Digital textile printing is enabling more flexible and customised production, helping manufacturers create smaller batches and respond faster to changing consumer needs. However, achieving high-quality prints while maintaining durability and reducing the use of solvent-based solutions remains a challenge.
New water-based coating technologies are helping improve the performance of digitally printed textiles by combining print quality and durability while using water instead of organic solvents as the carrier medium. This can reduce VOC emissions along the various steps of the manufacturing process from polymerization to final textile manufacturing.
Combining digital printing with durable textile performance
Textile manufacturers are increasingly adopting digital printing technologies because they allow greater design flexibility and more efficient production. However, ink application on fabrics requires materials that can prevent printing issues while ensuring long-lasting colours and resistance to washing.
Covestro has developed water-based polyurethane textile binders that help digital inks adhere effectively to fabrics. These binders enable water-based pigments and dyes to form a durable layer on textile surfaces, supporting fast processing and reliable print quality.
The technology helps overcome a key challenge in digital textile printing: balancing easy ink application with the durability traditionally associated with conventional printing methods. The resulting fabrics maintain colour performance, wash resistance, and a soft feel.
