Practical Challenges and Remedies in Sustainable Digital Textile Printing
摘要
Digital textile printing (DTP) has become a revolutionary technology in the textile industry providing benefits such as high-resolution design capabilities, reduced water usage, low-waste and on-demand production. The ability to quickly customize and minimize inventory waste makes it relevant to the current needs for sustainable textile processing. Achieving sustainability in DTP presents several challenges. Major issues include the reliance on synthetic inks, pigments and chemical additives, high energy demands, limited fabric compatibility and concerns related to effluent treatment. This chapter explores these practical obstacles and investigates the innovative strategies aimed at enhancing the sustainability of DTP. It discusses the advancements in eco-friendly ink systems, energy-efficient fixation techniques, sustainable pretreatment processes and closed-loop water management practices. Further sections of this chapter discuss the industrial practices that must be adopted and the future prospects for environmentally conscious digital printing. In a nutshell, this chapter discusses the practical challenges in the sustainability aspect of digital textile printing and the alternatives that can be employed to make digital textile printing greener and safer.