Epson is a world leader in digital imaging and printing solutions. Vasudevan LK, its deputy general manager, prographic products, sales & marketing, briefs Hiral Oza about the direct-to-garment and direct-to-fabric market in India and reveals details about the latest at Epson India.
What is the market size for on-demand printing? What percentage is that of textiles and garments?
On-demand printing (direct-to-garment printing) is a niche market and it is at a very nascent stage. The market size for on-demand printing per se is unclear as the data is not available. Based on our assumptions, around 5,000 t-shirts are being produced daily. For on-demand printing, approximately 60,000 t-shirts are printed annually.
Do you see any drift towards DTG or are Indian manufacturers still trying to use conventional methods? How cost effective is DTG from traditional techniques?
The DTG market in India is still very new and not matured. The reason is that the products are technically challenging and require expertise and certain skillsets. Knowledge of fabric and the processes (pre-treatment and curing) are necessary to get the desired result. Cost is another aspect concerning Indian manufacturers. When compared to the conventional method of printing, DTG printing cost is almost ten times higher. Currently, the volume of printing is very low, making direct-to-garment printing very expensive. Today, DTG is usually used for personalised printing and analogue method of printing is preferred for large volumes. The DTG market is growing at a considerable rate in India, but it is taking slightly longer than what we had expected.
What is the latest offering in DTG at Epson? What is the USP?
In May 2018, we launched the Epson SureColor F2130 DTG printer replacing the previous model-Epson SC-F2000 model. The new model has an automated maintenance design that includes a cleaning cartridge configured to automatically clean the print head cap, enabling continuous operations and reducing manual maintenance efforts. The machine has additional improvements like a quick-load platen and Epson Garment Creator software. This takes productivity even further, while the all-new integrated self-cleaning system means less downtime.
What are the latest technologies dominating the textile and garment industry in terms of printing?
Inkjet technology is leading the printing industry. For textile printing, micro-piezo technology is widely used due to its flexibility. The proprietary micro-piezo technology is the backbone of every Epson inkjet printing system. Most of the vendors in the market also use micro-piezo technology for printing. Epson holds nearly 75 per cent market share in the garment printer industry.
What is Epson's product range for textiles and garments under Prographics?
Under the professional graphics division, we have products for photo and proof, computer-assisted design (CAD), signage and the textiles market. For the textiles market, we have three models for dye sublimation, one for direct-togarment printing and two for direct-to-fabric printing. We have almost 11 models each in CAD and photographic. In addition to this, we have four models for signage printing.
Please share details of the last two fiscal years and the expectations for the next two.
DTG printer sales witnessed a significant growth in the last two years, especially for Epson India. In the last two years, we have sold over 150 units of DTG machines in the market. Epson is aiming for a minimum of 30-40 per cent growth year on year.
What are the plans at Epson India for the textiles and apparel sector?
Epson is the only brand offering three different technologies for textile printing. Epson will also be launching a new pretreatment liquid, which will enable the same printer to print directly on 100 per cent polyester garments as well. This will enable the customer to print on both polyester and cotton t-shirts. Epson is the only company available in the market, which offers sublimation technology, direct-to-garment technology and direct-to-fabric technology. We have interesting products coming up for direct-to-fabric, direct-to-garment and even for the dye sublimation segment.
Are Epson printers integrated with IoT? Are those Industry 4.0 compliant?
Currently, all our direct fabric machines are connected directly to the server located in Japan and are monitored 24/7. Our accounting tool software is bundled with the machines. Through this software, customers can configure their e-mail ids. This can be used to alert us regarding any machine glitches as well. Therefore, whenever there is a problem, it will immediately respond, provided you have the SMPT mail server. The same service is available for dye sublimation products as well.
If you look at the revenue mix of Epson India, what is the break-up of the categories?
Epson's Inkjet printer division is significantly large in India. This division caters to general consumers and office consumers. The Prographic division in India contributes around 7 per cent to the overall revenue.
Which are your major markets for these products?
India's south is a major market for these four product categories. South leads the market with approximately 32 per cent, followed by the western zone with 30 per cent, the northern zone with 28 per cent and the east with 10 per cent.
What is the market size for DTG printers in India? Which regions are your major markets?
The current market size for DTG printers in India is approximately 100 units. Epson holds a market share of 70 per cent in this segment in India.
How is digital printing technology taking us closer to fully customisable clothing?
In India, 98 per cent of materials are printed via the conventional method and only 2 per cent are printed using digital printing. Currently, the market opportunity to convert from conventional method to digitalisation is humongous.
Published on: 07/03/2019
DISCLAIMER: All views and opinions expressed in this column are solely of the interviewee, and they do not reflect in any way the opinion of Fibre2Fashion.com.
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