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www.images-magazine.com 04 images AUGUST 2023 Published by: 360 Communications Ltd Images, 360 Communications Ltd, Citibase Brighton, 95 Ditchling Road, Brighton, BN1 4ST, UK 01273 748482 | www.images-magazine.com Advertising: advertising@images-magazine.com Editorial: editorial@images-magazine.com Subscriptions: subscriptions@images-magazine.com | Images is free of chargeto UK subscribers Publisher/advertising: Jonathan Vince | jonathan@images-magazine.com Features editor: Rachael Glazier | rachael@images-magazine.com Features writer: Mark Ludmon | mark@images-magazine.com News reporter: Lisa Burn | lisa@images-magazine.com Publishing assistant: Gaby Bowring | gaby@images-magazine.com Design/Production: ATG Media | production@atgraphicsuk.com Printing: Stephens & George Ltd| Goat Mill Road,Dowlais, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 3TD(issn 0966 7512) Opinions expressed by contributors in this magazine are not necessarily shared by the Publisher. Editorial contributions are invited, on the understanding that the Publisher has the right to alter or abridge all such material as he sees fit. While the greatest care has been taken to ensure accuracy, the Publisher accepts no liability for either errors or omissions. EDITORIAL Which takes us back to the opening quote. As Marshall points out, AI is here, it is developing at an exponential rate, and it is not going away. AI technology and machine learning (ie machines that can learn to perform tasks that require human intelligence) are already capable of replicating speech, diagnosing diseases and, as you’ll see in Marshall’s article, creating art – ‘effortlessly’ and in a matter of seconds. In fact, many of us are using AI today without even realising it: remember the friendly conversation you had with the customer service assistant on that supplier’s website the other day... Yes, AI threatens to change the way we currently do many things and change can be challenging; and no, AI isn’t the answer to everything. However, what it offers is a massive opportunity for those who are prepared to learn how to realise its potential. Are you using AI? Perhaps you’ve asked Jasper to help write your website copy, or ChatGPT to assist with your marketing or social media; maybe you’ve dipped your toe in the water with Photoshop (Beta) and its new AI-driven Generative Fill feature, or pushed the boat out by using Midjourney to create bespoke virtual branded samples for your customers? We’d love to hear your thoughts on AI and how you are using it, or are planning to use it, in your business. (Email: editorial@images-magazine.com. Direct message: @ImagesMagUK.) Get up to speed on inspiring developments from a fantastic selection of companies and brands in our Mid-Year Supplier Focus feature (page 39). If it’s DTF you’re interested in, you’ll find details of Filtrabox’s essential DTF fume extraction systems, Hybrid’s wide format Mimaki DTF printer, Indie Ink’s UK-made DTF inks and powders, and Dae Ha UK’s premium DTF film. Plagued by platen marks when heat sealing on polyester? Check out MiRiCal Emblems’ innovative inverted M-Presses. You’ll also discover the latest Gildan Softstyle garments, sweatshop-busting apparel from No Sweat, James & Nicholson and Myrtle Beach’s newest wearable designs, and the all-newfor-2024 workwear range from Craghoppers Expert. Jonathan Vince SIGN UP! Register now to receive your own FREE monthly copy of Images: imagesmag.uk/sign-up UPDATE CONTACT DETAILS Moved to new premises? WFH? Update your details online: imagesmag.uk/subs-update AUGUST 2023 VOL.32 NO.8 IMAGES DIGITAL STATS 1 Jun-30 Jun, 2023 Users: 26,032 Page views: 31,296 Top post: 249 views Impressions: 5,236 Top tweet: 394impressions Link clicks: 35 Reach: 3,702 Page visits: 392 Reach: 2,937 Profile visits: 409 The AI genie is out of the bottle... Image created in seconds using Midjourney (/imagine... genie, bottle, cartoon, colourful) The magic of AI “Like it or not, the genie is out of the bottle and it is not going back in.” In this issue, we take a close look at industry software. We review a selection of key software suites in our Industry Software Solutions showcase (page 66), including Wilcom’s powerful EmbroideryStudio package, the PulseID production management software for DTF printers, Brother’s rapidly developing Myze on-demand cloud platform, Fiery’s Digital Factory software RIP for DTF printers, Zakeke’s 3D product configurator and customiser for ecommerce with AR (augmented reality) views, Roland’s Connect Subscription service and also how DecoNetwork can be combined with Rating Captain review software to drive up sales. Erich Campbell explains how to use the envelope feature in your design and digitising packages to create warped, psychedelic text effects (page 70), and Marshall Atkinson explains how Midjourney AI (artificial intelligence) image creation software can benefit both you and your customers (page 64). Users: 751 Page views: 30,941 Sessions: 1,387 Page per session: 19.57
INDUSTRY NEWS www.images-magazine.com 06 images AUGUST 2023 Product Zone adds DTF service Product Zone is now offering direct-tofilm (DTF) printing to its customers. The headwear supplier took delivery of a DTF machine earlier this month. Director Tony Marks commented: “It is as if we had this option to print forever – the orders are coming in daily and it’s another great service we can offer to our customers along with in-house embroidery and Far East fully bespoke caps, bobble hats, beanies and now clothing.” The minimum order quantity is 24 for printed garments or hats, and there is a lead time of seven days. The maximum size of the transfer is at present 35cm by 45cm, and it is “very competitively priced”, added Tony. imagesmag.uk/product-zone-dtf Five industry suppliers team up to launch new roadshow A new series of roadshows have been unveiled for garment decorators. The six Garment, Print and Embroidery (GPE) roadshows, which kicked offin Nottingham on 4 July, feature distributor Prestige Leisure