- Digital dye-sublimation technology delivers 8x faster revenue growth and enables diversification into high-demand markets such as sportswear, homeware and footwear
- Sustainability emerges as a strategic priority with environmental and worker health benefits driving operational improvements, but industry perceptions indicate need for clearer communication on the benefits of dye-sublimation
Epson, a global leader in professional printing, has partnered with International Data Corporation (IDC) to release a new whitepaper: Digital Textile Printing Trends in Southeast Asia. The study draws insights from textile print providers and decision-makers across the Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand, revealing how digital dye-sublimation technology is transforming the region’s textile printing landscape.
Digital Printing Accelerates Growth and Personalization
As consumer demand for personalized products surges and sustainability pressures grow, businesses in Southeast Asia are increasingly adopting advanced digital printing solutions. IDC reports that shipments of digital dye-sublimation printers in the Asia Pacific have more than doubled—from under 1,500 units in 2017 to a projected 3,000 by 2025—demonstrating rapid regional adoption.
The whitepaper highlights a striking growth advantage: companies leveraging digital dye-sublimation are achieving revenue growth rates eight times higher than those relying solely on traditional screen printing—8.4% versus just over 1% within two years. Unlike conventional methods, which require large print runs, dye-sublimation enables short-run, on-demand production without sacrificing color vibrancy or durability. From full fabric rolls to smaller textile labels and tags, the technology provides unmatched flexibility for today’s fast-moving market.
Forty-four percent of surveyed providers cite cost-effectiveness for small runs and customization as the main reason for adopting dye-sublimation. The technology’s ability to produce multiple designs—even at single-item scale—has helped 60% of providers expand into new customer segments, including event organizers, brand owners, and fabric designers.
Meeting the Apparel and Lifestyle Boom
Southeast Asia’s growing appetite for outdoor events—marathons, hiking festivals, and sports competitions—is driving demand for custom apparel and commemorative merchandise. Today, over 81% of providers serve the apparel and sportswear market, particularly polyester-based garments ideal for dye-sublimation.
Emerging opportunities are also taking hold in homeware (36%) and footwear (33%), showcasing the technology’s versatility beyond traditional textile categories. Providers are also seeing the impact on customer experience: 52% report higher satisfaction thanks to faster turnaround times and the ability to execute intricate, personalized designs—capabilities that traditional methods struggle to match.
Sustainability Becomes a Strategic Imperative
Southeast Asia’s textile sector is increasingly prioritizing sustainability. While only a third of customers actively factor sustainability into purchasing decisions, seven in ten providers consider it critical to business success. Among those using digital dye-sublimation exclusively, this rises to 88%.
Digital dye-sublimation offers a cleaner, more sustainable alternative to conventional screen printing, which often involves heavy water use, chemical-intensive inks, and material waste. Nearly half of providers (49%) see it as a pathway to growth, while 24% highlight environmental benefits as a key advantage.
Enhancing Workplace Safety and Operational Efficiency
Beyond environmental benefits, operational improvements are evident. One in three dye-sublimation users report enhanced employee safety, with reduced exposure to chemical inks and harmful emissions. Lower energy use, minimized waste, and safer working conditions make the technology both economically and socially responsible.
Masako Kusama, President and Director of Epson Philippines Corporation, emphasized the broader opportunity:
“While industry momentum toward sustainable printing is strong, there remains a gap between provider ambition and customer priorities. This creates an opportunity for technology leaders like Epson to better communicate the proven business, environmental, and health benefits of sustainable practices.”
She added:
“Digital dye-sublimation is not only eco-conscious—it reduces energy use, limits chemical exposure, cuts waste, and unlocks high-value market opportunities. By partnering with providers to integrate advanced, energy-efficient technologies, we aim to empower Southeast Asia’s print industry to compete more effectively while contributing to a sustainable future.”
The Future of Textile Printing in Southeast Asia
As digital transformation accelerates across industries, dye-sublimation stands out as a defining technology—driving faster growth, enabling personalization at scale, and advancing sustainability in Southeast Asia’s evolving textile printing sector.
