Madhu Sudan Dadu:  We are embracing automation to enhance productivity

ColorJet stands at the vanguard of technological advancement in the realm of digital textile printing, offering a comprehensive range of state-of-the-art solutions tailored to meet diverse industry demands. Madhu Sudan Dadu, Chairman, ColorJet India, in this discussion with Divya Shetty, shares the innovations the company has done in the recent year and trends that are shaping the digital textile printing.

How has ColorJet India contributed to transforming traditional textile printing into digital printing?

ColorJet India has been a pioneer in the transformation of the digital textile printing industry through innovation and advanced technology. We have developed high-speed digital textile printers that substantially reduce dependence on traditional methods such as screen printing and rotary printing. Our state-of-the-art machines deliver exceptional print quality while integrating eco-conscious technologies that minimise water and chemical usage. We enable businesses to achieve enhanced cost efficiency, design flexibility, and operational sustainability, driving the industry’s seamless transition to digital printing solutions.

What new innovations has ColorJet India introduced in 2024 to advance the digital textile printing industry? How do these innovations address industry challenges?

The Earth 32i, part of our Earth Series, represents a significant leap in sustainable printing solutions. Combining advanced technology with industrial-grade precision, the Earth 32i reflects our unwavering commitment to addressing environmental challenges. By significantly reducing water and energy consumption, this printer offers a solution that aligns with the growing demand for environmentally responsible practices.

In 2024, ColorJet India introduced two groundbreaking products that underscore our position as a hub of innovation in printing technology. The Fabjet Pro Ultra-Wide 3.2-metre Direct-to-Fabric Printer is engineered for large-format, high-volume textile printing, offering a remarkable daily production capacity of up to 13,000 square meters. Specifically designed to meet the demands of the home textiles segment, it delivers vibrant color reproduction and operational efficiency.

These innovations tackle critical industry challenges—including cost-effectiveness, productivity, and environmental sustainability—empowering our customers to stay ahead of the curve and future-ready in an evolving market.

What are the major trends shaping the global textile printing industry, and how is ColorJet aligning its strategies to stay ahead in this evolving landscape?

The global textile printing industry is being shaped by key trends, including sustainability, customisation, digitalisation, and the increasing demand for shorter production cycles. As a leader in the industry, ColorJet remains at the forefront of this transformation through substantial investments in research and development, enabling us to create sustainable solutions such as waterless and pigment-based printing. Our Earth Series printers serve as a testament to our unwavering commitment to eco-friendly practices and sustainable innovation.

Furthermore, we are embracing automation to enhance productivity and ensure seamless integration with modern manufacturing ecosystems. By remaining agile and customer-centric, we address the growing demand for personalised, on-demand textile printing, while continually setting new industry standards in sustainability and technological advancement. Through these efforts, ColorJet is not only meeting the evolving needs of the market but also driving the global shift toward more efficient, sustainable, and innovative printing solutions.

How is ColorJet India incorporating sustainable practices into its digital printing solutions?

At ColorJet, sustainability is at the core of everything we do. We are committed to designing printers that minimise environmental impact by incorporating advanced sustainable printing technologies. With each product we create, ColorJet empowers customers to grow their businesses while simultaneously reducing their environmental footprint, reinforcing our leadership in sustainable innovation within the printing industry.

Specifically, our digital pigment printing technology eliminates the need for excessive water usage, making it an ideal choice for businesses striving to meet global sustainability standards.

Our dedication to sustainable practices is further evidenced by our ZED Silver certification under the MSME Sustainable Certification Program, which recognises our efforts to balance high performance with environmental responsibility. Our solutions are engineered to reduce water and energy consumption, while utilising non-toxic inks to ensure a safer, more eco-friendly process

Could you highlight some of your key markets and how your global expansion has impacted the company’s growth?

Our key international markets span Europe, Turkey, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa, with strong demand in both established regions and emerging economies like India and Southeast Asia.

Our global expansion has been a catalyst for growth. It has strengthened our brand’s reputation as a trusted innovator in digital textile printing, driven significant revenue growth, and opened doors to new partnerships and opportunities. This strategic expansion allows us to cater to diverse customer needs while continuing to scale our operations worldwide.

What are ColorJet India’s future plans for digital textile printing, both in terms of product development and market expansion?

Looking ahead, we are committed to enhancing our product portfolio with a focus on sustainable and high-speed printing technologies. We plan to expand the High Speed Production machine and introduce advanced solutions that cater to evolving market demands.

In terms of market expansion, we aim to strengthen our foothold in Europe and Latin America, while exploring untapped regions like North and South America

How would you describe the current state of textile printing in India and globally? What opportunities and challenges do you foresee for the industry?

The textile printing industry is undergoing a dynamic transformation both in India and globally. India in particular, with its rich textile heritage, stands at a crucial juncture as it transitions from traditional to digital printing methods. On the global stage, there is a distinct shift towards sustainable, customised, and on-demand printing solutions.

This evolution presents significant opportunities driven by the rise of e-commerce, advancements in digital printing technologies, and a growing consumer demand for eco-friendly practices. However, challenges such as high initial investments, slower adoption in traditional markets, and the need for skilled operators persist.

At ColorJet, we address these challenges by providing affordable, innovative, and user-friendly solutions, complemented by comprehensive training and support programs. Through these initiatives, we are well-positioned to lead the industry through its next phase of growth, enabling our customers to capitalise on emerging trends and drive forward the shift toward digital and sustainable printing practices.