UK, thread supplier Madeira UK, garment manufacturer AWDis, embroidery and print machine supplier AJS, and headwear manufacturer Beechfield. Visitors can get information on products and decoration methods, along with business support and free samples. The next show will be in Glasgow on 11 September, then Belfast on 13 September, Dublin on 14 September, Chester on 2 October and Cardiffon 4 October. Readers can register for free at www. gperoadshows.com/registration. imagesmag.uk/GPE-Roadshows Secabo launches new cap press Secabo has expanded its Lite series to include the TCC Lite Cap Press. The temperature and pressing time can be pre-selected using the digital controller, with the contact pressure adjusted by a handwheel. The new press automatically opens when the set time has elapsed. “The TCC Lite cap press convinces with a new intelligent design and construction,” commented the manufacturer. “When selecting the processed components, attention was paid to high-quality materials and surfaces. The TCC Lite has a modular design and can optionally be quickly and easily equipped with exchangeable base elements in various formats.” The base elements come in various sizes to accommodate both small and large caps and hats: 7×16.5cm, 7.6×14.6cm, 10.2×16.5cm, and 10.2×20.3cm. imagesmag.uk/Secabo-cap-press Follow the links to the news stories online www.images-magazine.com Product Zone now offers DTF printing alongside embroidery and fully bespoke accessories and garments The next GPE roadshowwill be in Glasgow in September The new TCC Lite Cap Press from Secabo One+All scoops Living Wage award One+All won the Beyond The Living Wage award in July’s Living Wage Champions Awards 2023. The Stockport schoolwear supplier won the accolade at the event in Manchester for “going above and beyond the real Living Wage and offering the highest standards of employment”. The company says the award is a recognition of the time and effort it has put into creating a safe, fair and inclusive workplace that positively benefits its employees, society and the wider economy. “To be recognised for going beyond the living wage is an amazing endorsement of how we look after all our colleagues,” said colleague support director Nicola Ryan. “We’re proud to be recognised as a role model for good employment practice, and hope we inspire more businesses to pay the real Living Wage.” The annual Living Wage Champion Awards celebrate individuals and organisations that have made an outstanding contribution to the Living Wage movement. imagesmag.uk/OneAll-LivingWage-Award Nicola Ryan, colleague support director at One+All
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INDUSTRY NEWS www.images-magazine.com 08 images AUGUST 2023 PRINT SHOP POOCHES # 93 Tigger Whether it’s pedigree pups or mangy mutts, decorators’ dogs are valued members of staffat embroidery and print shops from Barking to Furness. This month we have Tigger from Dynamic Engrave & Print in Sheffield Full name: Tigger Breed: Cocker spaniel Age: 12 years old Time at company: From incorporation in 2019 Job title: Customer services manager Job description: Ensuring clients leave us happy. Always ready to offer an ear to scratch or a tummy to tickle. Special skills: Can sleep for the entire working day.... unless there is food available! Favourite colour: Orange O21 – this is why our logo includes orange. Anything orange Tig will make a beeline for. For example, testing sample saddle pads for comfort. His favourite treat is his orange lick mat covered in pâté. www.dynamicengraveprint.co.uk Tigger tests an orange saddle pad for comfort. His verdict: “Pretty comfy, but where is the pâté?” Follow us on Twitter @imagesmaguk ICC reformulates General Purpose Color Series International Coatings Company (ICC) has reformulated its General Purpose Color Series, resulting in vibrant, opaque inks. Also known as the 7600 Series, the inks are part of ICC’s FlexCure line, which cures at temperatures from 135°C to 163°C. The range contains 26 ready-for-use ink colours that ICC says are vibrant, easy to print and offer great body. Said to contain “high-pigment loads for maximum print coverage”, the inks are ideally suited for fine detail and halftone printing using finer mesh counts, says ICC, and “offer superior performance, no build-up and reduced squeegee pressures for either high-speed wet-on-wet automatic printing or manual printing”. imagesmag.uk/ICC-7600Series-inks Neil from Absolute rolls with the punches to raise money for charity Neil Jheinga took part in a boxing match at the end of July to raise money for Cancer Research. The sales director at Absolute Apparel competed at the Ultra White Colour Boxing (UWCB) event on 22 July at the Wolverhampton Racecourse. It is the second time Neil has boxed for charity. “Last time I took part it was heart-warming to see the generosity from people in my life and from the industry as a while. In the end I managed to raise £2,488 for Cancer Research and was the top fundraiser for Wolverhampton. Unfortunately, I lost out with a technical knockout in the final round. But a great night regardless as the effort everyone put into their eight weeks, the camaraderie afterwards and the money raised makes it all special.” All money raised by Neil is going to Cancer Research, with donations being accepted after the event. If you’d like to donate, please go to www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/neil-jheinga. imagesmag.uk/Neil-Jheingacharity-boxing Workwear Express raises money with BGT’s Viggo Venn Workwear Express has collaborated with Britain’s Got Talent winner Viggo Venn to create a limited edition hi-vis safety vest. Each sale of the ‘Viggo Vest’ will result in a donation to the Lighthouse Club, a charity offering financial and emotional support to the construction industry and their families. Norwegian comedian Viggo Venn said: “The chance to use comedy and clothing to raise awareness for such a crucial cause was a no-brainer. The Viggo Vest isn’t just a vest; it’s a beacon of hope for those who may be silently struggling.” To celebrate the launch of the vest, Workwear Express and Viggo Venn have released a film that provides a sneak peek at the making of the vest and a look at the crucial work done by the Lighthouse Club. imagesmag.uk/WorkwearExpress-Viggo The reformulated 7600 Series inks promise highpigment loads for maximum print coverage The sponsorship money for Neil’s boxing match is going to Cancer Research Viggo Venn has collaborated with Workwear Express to raise money for the Lighthouse Club
