Textile
Innovation, quality, and reliable partnership. With the Ricoh Textile business, we are transferring these values to the world of textile printing...
At Ricoh Printing Solutions Europe Ltd (RPSE), we support our textile customers – and customers’ customers – with modular solutions, practical advice, and an open mind for new business models, from sole traders to industrial partners. The Ricoh Textile business provides an ecosystem for innovative printing solutions in Direct-To-Garment (DTG) and Direct-To-Film (DTF). Our goal: to make textile printing simpler, more efficient, and more sustainable.
What is Direct-to-Garment Printing?
Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing is a digital technique that applies specialised water-based inks straight onto fabric, much like an advanced inkjet printer designed for garments. This method allows for intricate, full-colour designs with excellent detail, especially on cotton materials, and does not require minimum order quantities. It is particularly well suited to on-demand and personalised clothing.
DTG at Ricoh enables printing in the highest quality – and for creative freedom without detours. Our printing systems deliver razor-sharp results on natural materials and are easy to use, low-maintenance, and designed for growth. From entry level to industrial production: DTG with Ricoh is a printing system that keeps pace with your ideas.
What is Direct-to-Film Printing?
Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing is a flexible digital process where designs are first printed onto a specialist transfer film using water-based inks. The design is then coated with an adhesive powder, cured, and heat-pressed onto the fabric. This technique produces durable, vibrant, and high-quality prints, and works effectively across a wide range of materials, including cotton, polyester, and fabric blends.
At Ricoh, DTF is more than just a trend: DTF offers maximum flexibility, brilliant print quality, and an enormous variety of materials. Our DTF models are designed to integrate effortlessly into your workflows – scalable, efficient, and intuitive to use. Whether you are a beginner or a large-scale producer, you will find the right solution for your business here.
In addition to our Telford-based headquarters, we also boast a dedicated Textile Competence Centre (TCC) near Frankfurt, Germany.
The focus is on practical offerings: live demonstrations, training on products and applications, material and media qualification, feasibility tests, and pilot projects. In addition, the team supports beta sites, develops textile samples for internal and external projects, and provides valuable insights into customer needs and market developments.
"At the TCC, Ricoh combines practical application, product knowledge, and market development – making them available to our customers, to realise new value."
Axel Stuhlreiter
Head of Textile Solutions, Ricoh Printing Solutions Europe Ltd
Are Ricoh's Textile Solutions Sustainable?
We recognise that sustainability is a cornerstone of responsible innovation in today’s textile industry. Whether you need a single item or series production, natural fibres or functional fabrics, we support you in implementing your textile ideas economically…
Digital printing technologies such as DTG and DTF inherently support more sustainable production by reducing water use, cutting waste and enabling on-demand manufacturing that avoids overproduction — key challenges in conventional textile processes.
As part of the wider Ricoh Group, we are aligned with comprehensive environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles that drive our approach to sustainable business. Our responsible innovation and manufacturing are underpinned by measurable goals and transparent reporting. This commitment extends into our textile ecosystem, where we encourage customers and partners to adopt practices that improve efficiency, reduce waste and contribute to circularity. By championing innovative digital printing technologies and supporting sustainable supply chain choices, the Textile business area strives not just to meet today’s expectations but to help shape a resilient, environmentally responsible future for textile production.
How Important is Collaboration in Textile Printing?
At RPSE, we believe we are stronger together. Whether product testing, application training or beta installation: we combine technological excellence with the real needs of textile printing. Closely networked with our European specialists, our R&D teams in Japan, and digital print innovator, ColorGATE, we develop ideas that deliver what they promise, enabling employees and customers to experience Fulfilment through Work.
This actively supports Ricoh’s growth strategy in the textile segment with expertise that sets global standards. Our experts are always happy to meet new faces at the latest industry events too – sharing valuable insights, and the latest trends and technologies in digital textile printing and finishing.
