ImagesMagUK_October_2021

www.images-magazine.com 04 images OCTOBER 2021 Published by: 360 Communications Ltd images magazine, 360 Communications Ltd, 58a Livingstone Road, Hove, BN3 3WL, UK 01273 748482 | www.images-magazine.com Advertising: advertising@images-magazine.com Editorial: editorial@images-magazine.com Subscriptions: subscriptions@images-magazine.com | Images is available free of charge to UK subscribers Subscribe online: imagesmag.uk/register | Update your subscription/contact details online: imagesmag.uk/subs-update Publisher/advertising: Jonathan Vince | jonathan@images-magazine.com Features editor: Rachael Glazier | rachael@images-magazine.com Features writer: Mark Ludmon | mark@images-magazine.com Publishing assistant: Gaby Bowring | gaby@images-magazine.com Design/Production: ATG Media | production@atgraphicsuk.com Printing: Stephens & George Ltd | Goat Mill Road,Dowlais, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 3TD ( issn 0966 7512) Opinions expressed by contributors in this magazine are not necessarily shared by the Publisher. Editorial contributions are invited, on the understanding that the Publisher has the right to alter or abridge all such material as he sees fit. While the greatest care has been taken to ensure accuracy, the Publisher accepts no liability for either errors or omissions. OCTOBER 2021 | VOL.30 NO.10 EDITORIAL E very once in a while a new development comes along that promises to be a game- changer for the garment decoration industry. Could direct-to-film (DTF) transfer printing be one such development? All the signs are that it could be... and that it already is. Direct-to-what? Talking to people within the industry prior to this issue’s Heat Transfers & Vinyls showcase (page 59), it is clear that many decorators and suppliers are still somewhat in the dark about DTF – what it is and what it has to offer. We shine some light on the topic in ‘Film stars’ (page 50), our in-depth feature on DTF and what it brings to garment decoration businesses. We spoke with DTG machinery manufacturers Brother and Polyprint, both of which have introduced upgrades that allow customers to adapt their printers for producing both DTF transfers and DTG prints. We also talked to digital Direct benefits print experts Resolute and TheMagicTouch which, together, are pioneering DTF printing equipment in the UK, in the shape of the Resolute R-Jet Pro DTF 600 printer and associated adhesive powders and films. In addition, we asked Lofty Creations and Identity Printing – two early adopters of DTF technology that are already profiting from this new print process – about why they introduced DTF to their operations and what it’s like to use. If you’re intrigued to see DTF for yourself, Lofty Creations, Identity Printing and dtftransfer.co.uk (see page 25) a re set up to print DTF transfers for the trade. Let us know what you think. We’re also keen to hear from you if you’re also already using the DTF process – call or email us with your thoughts. We love good news stories and there are plenty to choose from in this issue. We chat with Dean Sanger, MD of digital print specialist Sabur, about the company’s new and expanded premises and how it has not only survived but thrived during the pandemic (page 28: spoiler alert – exemplary customer service counts for a lot). We also visit the fabulous Nazar Designs in the centre of Hull (page 38) where husband and wife team Kathryn and Kenan Mator are building a highly successful garment decoration business. For many start-ups, the prospect of establishing a new business in the face of a global pandemic might have felt somewhat overwhelming; undeterred, Kathryn and Kenan rose to the challenge and show precisely what can be achieved with a positive, quality-focused mindset. We also drop into Papergraphics’ impressive Crawley HQ to find out from Alistair Travis, the company’s business development manager, about bringing the B-Flex HTV brand to the UK for the first time, and how Papergraphics is focusing on solving customers’ problems (page 56). Jonathan Vince Identity Printing is an early adopter of DTF printing technology: this stunning print was created for the company’s own Misrep label, using the Resolute R-Jet Pro DTF 600 machine REGISTER Subscribe now to receive your own free monthly copy of Images: imagesmag.uk/subscribe UPDATE YOUR CONTACT DETAILS Working from home? Moved to new premises? Update your details online: imagesmag.uk/subs-update