INDUSTRY NEWS www.images-magazine.com 10 images AUGUST 2023 Stanley/Stella releases 2023 Sustainability Report Stanley/Stella has published its latest Sustainability Report. Available to download from the garment manufacturer’s website, it notes that 2022 saw the introduction of the Stanley/Stella Charter and the company’s first Carbon Footprint analysis. Stanley/Stella’s aim for 2023 is to set up a decarbonisation strategy “to reduce and compensate” its carbon emissions across its entire value chain” and by engaging in projects with the communities where it operates. The report includes a list of the company’s certifications, what materials it uses and why, the working conditions of the people making its clothes, and a list of all the factories it works with. The report also identifies Stanley/Stella’s Gots-certified official dealers, including I Dress Myself and three others from the UK. imagesmag.uk/Stanley Stella-Sustainability-2023 Follow us on Facebook: @imagesmaguk Shinobi Screen Print This bold design was screen printed by Shinobi Screen Print in Bristol for a collaboration between whisky brand Monkey Shoulder and Edinburgh-based bar Hoot The Redeemer. imagesmag.uk/Shinobi-Monkey-Shoulder DECORATOR REPORT The new Sustainability Report from Stanley/Stella, founded by Jean Chabert, is available now Graphtec GB announced as new UK distributor for Mutoh Mutoh Europe has appointed Graphtec GB as its UK distributor for its sign and display and UV LED products. Graphtec GB, which supplies cutting and engraving systems, will now deliver the Japanese company’s wide format printing and finishing solutions, as well as providing nationwide coverage for Mutoh. Mutoh Europe’s line up of sign and display printers includes entrylevel ValueJet machines, a family of XpertJet Pro printers and the industrial UV-LED flatbed PerformanceJet. A range of Mutoh sign and display and direct-to-object printers have been installed at Graphtec GB’s showroom in Wrexham and are available for demonstrations. imagesmag.uk/GraphtecGB-Mutoh Phil Kneale (fourth from the right), director of Graphtec GB, with the Mutoh team Adelco launches new CTS system Adelco has introduced a new computerto-screen (CTS) system. The vertical LaserPro XL is a laser exposure system that needs no consumables and promises high resolutions. It reads data files through the CTS system, explained the machine manufacturer, converting them into images which are then transmitted onto the screens using lasers. “By employing digital imaging technology and without the need for additional consumables, this innovative system generates images utilising the DMD (digital micro-mirror device), which boasts an impressive array of over 800,000 or 2 million micrometre micro-mirrors. This advanced configuration ensures the production of crisp and well-defined square dots.” A screen size of 1,000mm by 1,000mm can be completed in three minutes, Adelco reports, with a maximum screen size of 1,200mm by 1,300mm possible (the maximum exposure size is 1,100mm by 1,200mm). The LaserPro XL eliminates the need for film positives, promises low running costs, and offers two laser powers – 20W and 25W. imagesmag.uk/Adelco-LaserPro-XL UKFT leads £4 million waste textiles project UKFT is heading up a £4 million project to develop and pilot an automated sorting and pre-processing demonstrator for waste textiles. The hope is that the two-year Autosort for Circular Textiles Demonstrator (ACT UK) could eventually divert thousands of tonnes from landfill each year. It aims to support the transition from the “uneconomic manual sorting of clothes and textiles that are not suitable for resale to highly-automated sorting and pre-processing, which can then be used as feedstock for existing and emerging recycling processes”. One million tonnes of used textiles are generated each year in the UK, of which a third are estimated to be non-rewearable textiles (NRT) that are send to landfill or incinerated or exported to be sorted in lower cost labour regions. imagesmag.uk/UKFT-ACT-UK The Adelco LaserPro XL can produce screens in three minutes UKFT is leading a £4 million project to develop an automated sorting and pre-processing demonstrator for waste textiles. Credit: Iaris968, Pixabay
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INDUSTRY NEWS www.images-magazine.com 12 images AUGUST 2023 This month we’re highlighting a brilliant idea by an equally brilliant up-andcoming designer. Twenty-one-yearold Tegan Cooke, who graduated from Nottingham Trent University this summer, has created a clothing range for those who have hidden disabilities. The BA Fashion Design graduate, who has fibromyalgia, which causes fatigue, insomnia and pain in her joints, designed the range of loungewear to incorporate pressure therapy for those with chronic pain. The idea is that a small amount of pressure on the shoulders and knees will comfort the wearer, similar to how a weighted blanket works. The stitches of the various quilted shapes, which together hold about a kilo of tiny glass beads, were created using a freehand embroidery foot on an embroidery machine. The shapes themselves are drawings of crystals, to represent diamonds as these become stronger under pressure. “I then stuffed these embroidered shapes by hand with tiny, hypoallergenic glass beads – the type used in weighted blankets or toys – by funnelling them through a straw into each little pocket,” she explains. “The surface embroidery I did entirely by hand, using a range of embroidery stitches including basic running and back stitch, French