The Future of Linear Textile Printing: Trends to Watch in 2025 and Beyond

Market Dynamics & Emerging Trends

Linear textile printing continues to evolve rapidly. According to FESPA, key developments include:

• Hybrid inkjet systems: Combining the precision of digital with the bold impact of screen printing—ideal for short runs and high personalization.

• AI-enhanced automation: Optimizing workflow, minimizing errors, and enhancing efficiency.

• Sustainability upgrades: Shifting toward eco-friendly inks, energy-saving presses, and advanced waste management to meet environmental demands. fespa.com

Other trends shaping the near future include:

• One-step digital printing: Eliminates pre- and post-treatment, reducing water, energy, and labor—this approach is becoming standard in linear roll-to-roll textile systems. 

• Pigment ink advancements: These are boosting printing speed while delivering vibrant, long-lasting colors. Simultaneously, AI is increasingly being used in dyeing processes to drive resource efficiency in real time. 

• Linear motion precision: Improvements in linear guide systems enhance motion control, yielding finer print detail, reduced waste, and new capabilities for smart textile production. 

Innovators Leading the Way

1. Kyocera – FOREARTH (Japan)

Kyocera’s FOREARTH printer champions environmental innovation with its water-free design. It drastically cuts water usage—down to just 0.02 liters per kg of fabric —by recycling and utilizing a simplified process that bypasses conventional pre- and post-treatment. Its integrated print heads, specialty pigments, and maintenance systems deliver high-definition prints across cotton, silk, polyester, nylon, and blends—all while minimizing CO₂ emissions. 

2. TexMach Global – Elite Linear (Germany)

Positioned at the helm of customized linear printing, TexMach Global’s Elite Linear series is built to client specifications—offering flexibility in print width, color channels, automation fit, and auxiliary systems. Producers have reported a 25–35% increase in throughput, up to 50% less downtime, and ROI in under 18 months.

3. Kornit Digital (Israel/USA)

Kornit Digital is a powerhouse in industrial-grade direct-to-garment and roll-to-roll systems, rooted in sustainable printing via integrated wet-on-wet processes and Oeko-Tex-certified inks. Their PreT system automates pre-treatment, enabling efficient, on-demand production—drawing increasing interest for nearshoring strategies and reducing supply chain risk. 

Trend Snapshot Table

Trend	Why It Matters
Eco-Aware Printing	Drives resource savings and regulatory compliance
Hybrid Systems	Balances personalization with print impact
Automation & AI	Boosts productivity and quality while lowering labor
One-Step Printing	Streamlines production: no pre-/post-treatment needed
Linear Motion Precision	Enables ultra-fine detail, less waste, and smart textiles
Customization & Flexibility	Allows tailored solutions to business-specific needs
On-Demand, Nearshoring	Reduces logistics and unsold inventory risk

Final Thoughts

The future of linear textile printing lies at the crossroads of customization, sustainability, and technological intelligence.

• Kyocera’s FOREARTH pushes environmental boundaries.

• TexMach Global’s Elite Linear delivers adaptable performance and proven ROI.

• Kornit Digital leads the charge on agile and sustainable production models.

If you'd like, I can also draft a follow-up comparing ROI, water-energy savings, or delivery time impacts between these three frontrunners—or include graphical breakdowns between their performance metrics. Let me know!