The textile printing industry is set to grow at a rapid pace within the next four to five years due to the growing demand within the fashion and retail industries stated, according to an expert.

 

Abdul Rahman Falaknaz, chairman of International Expo Consults, said textile printing industry in the country is set to gather momentum as UAE stands as the world’s fourth largest trading centre of textiles, generating an approximate $17.5 billion annually.

 

Brother Middle East, Magic Touch and several other brands showcased some of their textile printing machines at the SGI Dubai show that concluded today (January 12).

 

The exhibition welcomed more than 400 exhibitors from over 34 countries and attracted close to 13000 local and international visitors. 

 

The event showcased innovative printers and digital signage panels worth over AED220 million. Exhibitors at the show have signed contracts worth millions of dollars during these three days.

 

As per the Global Industry Analysts report printed textiles market is projected to touch 29.8 billion sq m by 2020, due to the technology enhancements aimed at improving print speeds, design and efficiency.

 

“The UAE can capitalise on the fast growing textile printing industry and the country has a huge potential to become one of the market leaders. Screen printing continues to hold a major share of the global textile printing market, in terms of production volume of printed textiles," said Falaknaz.

 

"However, it is facing a strong competition due to the fast adoption of digital technology. We have therefore tried to grow this market further by bringing global brands to our show in 2016,” he said.

 

Digital printing technology is also poised to benefit immensely from the success of fast fashion, which requires manufacturers to reduce time to market in order to capitalize on the short-lived window of opportunity offered by fast changing fashion fads.

 

“Growth in the coming years will surely be driven largely by the digital textile printing market. Manufacturing of high-quality inkjet print heads, presence of open system inkjet print heads that enable use of inks from multiple vendors, and launch of lower priced competitive solutions are expected to fast-track the adoption of digital printing technology,” added Falaknaz.

 

“As UAE is one of the most fashion forward places around the globe, we are sure to adapt this style—whether it’s for the fashion or the interior design industry. Digital printing gives freedom not just for designers but also for fashion enthusiasts as the latter can design their own prints and acquire a tangible version of it—whether it’s clothing, accessory, or even furniture,” he said.

 

SGI Dubai 2016 had an exclusive textile printing focused pavilion called ‘SGI Textile’. This section of the show unveiled new technologies under two broad printing categories namely ‘technical fabric’ and ‘garment decoration’ alongside other major pavilions.

 

“Especially UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia have created a huge demand within the sign, graphic and imaging industry with several high-end malls, new airports, industry exhibitions around the clock and launch of many other upscale clusters,” Falaknaz added. - TradeArabia News Service