knots, cross stitch, etc, and attached the beads by hand too. One of the aims of using this hand embroidery was to promote activities like this as a way of keeping your hands moving to prevent stiffness, but in a fun way, not a boring way like many physio exercises can be.” “Inclusive fashion is the next big thing, but I don’t think that people with hidden disabilities are catered for by the accessible market yet,” Tegan continues. “I wanted to create clothing that helps relieve people’s symptoms, but which isn’t plain and boring. “The pressure helps secure ‘clicky’ joints and prevents them from moving out of place and being uncomfortable. It also gives comfort to achy legs and makes the clothes soothing to wear.” As part of her research, Tegan spoke to people with arthritis, fibromyalgia and postural tachycardia syndrome, and she reports that it is clear many people would benefit from these sorts of designs. “There’s particularly a niche for garments that consider wearers who have chronic pain, particularly for younger people who would like something on-trend and vibrant.” “My primary goal for my project was to show that accessible features can be incorporated easily into clothing, so existing brands shouldn’t shy away from using them but should embrace adaptive fashion, true inclusivity, and their disabled customers.” www.instagram.com/ tegancookedesigns DECORATED PRODUCT OF THE MONTH Savannah Embroidery Studio This brilliant design was embroidered onto T-shirts by Savannah Embroidery Studio in Stratford-upon-Avon for Devil Dood Designs. imagesmag.uk/Savannah-Devil-Dood DECORATOR REPORT Read our full-length Decorator Reports online: www.images-magazine.com Tegan hand-embroidered the range using a variety of stitches No Sweat is raising money for the family of garment worker Shahidul Islam, who was killed on 25 June A model wearing a top designed by Tegan Cooke (right) that contains tiny glass beads to apply a small amount of pressure on the shoulders Garment trade union president killed in Bangladesh Garment worker Shahidul Islam has been killed after trying to meet factory management to discuss a wage dispute, reported Jay Kerr of anti-sweatshop campaign No Sweat. Shahidul, who was president of the Gazipur branch of the Bangladesh Garment and Industrial Workers Federation (BGIWF), a trade union federation that No Sweat works with in the production of its T-shirts, was attacked by a gang and seriously injured on 25 June after leaving the Prince Jacquard Sweater factory in Tongi in Gazipur. He died from his injuries soon after. He leaves behind his wife, a former garment worker who is currently receiving chemotherapy for cancer, and two sons. No Sweat is raising money through its Garment Workers Solidarity Fund to support the BGIWF’s campaign and give some financial support for Shahidul’s family. To donate, go to nosweat.org.uk/ garment-workers-solidarity-fund. imagesmag.uk/Shahidul-Islam
www.images-magazine.com AUGUST 2023 images 13 INDUSTRY NEWS NH William Turner staffhit peak fitness for Magic Breakfast By the time this issue of Images lands on your doorstep, staffat schoolwear supplier William Turner will have done the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge to raise money for Magic Breakfast, a charity that delivers free breakfasts to school children facing hunger. Sales director Andy Smith, director John Turner, assistant buyer Karen Turner (no relation to John) and her sister Karen were aiming to complete the 24.5-mile, 1,600-metre ascent in under 12 hours on 22 July. The team from William Turner hope to raise £5,000 for Magic Breakfast, explained Andy. On their JustGiving page, the team has written: “The latest Food Insecurity Tracker from the Food Foundation has found that four million children are at risk of starting their day hungry. This threatens the health, well-being, and contribution of a whole generation. For just 28p Magic Breakfast can give a child a nutritious breakfast at school as well as wrap-around support.” To sponsor them, go to imagesmag.uk/ Just-Giving-William-Turner. imagesmag.uk/3pAg1T4 Andy Smith, seen here walking last year in the Italian Tyrol, is hoping the team raise £5,000 for Magic Breakfast Kingly claims to be ‘world’s fastest sock producer’ Kingly is now offering an express custom sock manufacturing service of five working days from final artwork approval plus shipping time. The manufacturer says this fe (or should it be feet?!) ma it “the world’s fastest soc producer”. “Time is of the essence, and we understand the urgency of meeting your deadlines,” says the company. “That’s why we have crafted an unrivalled express service that ensures your custom socks are manufactured and ready to be delivered to your doorstep.” The service is available for its Crew and Sports socks. imagesmag.uk/Kingly-expresssocks Kingly now offers a five-day sock manufacturing service at kes k INTERESTED IN EXHIBITING? For further information please contact us at any time: E enquiries@thebpts.co.uk T 0333 77 22 312 Int +44 (0) 333 77 22 312 SUPPORTED BY SPONSORED BY The world is open for business again so make sure you are up to date and fully equipped to make the most of 2023. Nothing compares to real life and live events, so we are delighted to announceThe BIG shows are back! Now incorporating and co-locatingThe BIG Wearables Trade Showas well. Register now and get engaged! The BIG Promotional Trade Shows arethepromotional merchandise and wearables events to get to this year. • More than 60 key suppliers & brands • Free to attend • See all the latest products • Convenient locations • Collect samples, catalogues & ideas • Free parking • Refreshments provided throughout the day REGISTER NOW ATwww.thebigpromotionaltradeshow.co.uk The BIG Promotional Trade Show exhibitions are closed trade events. Only bona fide distributors and resellers of business gifts, promotional merchandise and printwear may attend. Suppliers, manufacturers and their affiliates and all service providers must exhibit to be able to attend. Nothing beats the power of meeting face to face! GLASGOW 6 MARCH Crowne Plaza MANCHESTER 24 APRIL MUFC Old Trafford HEATHROW 17 APRIL Marriott MANCHESTER 27 SEPTEMBER Emirates Old Trafford LONDON 21 SEPTEMBER Radisson Hotel BIGSHOWS VENUES IDEAS Promotional MerchandiseWearablesBusiness GiftsPrintwearEco-ProductsHeadwearSystems ...andmore! s new product DUBLIN 20 MARCH Crowne Plaza 2 0 2 4 2 0 2 3
