Digital Textile Printing Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Printing Process (Direct To Fabric, Direct To Garment), By Operation, By Textile Material, By Ink Type, By Application, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2024 - 2030

Digital Textile Printing Market Size & Trends

The global digital textile printing market size was estimated at USD 5.30 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 12.2% from 2024 to 2030. The digital textile printing market is experiencing significant growth owing to the technology's ability to offer precise, high-quality prints with vibrant colors and intricate designs for industries like fashion, home decor, and advertising. Unlike traditional printing methods, digital textile printing allows for greater customization and flexibility, meeting the increasing consumer demand for unique and personalized products. This customization capability not only reduces waste by producing the exact quantities needed but also shortens turnaround times, which is critical in fast-paced markets. In addition, the rise of e-commerce platforms has further fueled the demand for digital textile printing as businesses seek to offer more personalized and varied product lines to cater to a global customer base.

Another significant driver is the environmental benefits associated with digital textile printing. Traditional textile printing methods often involve significant water and chemical usage, leading to environmental concerns. Digital textile printing, on the other hand, uses less water and produces less waste, making it a more sustainable option. This aligns with the growing consumer and regulatory demand for eco-friendly manufacturing processes. Moreover, advancements in digital printing technologies have made it more cost-effective and accessible, encouraging small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to adopt this technology.

Moreover, the industry's expansion is also due to the swiftly evolving fashion trends and the necessity for manufacturers to promptly adapt to these trends to remain competitive. To gain an advantage and boost their market share, digital technology providers are heavily investing in research and development and participating in mergers and acquisitions. For instance, Seiko Epson completed the acquisition of For.Tex Srl, a distributor of digital printing materials and chemicals such as adhesives, dyes, and other specialties. Even though digital printing technology is still in the nascent stage as compared to traditional methods, many application sectors are rapidly transitioning to digital. Hence, the combination of environmental sustainability, economic efficiency, and the capability to meet consumer demands for customization are key factors propelling the growth of the target market.

Technological advancements are playing a crucial role in the increased adoption and penetration of target market. Innovations such as improved ink formulations, faster and more efficient printing machines, and advanced software for design and color management are transforming the industry. For example, the development of eco-friendly inks, such as water-based and UV-cured inks, has enhanced the quality and durability of digital prints while addressing environmental concerns. Furthermore, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in design software allows for more precise color matching and pattern creation, reducing errors and ensuring consistent quality across large batches.

Another notable trend is the rise of on-demand printing technologies. These technologies enable businesses to print designs only when needed, significantly reducing inventory costs and waste. The ability to produce small batches economically has opened up new opportunities for customization and rapid prototyping, allowing designers to experiment with new ideas and bring products to market faster. Moreover, the increasing demand for printed textiles is anticipated to drive substantial growth in the industry. Currently, digital technology accounts for less than 10% of the textile printing market. However, the adoption of digitalization is expanding rapidly, and digital textile printing is projected to capture a significant share of the overall textile printing market within the next decade.

In addition, market growth is expected to be fueled by rising per capita disposable income in emerging economies and the swift uptake of digitally printed design trends. For example, Fashion brands, in particular, are capitalizing on the ability to quickly produce small, customized batches, aligning with the trend towards fast fashion and personalized apparel. Thus, these technological trends are not only enhancing the capabilities and efficiency of digital textile printing but also making it more accessible and appealing to a broader range of industries and businesses.

Despite its many advantages, the target market faces several challenges. High initial investment costs for advanced printing machinery and technology can be a significant barrier for small businesses and startups. In addition, there are technical limitations, such as presently only a limited range of fabrics are there in the market that can be effectively printed using digital techniques. These factors can hinder widespread adoption and limit the market's growth potential. However, these restraints are anticipated to be mitigated in the near future through various strategies. Continuous technological advancements are expected to reduce the costs of digital printers & accessories, making it more affordable for a broader range of businesses.

In addition, the emergence of pay-per-use printing models is providing a cost-effective entry point for new players, further accelerating market penetration. Moreover, ongoing research and development are likely to address technical limitations, improving print speeds and expanding the range of compatible fabrics. Moreover, increased industry collaboration and government support for eco-friendly technologies could further accelerate the adoption of target market.

