Textile & Apparel Printing Advisory Service Report 2023

First, the survey results of the textile printing and dyeing industry show how enterprises adapt to the current market demand and prepare for future challenges and opportunities. Let us reveal to you the strategic direction of China's digital textile printing and dyeing and apparel industry and its self-improvement.

ANALYSIS

The survey captured 1,523 participants and revealed a range of job titles, roles, and responsibilities within the companies represented. This variety suggests the survey captured insights from multiple layers within the industry, from strategic leadership to operational management.

Figure 1: Job Titles

Regarding company size, the majority (47%) of respondents work in companies with 20 to 99 employees, showing a prevalence of small to medium-sized enterprises within this sample population. Smaller firms with 10 to 19 employees make up 23%, while those with 100 to 499 employees make up 22%. Only a small fraction, 4%, are employed in large companies with 500 or more employees, and an equal percentage work in smaller firms with 1 to 9 employees. It should be noted that the respondents in this survey are not only from the textile printing and dyeing industry but also include data from wide-format advertising printing companies.

Figure 2: Number of Employees

Technologies Used, Print Volumes, and Purchase Plans

Now, let's focus on the textile printing and dyeing sector. We asked the respondents whether their companies have textile printing equipment for the production of decorative, apparel, or industrial fabrics. The responses from 122 participants indicate that digital printing and direct-to-garment (DTG) technology have garnered significant attention in the domestic market, and the adoption rate of digital equipment has also risen notably.

Most notably, 56% of participants currently operate with digital textile printing technologies and are actively engaging in producing printed textile materials. Moreover, 37% of the respondents are planning further investments in these technologies over the next two years, showing a strong demand forecast and a push toward expanding or enhancing production capabilities to align with technological advancements and rising market demands. However, 7% of the firms showed no plans to invest in new printing technology, often representing smaller or niche-market enterprises for whom traditional methods continue to suffice. The questionnaire answers emphasize a healthy growth trajectory for the textile printing sector and suggest significant opportunities for equipment manufacturers and suppliers to innovate and develop cost-effective solutions. The data collectively points to a broader trend toward digitalization in the industry, driven by proactive technological adoption and investment strategies.

Figure 3: Adoption of Textile Printing Equipment in the Decor, Apparel, and Industrial Fabrics Industries

When survey participants were asked to specify the types of printing and related equipment they currently have, 67 responses were received. A majority (51%) of the respondents use reactive inkjet printing equipment, suitable for natural fibers like cotton and linen. Direct disperse/sublimation inkjet transfer printing is used by 43% of respondents for polyester fabrics. Pigment inkjet printing is also popular (40%), reflecting its continued adoption and ability to print various fabric types. Less common but still notable are acid inkjet printing and direct-to-garment inkjet printing, each addressing niche market needs, while 31% use traditional analog rotary screen printers, indicating ongoing reliance on traditional methods.

In comparison to the strong investment in major printing equipment, there's less emphasis on ancillary equipment like steaming, washing, drying (13%), and contour cutters (10%), suggesting potential outsourcing or lower demand for in-house capabilities. 

Surprisingly, direct-to-film (DTF) transfer equipment represents only 9% of respondents, considering the current prevalence of direct-to-film (DTF) transfer equipment in the domestic market, we are doubtful about this data.  It may be caused by our survey population.

Figure 4: Types of Printing and Related Equipment Owned

When asked about their future investment plans in the digital textile printing sector, among the 417 respondents, 49% do not have plans to purchase new equipment, and 38% are uncertain about their investment plans. This indecision may be related to the current market and economic conditions, as well as satisfaction with existing equipment.

Investment interest also extends to direct disperse/sublimation inkjet transfer printing and direct-to-garment (DTG) printing, preferred by 9% and 8% of respondents, respectively. These technologies are well-suited to the demands for polyester sports and fashion apparel and the rapidly growing market for customized T-shirts and apparel, which necessitate flexible and quick production methods. 

Figure 5: Printing and Related Equipment Most Likely to Purchase

When asked respondents about their expected budget for new equipment which reveals a wide range of investment levels among 114 companies, this may reflect the differences in scale and strategic focus among various companies. Many of the respondents expect to spend between  71K to 100K RMB (19%), followed by those expecting to spend 301K to 500K RMB (15%), then 500K-1M RMB(12%) being the 3rd place.  This distribution shows close to 50% of firms are planning moderate to substantial investments. Notably, smaller segments are preparing for very large investments ranging from 501K RMB to over 10M RMB, suggesting they are gearing up for major overhauls or expansions of their operational infrastructure.

Figure 6: Expected Budget for New Equipment

We asked the small group of companies without digital textile printing technology (N=9) the primary reason for this. A sizable portion (44%) showed that digital printing does not align with their core business. Another 22% outsource their digital printing needs, which suggests cost-effectiveness and operational flexibility are prioritized over in-house capabilities. Similarly, 22% reported no demand for digital textile printing from their customers. Only 11% cited lack of funding due to unfavorable business conditions as the barrier, pointing to financial constraints as a minor factor. 

We asked about key preferences for new fabric printing attributes and features. A notable 44% of the 113 respondents show interest in specialty inks and effects such as white, fluorescent, or glitter, we believe this is one manifestation of the market's demand for personalized and differentiated products. Following closely, 41% of participants prioritize faster print speeds, indicating an industry push towards increased efficiency and throughput to meet rising consumer demands. Another 34% are interested in the ability to print directly onto untreated materials, suggesting a trend toward simplifying the production process and reducing pre-treatment steps.

Other features valued by respondents include inline quality control solutions like machine vision, chosen by 31%, which points to an emphasis on enhancing product quality and consistency during the printing process. Personalization and versioning capabilities are also significant, with 25% seeking variable data printing options, showing a shift towards more customized and bespoke textile products. Despite the interest in new technologies, 23% of respondents focus on expanding production capacity rather than adding new capabilities, and 22% are looking for printers that can handle more colors, which could improve print design possibilities. These data reflect the industry's widespread attention to the advanced functions of high-performance equipment, process optimization, and the enhancement of operational efficiency.

Figure 7: Fabric Printing Attributes or Features of Most Interest

SUMMARY 

Based on the survey results and our long-term attention to the digital printing market, here are several recommendations we propose for practitioners in the digital printing industry and other related sectors, as a summary.

Focus on Sustainability

Given the strong interest in greener printing options and sustainable fabrics, manufacturers should invest in developing eco-friendly inks and promote recycling and reuse initiatives. Highlighting the environmental benefits of products can also serve as a significant market differentiator.

Enhance Technological Capabilities

With a clear interest in advanced features like 3D design and variable data printing, manufacturers should continue to innovate, focusing on integration capabilities that allow for seamless updates and expansions. Providing robust technical support and training can also enhance customer satisfaction.

Expand Market Reach Through Diversification

Considering the broad spectrum of production needs, manufacturers should design versatile machines that cater to both high-volume and specialized, lower-volume markets. This includes offering scalable solutions that can be customized to fit different production sizes and needs.