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INDUSTRY NEWS www.images-magazine.com 16 images AUGUST 2023 View daily news updates at: www.images-magazine.com Andrew Kouroushi has joined BTC Activewear as the area sales manager for the south east of England and London. Having spent more than 25 years in the promotions industry, including 12 years at Stormtech Performance Apparel as director of sales for UK and Scandinavia and also a recent stint at B&C Collection, Andrew has worked with BTC Activewear as both a customer and a supplier for most of those 25 years and knows the team very well. “When I spoke to Steve Pope and Neil Pitcher it just seemed like a perfect fit,” commented Andrew. “I get on really well with the sales team, and I know many people within the company. Also, the new house brands such as Craft are a great addition to the portfolio of brands stocked at BTC Activewear. “I am really looking forward to getting out and meeting lots of customers and presenting both brand BTC and the products we sell.” imagesmag.uk/Andrew-Kouroushi Gary Layzell has joined garment manufacturer Stanley/Stella as field marketeer/brand ambassador. Previously at Avient, where he was senior account manager in Speciality Inks, Gary has 37 years of experience in the industry, including as managing director of screen printing company Monster Print for more than a decade before joining Result Clothing in 2015 as a brand ambassador. In his new role, Gary is working closely with those decorators that are, or are soon to be, official Stanley/Stella dealers. “At Stanley/Stella, it’s about producing premium garments that have a positive impact on the world and on people, and that is important. It’s good to be part of that mindset.” imagesmag.uk/Gary-Layzell Lars Lidman has joined Coloreel as vice president of global sales. The manufacturer of the instantthread-colouring unit noted Lars will play “a vital role” in further driving its global expansion efforts. He previously held roles at organisations such as ABB, Ericsson and most recently Teledyneflir (previously Flir Systems). “We are thrilled to welcome Lars to Coloreel as our new VP global sales,” commented Torbjörn Bäck, Coloreel CEO. “His experience in establishing distributors, managing complex technical sales, and direct business development will undoubtedly strengthen our global expansion efforts.” imagesmag.uk/Lars-Lidman ColorGate Digital Output Solutions has promoted Oliver Luedtke to chief executive officer (CEO). Previously the chief marketing officer at the provider of software solutions, services and tools for digital printing, Oliver took over from current CEO Thomas Kirschner on 1 July 2023. Thomas, who founded the company 25 years ago, will remain at ColorGate as an advisor until 2024. With a degree in printing technology, Oliver also brings more than two decades of experience in the digital printing industry to the role. imagesmag.uk/Oliver-Luedtke-CEO Print-on-demand merchandise platform Merchr has expanded its team with the addition of three new recruits. Dan Delew has joined as partnerships manager, and Ariel Or and Titilayo Salau have joined as graphic designers. Dan joins from premium fashion chain Tessuti, and previously worked at Regatta’s sportswear brand Dare 2b, and Tech Nation. Merchr co-founder and director Nora Yassin said: “Dan’s expertise in this industry will be a huge asset to the business. His arrival gives us the opportunity to forge even more impactful high-level partnerships.” She added: “Ariel’s strengths are illustrative designs, and she has an indepth understanding of products and product design. Titi has a strong eye for detail and brings his designs to life in line with the latest trends. Both are very creative and imaginative and are great additions to the team.” imagesmag.uk/dan-delew CHANGING FACES Andrew Kouroushi Gary Layzell Lars Lidman Top to Bottom: Dan Delew, Ariel Or, Titilayo Salau Oliver Luedtke Amaze and Kornit have teamed up to help social media creators benefit from branded merch Amaze selects Kornit to deliver on-demand fulfilment for social media creators Amaze Software has chosen Kornit Workflow Solutions and Kornit Max technologies for on-demand production and fulfilment. Amaze, which is the parent company of Amaze, Spring and Outfts platforms, offers an end-to-end commerce solution for social media creators. The new partnership aims to help creators monetise their branded products. Aaron Day, chief executive officer of Amaze, commented: “There are more creators on social platforms than ever before. Our vision is to translate these voices into enduring brands by allowing virtually anyone to create and capitalise on their ideas.” imagesmag.uk/Amaze-Kornit
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INDUSTRY NEWS www.images-magazine.com 18 images AUGUST 2023 Avery Dennison teams up with Texaid to tackle textile waste Materials science and digital identification company Avery Dennison and used textile specialist Texaid are using their combined knowledge and technology to address the challenges of textile waste management. Avery Dennison will work with Texaid to explore how technology can be used to trace garments. The collaboration aims to explore how digital identification technologies can improve the sorting and recycling process of textiles. Digital identifiers, tracked via Avery Dennison’s atma.io connected product cloud platform, carrying fibre information, will help Texaid to sort apparel into the relevant resale or recycling streams, with the aim of contributing to a more sustainable textile industry. imagesmag.uk/Avery-Dennison-Texaid Coloreel updates software, plus free embroidery design files Coloreel has upgraded its software