MS Printing Solutions and JK Group showcase sustainable innovations

ITMA 2023 marked a significant milestone for the digital printing industry as MS Printing Solutions and JK Group, renowned brands in the sector, unveiled their latest sustainable innovations. The companies utilized the platform to showcase their commitment to sustainability and present new, groundbreaking technologies aimed at driving market development and maintaining high industry standards.

Sustainability has long been at the forefront of their projects, leading them to adopt a “sustainable innovation” approach that guided their work in recent years. This commitment was evident in the array of products displayed at ITMA, exemplifying their dedication to eco-friendly solutions.

One of the standout offerings was the Pigment Solution, a comprehensive system comprising four distinct components that proved to be exceptionally innovative and useful.

Digistar Pigment 4K – JK Group newest and patent pending digital pigment ink. A new formula that doesn’t require pre and post treatment, one of the most environmentally friendly and sustainable ink options, thanks to a 50% reduction of the printing process steps. If compared to the same process made with reactive inks, we have an environmental impact reduced, on average, by 95%; we are talking about decreasing water and energy consumption, but also chemical waste. As per hydric resources impact, for example, we have a reduction of 85%; while when talking about CO₂ emission we reach a reduction of about 15 times. These data come from a study developed by Next Technology Tecnotessile Società Nazionale di Ricerca.

Digistar Pigment 4K boasts a significant general fastness: as per EN ISO 20315-M (alkaline and acid perspiration) EN ISO 20615 – M (domestic washing at 40 degrees) all tests showed 5 as results. As per EN ISO 2035 (dry and wet rubbing) we have a solid 4. All while maintaining a high printability. Textile Standard certifications are an extremely concrete and tangible guarantee of the sustainable and ecological production of our latest ink formula and its low hazardous profile: Digistar Pigment 4K is certified Ecopassport (certificate nr 22EP00004) and ZDHC L3.  

A completely re-engineered version of MS Printing Solutions popular digital scanning printing machine – the JP7 – is another fundamental component of our solution. We have revolutionised our JP7, both in electronics and mechanics, so that in combination with our new water-based pigment ink it could give the best achievable results. The aim was process sustainability, that is why we implemented a new zero-wastewater recirculation system that will internally recycle a, previously filtered, fixed amount of water in a dedicated tank.

Pigment printing already is a waterless process, the only water involved is the one used to clean the belt, with this system we reduce the amount of cleaning water up to 95% less. Moreover, the machine incorporates additional advancements, including the Ink Recirculation and Nozzle Shooting Systems, which ensure continuous ink flow and nozzle performance during printing and idle periods. These enhancements not only improve printing quality but also prolong the lifespan of printheads, filters, and degassers. The JP7 also features the Easy-Clean carriage plate, an upgrade that optimizes the cleaning process, enhances printing quality and efficiency, and minimizes the risk of damage.

Accompanying the printing system, Gradus, a newly designed dryer, allows for in-line drying and curing in a single step. This integration enables a faster time to market, facilitates an almost print-on-demand workflow, and significantly reduces waste. With minimal energy consumption, comprehensive emission control, and modular design that contributes to CO₂ emissions reduction, Gradus embodies sustainable practices throughout the entire process.

To streamline the calibration procedure, the companies developed intuitive software that seamlessly integrates calibration and printing functionalities. This comprehensive integration effectively halves the calibration time, increases color yield by up to 20%, and enhances color brightness by 15%.

The innovative solutions presented at ITMA by MS Printing Solutions and JK Group make pigment printing a streamlined, waterless process that enables customers to establish sustainable production chains while achieving cost-effective printing output. With a fully integrated inline printing system, the companies’ offerings minimize time gaps between order and production, enabling almost on-demand pigment printing. By adopting this system, customers can maximize output while significantly reducing costs, emissions, energy consumption, and water usage.

These sustainable initiatives by MS Printing Solutions and JK Group address the pressing issue of overproduction, which leads to the wastage of approximately 45 billion garments annually in the fashion industry alone. By championing sustainable practices and reducing waste through their innovative solutions, the companies strive to pave the way for a greener future in the industry.

In a landscape where greenwashing is a concern, MS Printing Solutions and JK Group exemplify authentic sustainability efforts by consistently delivering innovative, eco-friendly solutions. With their demonstrated commitment to sustainability, both are poised to shape the future of the digital printing industry.