HP makes big commitment for water-based textile ink

HP has committed US$200m over the next five years to develop water-based ink technology for digital corrugated and textile printing.

Traditional textile colouration uses technologies that generate toxic waste products, which can cause problems if they enter water in the environment; according to World Resources Institute, around 20 per cent of industrial water pollution comes from garment manufacturing.

Santi Morera, general manager and global head of graphics solutions at HP, says HP’s new investment in water-based ink technology complements ongoing investments in other sustainable digital print solutions.

“Investing in water-based solutions that meet market needs and the increasing sustainability requirements of graphics customers is expected to propel business growth for HP.

“We will be dedicating resources toward continued innovation and industry disruption to accelerate safer, simpler and more sustainable water-based printing technologies that meet the quality, performance and economics needed by these markets,” says Morera.

HP already uses its water-based Latex inks in sign and display applications. The company says it will collaborate with the textile industry to ensure it makes the right technology choices for water-based digital platforms.

“HP believes that investing in water-based ink solutions for the corrugate and textile printing markets will have beneficial effects along the entire product lifecycle, for the people who operate our printing systems, for the end users of the printed product, and ultimately for the final reuse, recycling, or disposal of that product,” it said.