to enable users to combine different threads. The Swedish company, which has developed an instant threadcolouring unit, says the new software now includes a multithread option, allowing traditional embroidery threads to be used with Coloreel threads. “While Coloreel offers improved efficiency and enhanced colour options for most producers, creating certain designs with special effect threads, such as frosted, metallic or neon colours, posed limitations until now,” admitted the company. “Similarly, for larger areas of plain white or black, it is still cheaper to use a basic thread in that colour than Coloreel’s dyeing process.” The company has also recently launched a free-to-download collection of embroidery designs for childrenswear and accessories, which can be found on the Coloreel website. imagesmag.uk/Coloreelupdates-software Stay in the picture with our Instagram feed: @imagesmaguk Snickers adds LiteWork styles for summer Snickers Workwear has expanded its LiteWork range. Made using 37.5 Technology fabric technology that has been developed to be quick-drying and functional as well as providing UPF 40+ sun protection, the garment line-up now includes new trousers, shirts, shorts, jackets and hi-vis summer clothes. imagesmag.uk/Snickers-LiteWorkAugust-2023 Coloreel has updated its software to include a multi-thread option Avery Dennison is working with Texaid to improve the sorting and recycling of textiles. Credit: Alan Frijns, Pixabay Made Smarter whitepaper accelerates net zero plans Made Smarter has published a whitepaper to help small and mediumsized enterprises (SMEs) in the textile sector to reach net zero. The ‘Decarbonisation through Digitalisation: manufacturing made smarter and greener with technology’ whitepaper “aims to simplify a complex and fast-evolving topic by demystifying some of the terminology and analysing the latest research”. Made Smarter, a government-backed and industry-led technology adoption programme, has made the paper free to download. It offers insights on how a range of technologies enable businesses to make their processes smarter and greener, and includes case studies of those who have already begun their net zero journey. Made Smarter also offers digital transformation workshops to SMEs, and offers funding for technology investment and other support. Download the whitepaper at www.madesmarter.uk/resources/ decarbonisation-through-digitalisation. imagesmag.uk/Made-Smarter-Net-Zero Made Smarter’s whitepaper is available to download for free now New summerwear has been launched by Snickers
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INDUSTRY NEWS www.images-magazine.com 20 images AUGUST 2023 Find our digital editions online: imagesmag.uk/digital-issues Want to know what your industry colleagues really think of the garments and accessories they decorate? Each issue, one reader tells us why they rate a particular product Sally Adams, business manager at The Tee Tree Group in Bourne End, Buckinghamshire, says her favourite product to decorate is the Adults All Weather Robe (LV690) from Finden & Hales. This one-size-fits-all robe is perfect for anyone with an outside lifestyle, from dog walkers and equestrians to watersports and fresh-water swimmers, explains Sally. “It’s been a huge hit with an extensive range of my clients, and wherever I wear it, people comment and ask for details about our business — needless to say, I wear it everywhere!” Sally’s top tip for decorating the LV690 is to go big and bold on the back of the robe, then add a complementary breast logo. “I can embroider the front and back, and sell it for £95 plus VAT. And come winter, they sell themselves!” imagesmag.uk/aug23-readerschoice www.tee-tree.co.uk Go big and bold when embroidering this robe Sally wears her own LV690 everywhere! READERS’ CHOICE ESMA launches new chemicals regs course The ESMA Academy is running a new online training course on chemical regulations in the specialist printing industry. Running on 12 October, it will include information on chemical regulations including Reach processes, why chemicals are regulated, occupational health, environmental protection legislation, sustainability and waste. Readers can register here esma. com/academy-hsep. The course has an ‘early bird’ cost of €295 for non-members. imagesmag.uk/ESMA-chemregs-course Design & Stitch Workwear This colourful logo was embroidered onto workwear by Design & Stitch Workwear in Moreton on the Wirral for Flissy’s Coffee Shop. imagesmag.uk/Design-Stitch-Flissy DECORATOR REPORT The new Alexandra Eco range lands in the UK Workwear manufacturer Alexandra has launched the Eco range. Featuring innovative garment technologies andfibres, the new collection was designed with healthcare professionals in mind and so is tailored towards the healthcare, beauty, dentistry and veterinary markets. The garments are made from a Tencel/polyester mix to ensure they are lightweight and breathable, and the fabric is Oeko-Tex certified. Promising high-colourfastness and suitability for industrial laundering, the collection include a scrub top, scrub bottoms, a beauty tunic, a healthcare tunic, and trousers, and come in a range of colours. imagesmag.uk/Alexandra-Eco The new Eco range from Alexandra ESMA is offering training about chemical regulations in the print industry. Credit: Hayley Zacha, Pixabay
