The single-step, direct-to-fabric digital textiles printer will be installed at the end of May and will enable London-based Fashion-Enter to rapidly deliver test-and-repeat small product runs on behalf of Asos.
The machine will enable the two companies to print designs onto multiple fabrics through a lower-impact production process that has zero water waste and none of the typical dyeing processes.
“Adopting innovative new technologies like Kornit Presto is vital if we are to reduce the impact of fashion right across the supply chain, in line with the aims of our Fashion with Integrity programme,” said Asos responsible sourcing director Simon Platts.
“Streamlined print and workflow means we can explore the full potential of this innovative technology, further enhance our ability to react quickly to seasonal shifts in demand, and establish more efficient, lower-impact production processes.”
Kornit Digital EU managing director Chris Govier added: “The future of fashion will be driven by e-commerce and a more conscientious consumer, one who demands unlimited means of self-expression and will shop only with brands that live up to their values.
“Kornit Digital is the technology partner for brands that want to meet those needs and work towards a more ethical textile industry through the adoption of digital, on-demand production, and we continue to invest in technologies, alliances, and education to achieve that goal.”
The Presto will reduce inventory waste at Fashion-Enter while also improving supply chain management and garment quality.
“We have worked with Asos since 2008 and understand their commitment to quality ethical production and speed-of-response fashion,” said Fashion-Enter CEO Jenny Holloway.
“Working collaboratively with both Asos and Kornit, [Fashion-Enter] will develop an in-house new microfactory concept providing an innovative interconnected fashion world, which has the capacity to eliminate waste, risks, limitations, and pollutants from current outdated batch production.
“Our designer clients from our Fashion Studio services will also benefit from a fully-integrated design service with the Presto printer incorporating one-piece flow, further pushing the boundaries in the consumer’s voice for transparent speed-of-response fashion.
“We foresee this unique collaboration as a major step-change in fashion today creating a new ethical and sustainable fashion community.”