Market Concentration & Characteristics

The degree of innovation in the digital textile printing market is rated as medium because while technological advancements significantly influence the market, these improvements tend to be incremental rather than revolutionary. Innovations such as enhanced ink formulations, faster and more precise printing technologies, high precision printheads, digital printings on recycled fabrics, and advanced design software contribute to gradual improvements in efficiency, quality, and sustainability. Some of the key factors that are leading to a higher degree of innovation within the target market are consumers' growing desire for unique, personalized products, the development of eco-friendly inks and printing processes in response to environmental concerns, and ongoing improvements aimed at reducing production costs.

The level of product launches, partnerships & collaborations, and mergers & acquisitions (M&A) is rated as high because these strategies are critical for driving growth, innovation, and market expansion. Product launches are essential for maintaining a dynamic and competitive market, introducing new technologies, and meeting evolving customer demands. Partnerships and collaborations enable companies to pool resources and expertise, resulting in the development of superior technologies and solutions. M&A activities facilitate rapid scaling of operations and entry into new markets. These strategic initiatives collectively foster significant advancements in technology, operational efficiency, and market reach, ensuring sustained industry progress.

The impact of regulations on the digital textile printing market ranges from medium to high. Environmental regulations pressures, such as reducing water usage, chemical waste, and carbon footprint, are becoming increasingly stringent, pushing companies to adopt greener practices. Compliance with these regulations can be costly and complex, significantly influencing market dynamics. However, adherence to such regulations also drives innovation and can be a differentiator in the market. Further, increasing demand for sustainable products compels companies to comply with eco-friendly regulations, leading to the adoption of digital printing.

Solution substitution has a medium impact because digital textile printing offers several advantages over traditional methods, such as better customization, reduced environmental impact, and faster production times. However, the transition from conventional to digital printing is gradual due to the established infrastructure and familiarity with traditional methods. Adoption is increasing as digital printing technology will become cost-effective in the coming years, and its benefits will be more widely recognized.

End use/application concentration in regard to the digital textile printing market is anticipated to be still in the nascent stages when compared to the overall textile printing market that has a medium to high impact on the target market. Although the current adoption levels are modest, there is significant potential for growth. As technology continues to advance and becomes more affordable, more companies within the fashion and home decor sectors are expected to transition to digital printing. Further, the diverse industry applications of digital textile printing in sectors such as automotive textiles, sports and fitness, promotional products, and technical textiles also attributing to the higher concentration of end use applications.

Printing Process Insight

The global digital textile printing is segmented into Direct to Fabric (DTF) and Direct to Garment (DTG) based on printing process. The direct-to-garment (DTG) technique involves printing the design straight onto the fabric of the garment. This method bypasses the need for intermediate steps, allowing for detailed and vibrant designs to be seamlessly applied to clothing. The increasing demand for personalized and custom-designed apparel is a significant driver for DTG printing. Consumers, especially millennials and Gen Z, prefer unique and individualized clothing items, leading to a surge in orders for digitally printed garments. DTG process offers quicker turnaround times compared to traditional methods. This is particularly advantageous for small-scale orders, promotional items, and limited-edition collections, as brands can fulfill orders efficiently and promptly.

In 2023, the Direct to Fabric (DTF) printing process dominated the market with a share of 67%. This technique involves printing designs and patterns directly onto large rolls of fabric, which are subsequently cut and sewn into various apparel and home décor items, including curtains and wallpaper. DTF process is versatile, accommodating a wide range of fabrics such as natural fibers like cotton and silk, as well as synthetic materials such as polyester. This versatility appeals to a broad customer base across multiple industries. In addition, DTF printing process offers excellent durability and wash resistance, making it ideal for apparel, accessories, and textiles that demand long-lasting designs. This durability is a key factor in the segment's market leadership.

Textile Material Insight

Based on textile material, the target market is segmented into cotton, silk, polyester, and others. Others include a range of other fabrics such as nylon, linen, wool, and specialty fabrics. In 2023, the global market was dominated by the cotton segment, which accounted for over 52% of the total market share. Cotton's widespread popularity arises from its exceptional moisture absorption and durability, making it a preferred choice in fashion and sportswear. Its durability and excellent printability also make it ideal for fashionable garments. Moreover, cotton is favored for home decor items such as bedsheets, curtains, cushion covers, and table covers due to its softness, ease of washability, and aesthetic appeal. These favorable characteristics are driving the increasing demand for digitally printed cotton fabrics and garments.