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INDUSTRY NEWS www.images-magazine.com 22 images AUGUST 2023 Check out our Instagram Stories for the latest industry news @imagesmaguk Better Cotton conference focuses on data, climate and sustainable livelihoods The Better Cotton annual conference in Amsterdam earlier in the summer focused on data, legislation and the climate crisis. The in-person and online event on 21-22 June saw 350 industry stakeholders from 38 countries come together to explore four key themes: climate action, sustainable livelihoods, data and traceability, and regenerative agriculture. Better Cotton, a non-profit that runs a cotton sustainability programme, also hosted its inaugural Member Awards at the conference. The awards were presented by Better Cotton CEO Alan McClay and chief operating officer Lena Staafgard at a networking dinner on 21 June. Established to celebrate the contribution of members to the growth and success of the Better Cotton framework, the awards will take place annually at future conferences. Winners included H&M Group and Louis Dreyfus Company for the Global Sourcing Award; IPUD (İyi Pamuk Uygulamaları Derneği – the Good Cotton Practices Association) won the Impact Storyteller Award; the Outstanding Contribution Award went to Alliance for Water Stewardship, High Conservation Value Network, Pesticides Action Network, and Solidaridad; and the Transformer Award went to IDH – the Sustainable Trade Initiative. imagesmag.uk/Better-Cotton-2023conference imagesmag.uk/Better-CottonAwards-2023 M&R reveals latest Gauntlet auto Equipment manufacturer M&R has released the Gauntlet 4 automatic screen printing press. The carousel press combines enhanced ‘Cobra-style’ print heads with an updated version of the Gauntlet III/Challenger III’s servo-driven belt drive indexing system. “Gauntlet 4’s print heads include single front and rear screen lift/lower cylinders for simplicity and reliability, single-point off-contact adjustment on each screen holder for convenience, plus M&R’s exclusive ‘zero backlash’ micro-registration system,” explains the manufacturer. “Gauntlet 4’s optimised lower carousel and pallet arm designs ensure maximum rigidity for unsurpassed print quality, and all Gauntlet 4 models are equipped with M&R’s revolutionary Tri-Sync pallet arm and Tri-Sync pallet for the fastest possible setup times. The Tri-Sync system also simplifies the addition of the M&R DS-4000 Digital Squeegee Hybrid Printing System.” There are six machine configurations available: the Gauntlet 4 50x50 (20” x 20” maximum image area, 26” x 36” maximum screen size) and the Gauntlet 4 50x70 (20” x 28” maximum image area, 26” x 43” maximum screen size) are both available in 14-colour/16station, 16-colour/18-station and 18-colour/20-station options. imagesmag.uk/MR-Gauntlet-4 The new Gauntlet 4 auto from M&R is available in six configurations Friedheim brings Hunkeler air cleaner to the UK Following a trial at a customer site last year, the Compact Air Cleaner from Hunkeler Systeme has now been officially launched in the UK. Available from Friedheim, the Hunkeler Compact Air Cleaner (HKA) is heralded as a ‘low cost, low footprint solution to a critical issue”. The free-standing portable unit pulls dirty, dusty air in from the shop environment and cleans it via a filter system. It uses a standard 230V connection and comes in a range of four sizes, and so is suitable for small or large manufacturing units. Friedheim is currently offering a quick and free air quality/particulate test, as well as subsequent air quality improvement tests, across the UK. imagesmag.uk/Hunkeler The new Hunkeler Compact Air Cleaner comes in four sizes Regenerative agriculture expert Felipe Villela on stage at the 2023 Better Cotton Conference. Photo credit: Better Cotton/Joe Woodruff
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INDUSTRY NEWS www.images-magazine.com 24 images AUGUST 2023 Magna Colours team completes peak challenge Stafffrom Magna Colours completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge on 24 June 2023. Tom Broadbent, Shaun White, Leah White, Georgie McCluskey and organiser David Lee from the ink manufacturer, plus family members Claire Robinson, Bailey Robinson and Jonathan Sweeney, raised around £1,000 for Barnsley Independent Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support (BIADS), a local charity that is personal to Shaun, who chose the charity, and his family. “The walk itself was a great team bonding experience,” says David Lee, process manager at Magna Colours. “It was a tough 25 mile challenge, but I’m pleased to report that the team completed it within the 12-hour target in a time of 11hrs 24mins.” The team were given a certificate and a medal by MD Peter Box to commemorate the achievement. imagesmag.uk/Magna-3-Peaks IPIA joins industry roundtable at Downing Street Members of the IPIA were part of a joint delegation to No 10 Downing Street in June where they met with a senior special advisor to the prime minister to advocate for the print, paper and packaging industries. The representatives took part in an industry roundtable, “the aim of which was to facilitate discussion with government and set out the contribution of our industries to the economic and social progress of the UK – while highlighting the structural and strategic support that could spur new growth”, explained the print association in a statement. “Our presentation was clear, we are a huge part of the UK economy, and play a key role in every other industry and the health of our society – assist us and we will remain resilient and a key manufacturing asset for UK PLC,” commented Charles Rogers, IPIA chair. imagesmag.uk/IPIA-Downing-Street Follow us on Threads: @imagesmaguk The Magna Colours team on Ingleborough, the final peak UKFT to trace data flows of waste textiles The UKFT, a network for fashion and textile companies, is working on a project to improve the visibility of data flows. The Digital Supply Chain Hub Testbed for Textiles project aims to address the issue of the approximately one million tonnes of used textiles which are created in the UK every year. According to the UKFT, the UK is moving to redirect more than 400,000 tonnes of low-value, non-reusable textiles from landfill into UK-based textile recycling plants and enable retailers, collectors, sorters, recyclers and manufacturers to understand and report on used textile flows. It is hoped that these testbeds, using emerging technologies including artificial intelligence and blockchain, will lead to new tools and services that will bolster the efficiency and resilience of supply chains. imagesmag.uk/UKFT-data The Digital Supply Chain Hub Testbed for Textile project has been set up to address the problem of used