Swiss ink manufacturer Sensient will launch a 'breakthrough technology platform' for sustainable textile printing at FESPA 2013 next week. The ElvaJet Alpha range reduces the environmental impact of textile printing without comprosing quality, says Sensient.

The water-based formula can print to virtually any polyester textile, the manufacturer says, and fixed with dry heat with no washing or further finishing required. ElvaJet Alpha inks 'meet and exceed the high demands of the fashion industry', Sensient adds, claiming excellent print quality, consistent and vibrant colour intensity and good resistance and wash fastness.

In addition, production trials have shown ElvaJet Alpha inks to use around one litre of water per linear metre as opposed to the 50 to 100 litres used in other processes, as well as energy savings of more than 50 percent and carbon emissions reduction of up to 90 percent.

Italian fashion textile manufacturer Miroglio Textiles has pioneered the use of ElvaJet Alpha inks as the key component of its E.Volution platform launched last February at the Premiere Vision trade show in Paris, and is a partner for Sensient in the industry. At FESPA Sensient will use garments from Miroglio's Motivi line to demonstrate the commercial applications for ElvaJet Alpha.