Epson launches Textile Academy at new innovation centre

Epson celebrated the opening of its new innovation centre in Lutterworth, Leicestershire, by launching its first ever Textile Academy, a platform to inspire young people to contribute to a better, more eco friendly textile industry.

The inaugural Textile Academy comprised a one day workshop for textile design students at nearby Nottingham Trent University (NTU). 

During this event, the NTU textile design students were given the opportunity to print their individual designs onto a range of substrates using Epson's broad range of digital textile printing solutions spanning direct to garment (DTG), direct to film (DTFilm), and dye sublimation printers. An award for the design with the greatest creativity, colour, and impact, was given to Katy Harvey in the form of a SureColor F100 dye sublimation printer.  

Katy said, ‘Today I learned about the different options for starting my own business or building my career through a company. It was also really great to see how my designs could work across such a wide range of items. Winning the competition for best design was really flattering, and I look forward to trying out my new (dye sub) printer at home.’

Students also underwent a business workshop, where they were given a broad scope of insight into commercialising textile printing, with Phil McMullin, head of sales for large format print at Epson, Oliver Mustoe-Playfair, co-founder at Prinfab, Taran Rai, sustainability manager, and Polly Chapman, marketing manager, both at Epson. 

In a series of presentations, students heard from leading experts in the world of textiles about the challenges, opportunities, and environmental implications of printing in fashion, including April Holyome, head of product at 16Arlington, who shared her experience with the students about progressing her career from a degree in textile design from the University of the Arts London to building experience working with leading brands Burberry, Cath Kidson, and Pangaia.  

April said, ‘Today was a great chance to connect with students that are about to embark on their professional journey. I was so pleased that I could share my own experiences to help other students make the most out of their textile design degrees in the fashion world.’

Duncan Ferguson, managing director and European vice president for large format print, Epson UK, said: ‘Educating and inspiring students about the opportunities offered by digital textile printing is not only key to futureproofing our industry, but also to reducing the water waste and CO2e of the fashion industry. Marrying their creativity with our technology is an exciting prospect and it is an absolute pleasure to see students take such an interest in textile printing as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.’