textiles going to landfill. Credit: Pete Linforth, Pixabay [L-R] Brendan Perring of the IPIA, Lance Hill of Eight Days a Week Print Solutions, Charles Rogers, Anthony Rowell of Tradeprint, Jane Rixon of HP, Marine KerivelBrown of Duplo International, Sarah Kilcoyne-Guilliam of Kingsbury Press/Bluetree Group, Simon Cooper of Solopress, and Mike Hughes of Latcham PenCarrie introduces new selling tool for decorators PenCarrie has launched Full Collection Pro, a new B2C catalogue website. Fully customisable, the Full Collection Pro features the range of products from the online catalogue Fullcollection.com, although users are able to showcase the products they want. There are also no limits to the number of sites that can be created. It includes an advanced search feature, side filters and collection, allowing customers to browse the products that users have chosen to display, along with a real-time stock feed and a quote basket. “This easy-to-share catalogue-website can be embedded, used as a link from your current site or used independently, so it’s perfect for everyone,” commented the distributor. imagesmag.uk/PenCarrie-FullCollection-Pro The new Full Collection Pro includes a real-time stock feed
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www.images-magazine.com 26 images AUGUST 2023 IS INDUSTRY ISSUE SchoolwearAssociation counters The Children’s Society’s uniformcosts report ‘Crippling uniform costs’ quoted by the charity don't tally with recent research from the schoolwear industry body Matthew Easter of the Schoolwear Association has given a strong rebuttal to the uniform costs reported by The Children’s Society. On 27 June, the UK children’s charity said analysis of a poll of 2,000 parents from across the UK found that parents and carers of secondary school children were spending on average £422 a year on uniform, and £287 for primary school children. This was due in part, it said, to “the prevalence of branded items that must be purchased from specialist shops”. However, a survey of school uniform suppliers and retailers by the Schoolwear Association, also published in June, found the average cost of compulsory secondary uniform and sportswear items in England in 2023 was £96.24 per pupil. The survey was carried out with Schoolwear Association’s members, which the association says covers 851 secondary schools, or 25% of all secondary schools in the UK. Commenting on the discrepancy in the figures between the two bodies, chair Matthew Easter said: “It’s difficult to comment further without full access to The Children’s Society data, but from the information that has been provided publicly it appears that several of the items in the cost breakdown are priced higher than we would recognise based on our own retail price data, and others we would not classify as uniform items because they are either not typically specified by schools (eg coats and bags) and/or worn both in and outside of school (eg sports shoes).” While noting that non-compulsory items will also need to be purchased, such as shirts, trousers and skirts, Matthew pointed out these are available across multiple retail channels (such as supermarkets) and that even when these are included, he believed the cost is still “significantly lower” than those quoted by the charity. “It’s also really important to highlight that compulsory uniform items are not rebought annually – a tie will last the entire time a pupil is at school and a blazer is only replaced on average 2.4 times during a secondary school career,” he added. “Again, we can confidently quote these data as they are based on actual figures from our members.” Uniform policy reviews The Children’s Society highlighted in its report that “schools in England were tasked to review uniform policies and reduce uniform costs from September 2022” following changes to the Education Act last year. According to The Children’s Society’s poll, 45% of parents said that their school uniform policies had not been updated, while 27% were uncertain about the status of their school’s policies. In response, Matthew said: “In terms of school uniform policies being updated following the new guidance being published, our own survey confirmed that the majority of schools had considered it, and some had made changes as a result. However, our view remains that the vast majority of schools would already be compliant to the guidance and would therefore not necessarily need to make any changes to their uniform policies.” Advice for schoolwear providers Research by the association in partnership with research app Teacher Tapp of around 9,000 head teachers and teachers, also published in June, revealed that without school uniform, 59% of secondary school teachers believe bullying would increase. Matthew urged schoolwear shops defending their prices following the report’s publication to become members of the association “as the more members we have, the more we can do to ensure our industry is fairly represented in government and the media”. He also recommends contacting local MPs to educate them on the benefits of uniform and the “real costs involved”. Matthew also recommended discussing the guidance with schools they supply and encouraging them to speak out “about the benefits of a sensible uniform policy that includes a small number of compulsory items, which schools overwhelmingly believe provides many benefits in the school environment”. He added: “As an industry, we fully agree with a reasonable approach to uniform in schools as set out in the current guidance, and support many parents on a local level with uniform costs through a number of different schemes. We strongly feel that uniform is the most cost-effective way to clothe a child for the 195 days of school each year and prevents pressure on parents and pupils to buy higher priced designer branded items that are not designed to last the rigours of school life.” Matthew Easter, chair of the Schoolwear Association, highlights that compulsory uniform items are not rebought annually
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