Polyester material is expected to be the fastest growing textile material with a CAGR of 13.0% from 2024 to 2030. In recent years, polyester has become increasingly popular in the fashion industry due to its desirable properties, including wrinkle resistance, durability against abrasion, and affordability. Moreover, polyester fabrics exhibit excellent printability, enabling vibrant and durable digital prints. This capability to produce high-resolution designs and intricate patterns on polyester textiles is appealing to designers, brands, and consumers, boosting the demand for target market on polyester.

Operation Insight

The operation segment is divided into two categories: single-pass and multi-pass. Single-pass printers utilize multiple printer heads evenly distributed across the fabric's width. This configuration allows the fabric to pass through the printer at a consistent speed, enabling the entire image to be printed in a single pass. This method is known for its speed and efficiency, offering high production speeds and sharp print quality as significant advantages. For instance, a single-pass printer can achieve printing speeds of up to 40 linear meters per minute, making it a preferred choice for high-volume production environments. Consequently, the single pass operation segment is anticipated to be the fastest-growing segment within the target market, with a projected CAGR of 12.5% over the forecast period.

The multi-pass operation segment led the global market, capturing more than 62% of the market share in 2023. In multi pass operation, the printer heads traverse the fabric's width, printing designs by moving across the fiber multiple times. This method is known for its cost-effectiveness, as it requires fewer printer heads compared to single pass printers. In addition, the multi pass technique offers a benefit in error management, as any errors that may occur during initial print runs can be rectified in subsequent passes, ensuring higher print accuracy and quality. Multi pass printers are also referred to as scanning printers due to their scanning motion across the fabric during the printing process.

Ink Type Insight

In 2023, the sublimation segment accounted for over 52% of the global market share, driven by the increasing demand for dye-sublimation in customized printing services. This segment is also expected to be the fastest growing during the forecast period. Sublimation inks are more durable than other types because they are absorbed into the fabric rather than merely coating it. They are mainly used on synthetic fibers such as polyester and are renowned for producing vibrant and long-lasting prints on polyester and polyester-blend fabrics. These prints are resistant to fading and abrasion, making them ideal for various applications. In addition, sublimation ink's compatibility with a wide range of printers and substrates adds to its versatility, making it a popular choice among manufacturers and printers.

The reactive ink type is expected to be the second fastest-growing segment, with a CAGR of more than 12% during the forecast period. Reactive inks are primarily used for cotton. Reaction inks offer an expanded color spectrum, allowing for a broader range of colors and shades in printed designs. This capability appeals to designers and brands seeking precise color reproduction. They are widely utilized in the fashion industry for printing detailed designs, patterns, and artworks on garments, accessories, and footwear. These inks are also employed in outdoor signage, banners, and displays due to their weather resistance and durability. The prints withstand exposure to sunlight, moisture, and harsh environmental conditions, maintaining their quality and visibility.

Application Insight

Based on application, the global digital textile printing market is segmented into clothing/apparel, soft signage, home décor, and industrial. Clothing/apparel held the highest market share of more than 53% in 2023. The dynamic nature of the fashion industry is the key contributor to the growth of the segment. Clothing/ apparel is also projected to be the fastest-growing segment with a CAGR during the forecast period. There is a growing demand for unique, personalized clothing items, especially for the younger demographic, to reflect their style. Digital textile printing allows for on-demand production, catering to this demand for customization. Further, the fast fashion industry requires quick turnaround times to keep up with constantly changing fashion trends. Digital textile printing provides a solution with its ability to produce small batches of clothing rapidly without the need for extensive setup.

The adoption of digital textile printing is also growing home décor and soft signage applications. The home decor segment is experiencing a significant CAGR of more than 12% from 2024 to 2030. There is an increasing trend towards personalized and unique home decor items. Consumers are looking to create personalized spaces that reflect their individual tastes and styles. Digital textile printing allows for the production of customized home textiles that cater to these trends. In addition, Digital textile printing ensures high-quality prints that are durable and long-lasting. Home decor items such as curtains, upholstery, and bed linens benefit from these qualities, as they need to withstand regular use and cleaning, fueling the growth of the market.

Regional Insights

The digital textile printing market in North America is expected to grow at a significant CAGR of more than 11% from 2024 to 2030. The demand for customization and sustainability primarily drives the region’s growth. Consumers in this region have a strong preference for personalized products, leading to a surge in demand for custom apparel, home decor items, and promotional products. Digital textile printing technology is uniquely suited to meet this demand by enabling on-demand production with minimal waste. For instance, companies such as Printful, based in the U.S., offer custom printing services for apparel and accessories, allowing small businesses and individual designers to create unique products without holding large inventories.

