COMPETE WITH CONFIDENCE IN TEXTILE, APPAREL AND WIDE-FORMAT PRINT

Textile, apparel and wide-format printing are in the middle of a major reset. Consumer expectations, sustainability mandates and rapid tech innovation are reshaping production and business strategy. To succeed, companies need both foresight into where the market is going and proof that their products deliver. Keypoint Intelligence’s Advisory Services for Textile & Apparel and Wide Format delivers strategic clarity, while its Independent Testing Services provide trusted validation. Together, they give businesses the clarity and proof necessary for competing in a volatile market.

"Keypoint’s Advisory Services provide strategic insight"

Textile and apparel printing is going digital at speed. Direct-to-garment (DTG), direct-to-film (DTF) and hybrid systems are replacing legacy production methods. This is because buyers want faster turnaround and customised runs with a lower environmental impact. By the end of the decade, digital is set to dominate the sector, thanks to its flexibility and efficiency.

Sustainability has moved from an off-hand concern to essential mandate. Brands and consumers alike demand the use of eco-friendly materials, waterless processes, transparent supply chains and even zero-waste design. Regulations and brand promises are accelerating investment in sustainable textile innovation.

At the same time, automation is expanding throughout the print-production process. From prepress optimisation to robotic garment handling, print service providers (PSPs) are integrating advanced tech to boost throughput, cut labour dependency and improve consistency. These trends place greater emphasis on reliable print-system performance, media compatibility and reproducibility across variable runs.

Wide-format printing is expanding into new applications. These include promotional products, interior décor and even short-run industrial work. In addition, advances have been made in ink technologies, substrate capability and automation – redefining what is possible. Manufacturers are responding to market demands with steady innovation. As a result, they are delivering more impactful visuals, faster turnaround times, improved sustainability and greater media versatility.

Key trends in this segment include the rise of sustainable substrates and inks. Additionally, the integration of automation into print production and the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven workflow optimisation. Competitive advantage now hinges on quality, efficiency, material versatility and environmental compliance. Currently, buyers place greater emphasis on ecological impact. Manufacturers who do not make measurable progress using sustainable supplies, reduce energy use, waste and emissions, risk disappointing customers and losing revenue opportunities.

“Keypoint testing provides proof of product performance”

To address these shifts, Keypoint’s Advisory Services provide strategic insight through forecasting, segmentation analysis and targeted market research.

With textile and apparel, forecasts are segmented by technology type, ink chemistry, application category and regional adoption. Clients use this data to anticipate growth areas, prepare for demand shifts and optimise technology investments. Insights draw on extensive interviews and surveys with apparel decorators, manufacturers and PSPs.

In wide format, analysis offers equal depth in forecasts on hardware, ink usage, media trends and vertical markets. Clients gain visibility into demand shifts, pricing dynamics and buyer behaviour. Consultation sessions then turn into action plans to optimise product positioning, channel and competitive strategy.

Keypoint testing provides proof of product performance. Testing is conducted in controlled environments and adheres to strict testing protocols. These evaluations assess devices on key performance indicators such as print quality, durability and consistency, as well as the costs associated with production. Testing services complement Keypoint’s thought leadership. Trusted lab data helps manufacturers refine products, validate performance and provide an edge in crowded markets.

Vendors also rely on Keypoint Intelligence during development. Testing helps them to launch cleaner products and to understand strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, the company offers data required to back new features with independent proof. Top-performing products may also earn awards from Keypoint marked with industry-recognised indicators of quality and reliability. Manufacturers use these indicators to prove product value with substantiated evidence.

Advisory and testing services provide a complete framework for informed decision-making, smart planning and confident execution. Lab confirmation strengthens strategy. In this way, companies are given the confidence that their products meet technical expectations, while living up to customer requirements.

Product launches carry more weight when backed by third-party testing. This is because sales teams can show verified proof of performance. The alignment of insight and validation also helps businesses iterate faster, respond to feedback and ensure new products meet demand and performance standards.

Furthermore, this integrated approach reduces risk across multiple dimensions. Forecasts support investment decisions and long-term planning. At the same time, testing mitigates the potential for technical failures or unmet performance claims in the field.

“Product launches carry more weight when backed by third-party testing”

The industry needs leaders to provide clarity and proof. Advisory services map the market while testing services validate performance. Together, they help businesses in textile and apparel – as well as wide format – lead with authority, compete with confidence and navigate the future with precision.