Epson–IDC Report Highlights Rapid Growth of Digital Textile Printing in Southeast Asia

Global printing technology leader Epson has released a new whitepaper in collaboration with market intelligence firm International Data Corporation (IDC), shedding light on the evolving landscape of textile printing in Southeast Asia. Titled “Digital Textile Printing Trends in Southeast Asia,” the report examines insights from textile print providers and decision-makers across the Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand.

The findings highlight how digital dye-sublimation technology is rapidly transforming the region’s textile printing industry. As businesses face increasing customer demands for customization, faster production, and sustainable practices, many are turning to advanced digital printing solutions to remain competitive.

Growing Demand for Digital Textile Printing

According to the report, the demand for customized and sustainable textile solutions has driven significant growth in digital dye-sublimation printers across the Asia-Pacific region. Shipments of these printers have more than doubled, rising from fewer than 1,500 units in 2017 to over 3,000 units expected by the end of 2025.

Today’s print providers are under pressure to deliver durable, high-quality outputs with faster turnaround times. IDC’s research shows that 44% of print providers consider the cost-effectiveness of producing small runs and customized designs as a key reason for adopting dye-sublimation technology.

Unlike traditional printing methods, digital dye-sublimation allows businesses to produce **vibrant, multi-design prints—even for single items—**making it an ideal solution for personalized products.

Digital Dye-Sublimation Driving Faster Business Growth

The whitepaper also reveals that companies adopting digital dye-sublimation technology are experiencing significantly faster growth compared to those relying solely on traditional screen printing.

Businesses that invest in digital dye-sublimation reported average revenue growth of 8.4% over 24 months, nearly eight times higher than the slightly above 1% growth recorded by providers using legacy screen-printing methods.

One key advantage of digital dye-sublimation is its ability to support short-run, on-demand production. Unlike screen printing—which requires large minimum orders—digital printers allow providers to produce smaller applications such as textile labels, tags, and custom apparel with greater flexibility.

This adaptability has enabled 60% of print providers to expand into new customer segments, including event organizers, brand owners, and fabric designers.

Apparel and Sportswear Lead Market Opportunities

The report also points to strong demand in the apparel and sportswear industry, particularly for polyester-based garments that are ideal for dye-sublimation printing. In Southeast Asia, the popularity of outdoor activities such as marathons and hiking events has fueled demand for customized apparel and commemorative merchandise.

As a result, 81% of surveyed print providers are now serving the apparel and sportswear market. Emerging opportunities are also growing in the homeware segment (36%) and footwear (33%).

Additionally, 52% of print providers said the technology has improved customer experiences by enabling faster turnaround times and more complex design capabilities—areas where traditional screen printing often falls short.

Sustainability Emerging as a Key Industry Priority

Beyond efficiency and customization, sustainability is becoming a major focus for textile print providers across Southeast Asia.

The report found that 70% of providers consider sustainability important to their business, even when customers do not explicitly require it. Among companies that rely exclusively on digital dye-sublimation technology, this figure rises to 88%.

However, only about one-third of providers believe their customers prioritize sustainability at the same level—suggesting a need for greater awareness and communication across the industry.

Reducing Waste and Improving Workplace Safety

Digital dye-sublimation technology also supports more sustainable production practices compared to traditional screen printing. Conventional methods often require large volumes of water, chemical inks, and produce substantial waste, while digital processes reduce these environmental impacts.

IDC’s research also found improvements in workplace health and safety. Among businesses using dye-sublimation, 33% reported enhanced employee safety due to reduced exposure to chemical inks and harmful emissions.

Epson Encourages Industry Collaboration

According to Masako Kusama, President and Director of Epson Philippines Corporation, the study highlights both opportunities and challenges for the industry.

She noted that while many print providers are eager to adopt sustainable printing technologies, a gap still exists between business ambitions and customer priorities. This presents an opportunity for technology companies and industry partners to better communicate the benefits of sustainable printing.

Kusama emphasized that digital dye-sublimation not only supports environmentally responsible production but also reduces energy use, limits chemical exposure, minimizes waste, and opens new high-value market opportunities.

By working closely with print providers and integrating energy-efficient technologies, Epson aims to help Southeast Asia’s textile printing industry enhance competitiveness while moving toward a more sustainable future.

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