U.S. Digital Textile Printing Market Trends

The U.S. market values uniqueness and individual expression, which is reflected in the high demand for custom apparel, home decor, and promotional products. The digital prints technology meets this demand by enabling on-demand production with high-quality, detailed prints. Moreover, digital textile printing is eco-friendly, using less water and producing less waste compared to traditional methods, aligning with the environmental goals of consumers and companies within the U.S.

Europe Digital Textile Printing Market Trends

The digital textile printing market in Europe held a significant market share of more than 36% in 2023. In Europe, the target market is experiencing growth due to the region's strong fashion and textile industry, coupled with advancements in technology. European fashion houses and textile manufacturers are known for their innovation and high-quality standards, making them early adopters of digital textile printing to produce intricate designs and short-run collections efficiently. For instance, the Italian fashion brand Gucci uses this digital technology to create elaborate and high-quality designs that meet the fast-paced demands of the fashion industry while maintaining sustainability. Additionally, the stringent environmental regulations in Europe also drive the adoption of target market.

The Italy digital textile printing market held the largest share of more than 28%, in 2023, in Europe owing to the presence of large fashion houses and prestigious textile industry. Digital textile printing allows these brands to produce intricate designs and limited-edition collections quickly and efficiently, maintaining their competitive edge. For instance, Ratti, an Italian textile company, leverages target market technology to create unique and elaborate fabric designs that stand out in the global market.

The Germany digital textile printing market is expected to grow at a significant CAGR at more than 11% during the forecast period. The growth of the market in the country is attributed to technological advancements and focus on precision engineering. German manufacturers are known for their high-quality standards and innovative technologies. Digital textile printing aligns with these values by offering precision, efficiency, and the ability to produce complex designs with high accuracy. 

Asia Pacific Digital Textile Printing Market Trends

Asia Pacific region is expected to be the fastest growing segment during the forecast period. In the Asia Pacific region, the growth of the target market is attributed to the rapid expansion of the textile industry and the increasing demand for fast fashion. Countries such as China, India, and Bangladesh, which are major textile production hubs, are investing in digital textile printing technology to enhance their manufacturing capabilities and meet global demand. Furthermore, the rise of e-commerce and online retailing in Asia Pacific is boosting the demand for digitally printed textiles.

In 2023, the China digital textile printing market held the largest share of more than 44%, in the Asia Pacific region. China's rapid expansion in the textile industry and the increasing demand for fast fashion are key drivers of digital textile printing growth in the country. As a global hub for textile manufacturing, China is investing heavily in digital printing technology to enhance its production capabilities and meet global market demands. For instance, Hangzhou Honghua Digital Technology, a prominent Chinese company, provides advanced digital textile printing machinery that is used both locally and internationally, showcasing China's leadership in this technology.

Key Digital Textile Printing Company Insights

Some of the key companies operating in the digital textile printing market include Seiko Epson Corporation, Ricoh, Kornit Digital, and Brother Industries, Ltd., among others.

• Seiko Epson Corporation is a leading Japanese multinational electronics company in the information and imaging technology space. The company is renowned for its printers, projectors, and other electronic devices. The company operates through four business segments, namely, printing solutions, visual communications, wearable & industrial products, and other businesses. The printing solutions segment comprises of printers, consumables, and other equipment-related products and services. The company’s digital textile printing solutions cater to a wide range of applications, from fashion and home decor to promotional products. The company offers advanced printers that use precision technology to deliver high-quality, vibrant, and durable prints. The company has a robust global presence with subsidiaries and manufacturing facilities worldwide. This extensive network positions them well to cater to the target market across various regions, including the U.S., Japan, China, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, and the UK, among others.

• Digital, an Israeli-based global leader in digital textile printing technology, is renowned for its innovative solutions in on-demand printing for the fashion, apparel, and home decor industries. The company's advanced technology allows for efficient, eco-friendly, and high-quality printing techniques on various fabric types, positioning it at the forefront of the target market. Kornit is highly regarded for its commitment to sustainability and customization, making it a preferred choice for businesses seeking advanced textile printing solutions. Focusing on the rapidly expanding high throughput direct-to-garment (DTG) and direct-to-fabric (DTF) segments, Kornit's offerings include proprietary digital printing systems, inks and other consumables, associated software, and value-added services. These solutions facilitate large-scale printing of complex images and designs directly onto finished garments and fabrics, suitable for short to medium runs. Kornit Digital serves a diverse clientele, including fulfillers and demand generators such as brands, licensors, and content creators, predominantly within the fashion, apparel, and home décor sectors.

