA NAKAZATO’s latest collection features a unique blended fabric composed of 70% cotton and 30% Spiber’s Brewed Protein fibre. Utilising Epson’s range of pigment inks, YUIMA NAKAZATO has printed on this innovative material to create stunning designs.

Traditionally, printing on blended fabrics requires different types of dye inks, limiting the ability to achieve desired patterns and designs. However, Epson’s Monna Lisa digital textile printing technology combined with pigment inks overcomes these limitations, enabling high resolution prints on various fabric types. This development has expanded the creative possibilities for designers like Nakazato, allowing them to bring their visions to life with unprecedented detail and precision.
Pigment ink is particularly well suited for printing on Brewed Protein material. Unlike dye inks, pigment inks are versatile and can be used on various fabric types, whether mono or blended. This flexibility offers fabric manufacturers, brands, and designers an easier and more sustainable means of exploring new textile expressions. Furthermore, pigment ink printing supports the environmental narrative of Brewed Protein fibre, aligning with the growing demand for more sustainable materials.




Sustainability is vital
Pigment ink printing offers significant environmental benefits. Unlike analogue dye inks, pigment inks do not require steaming and washing processes after printing. By adopting Epson’s Monna Lisa ML-13000 digital textile printing technology, water consumption can be reduced by an impressive 96% . This innovation makes pigment ink printing a more sustainable option for textile production.

Innovations in Non-Woven Fabric Production
Epson’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond traditional textiles. In addition to printing on Brewed Protein materials, Yuima Nakazato will display a new collection of garments created using Epson’s Dry Fibre Technology and printed with pigment inks by Epson’s Monna Lisa digital textile printer (ML-13000). Epson has made significant enhancements to its DFT non-woven fabric, improving production efficiency and enabling the creation of wider sheets, allowing for more intricate and longer length designs. Additionally, the non-woven fabric sheets used in Nakazato’s new collection are made from discarded fabric off-cuts sourced from sewing factories, further emphasising the sustainability of the collection.

Epson and fashion brand YUIMA NAKAZATO share a vision of bringing the joy of custom, one of a kind garments to people around the world. By integrating innovative technologies and sustainable practices into their workflow, they aim to transform the fashion industry’s value chain. This dedication to reducing environmental impact while creating high quality clothing demonstrates a commitment to both innovation and responsibility.

Epson’s partnership with Yuima Nakazato showcases how technological innovation and sustainability can coexist, driving progress in the fashion industry. By harnessing the power of pigment inkjet printing on Spiber’s Brewed Protein material, Epson is not only broadening the horizons of creative expression but also setting new standards for environmental responsibility. This collaboration is a testament to the potential of integrating advanced technology with sustainable practices, paving the way for a more eco-conscious future in fashion.

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