Kornit Highlights Sustainability, Nimble Production During PRINTING United Expo Press Conference

Sustainability, lower inventory, and nimble production were the themes during the Kornit Digital press conference that took place at PRINTING United Expo. The company gathered members of the media together to discuss the changes the apparel decoration industry has seen in the last several years and how digital printing has played a role in the shift on Oct. 19.

Kornit CEO Ronen Samuel opened the press conference having just arrived on a plane from Israel. The company, which is based in the country, has experienced its fair share of loss and heartbreak as a result from the unfolding conflict. Samuel began his presentation by discussing the hardships Israel is experiencing and how it has directly impacted several employees as well as family members and friends.

Samuel added, however, that Kornit is poised to continue servicing its customers without interruption. “Our main focus right now is supporting our customers and our team,” he said.

He then moved into a discussion about the recent explosion of customization and e-commerce in the decorated apparel space. Ronen cited the growing need for self-expression as well as sustainability in the textile industry as driving forces behind Kornit’s push to advance digital printing technology.

He also announced Kornit’s recent partnership with Adobe to offer K-RIP software. He stated that it focuses on the direct-to-garment (DTG) part of the Apollo, one of Kornit’s newest machines. “[It] really focuses on color management and the importance of getting the right color,” said Samuel.

The second half of the press conference featured two Kornit customers who spoke about their experience with the technology, Brad Sullivan of Augusta Sportswear and Jaymes Clements of Mad Engine Global.

Sullivan noted that DTG has benefitted Augusta’s presence in the team sports market, and both panelists spoke about the growth of digital meeting the challenges of holding inventory and the gaps that digital decorating fills.