Aeoon Technologies, and Hollanders Printing Solutions are some of the emerging market companies in the target market.

• Aeoon Technologies is one of the emerging players in the digital textile printing market, known for its advanced and high-quality printing solutions. It is an Austria-based company with service partners in the U.S., and Germany. The company primarily focuses on the three business segments, namely: Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing, Digital Textile Printing Solutions, and Customization & Personalization. It offers state-of-the-art DTG printers that cater to small, medium, and large-scale printing businesses. These printers are known for their high speed, precision, and ability to handle complex designs and vibrant colors. The company also provides comprehensive printing solutions that include both hardware and software. This includes pre-treatment machines, drying solutions, and various accessories to ensure a complete workflow. Aeoon’s technology supports the growing trend of customization and personalization in the textile industry, allowing for on-demand printing of unique designs and short runs efficiently.

• Hollanders Printing Solutions is a Netherland-based developer of solutions for textile printing. The company specializes in producing high-performance digital textile printers designed for industrial applications. These printers are capable of handling large volumes and are suitable for a variety of textiles, including soft signage, home decor, and fashion textiles. The company offers complete printing systems that include pre-treatment, printing, and post-treatment solutions. This integrated approach ensures consistency and quality throughout the printing process. Moreover, the company offers extensive customer support services, including machine installation, maintenance, and training programs. Hollanders’ support network ensures that clients receive ongoing assistance to maximize the performance and longevity of their equipment.

Recent Developments

• In April 2024, Seiko Epson Corporation launched two new SureColor F-Series dye-sublimation industrial printers known as the SureColor F11070 and F11070H. These models are designed to enhance efficiency and productivity in textile print shops. They offer industrial-grade reliability, continuous productivity, and a low total cost of ownership. Key features include a hot-swappable ink delivery system, user-replaceable printheads, and a large roll media unwinder that is optional.

• In January 2024, Roland DG announced the launch of DIMENSE, a large-format digital printing solution that creates three-dimensional embossing, developed by the joint venture DG DIMENSE. The DIMENSE system includes the Dimensor S inkjet printer and special media that foams when heated, allowing for on-demand production of textured graphics up to 1.5 mm thick. The environmentally friendly, PVC-free media comes in various finishes, ideal for a wide range of interior decorations and signage. This innovation aims to accelerate the digitalization of the interior decoration market, offering unique, captivating designs and safe indoor use.

• In January 2024, Agfa Graphics and EFI unveiled a global strategic partnership to merge their advanced technologies in the wide-format inkjet printing sector. Agfa will incorporate the latter company's roll-to-roll system into its product lineup, while EFI will add Agfa's premium hybrid inkjet printers to its range of solutions. This collaboration, which will be showcased at the FESPA trade fair, is designed to offer customers exceptional benefits and the most extensive product portfolio in the industry.

• In July 2023, Seiko Epson Corporation extended its partnership with designer Yuima Nakazato and its brand to showcase a sustainable fashion collection at Paris Fashion Week by utilizing company’s digital textile inkjet and dry fiber technologies to create new garments from recycled fabrics. This collaboration highlighted a new fabric production process that uses Epson's dry fiber technology, adapted to produce re-fiberised fabric from discarded garments with minimal water usage.

Digital Textile Printing Market Report Scope

Global Digital Textile Printing Market Report Segmentation

The report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2017 to 2030. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global digital textile printing market report based on printing process, operation, textile material, ink type and application and region:

• Process Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • Direct to Fabric

  • Direct to Garment

• Operation Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • Single Pass

  • Multi Pass

• Textile Material Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • Cotton

  • Silk

  • Polyester

  • Others

• Ink Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • Sublimation

  • Pigment

  • Reactive

  • Acid

  • Others

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • Clothing/Apparel

  • Home Décor

  • Soft Signage

  • Industrial

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030) 

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • UK

    • Germany

    • France

    • Italy

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

    • India

  • South America

    • Brazil

  • The Middle East & Africa

    • UAE

    • KSA

    • South Africa