TEXINTEL

In this episode, host Debbie McKeegan is joined by textile designers, educators and researchers Rebecca Hoyes and Jo Pierce co-authors of Reimagining Printed Textiles. Together, they explore how colour, pattern and materials can be rethought as the textile industry faces growing environmental challenges.

The conversation looks at emerging natural and bio-based colour sources, including microbial fermentation and dyes made from waste streams. Rebecca and Joe also discuss how patterns can tell stories about a material’s origins, how digital tools can complement craft, and how designers can reduce waste through practical choices such as reworking printed fabrics and using less ink.

Looking ahead, they consider what it will take to build a more nature-positive future for textiles - from scaling promising innovations to sharing knowledge across design, science and industry.

Their message to professionals, designers and students is to stay curious, question established practices and see the whole life-cycle of the materials they create with.

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In this episode, Debbie McKeegan is joined by Frank Maeder of NedGraphics and Optitex to explore how digital tools are reshaping textile and apparel workflows. They discuss the industry’s push to move faster, reduce waste, and connect teams across design and production—wherever they are in the world.

Frank shares highlights from NedGraphics’ latest release, including OptiNet Cloud, a platform for managing and sharing digital assets and collaborating across teams. The conversation also covers enhancements to rotary printing, tufting simulation, and pattern resizing, as well as an integration that brings more detailed digital yarns into the design workflow.

The episode looks ahead at a more connected creative ecosystem, where cloud collaboration and shared development across NedGraphics and Optitex can help reduce friction between ideas and production. Debbie and Frank also discuss how AI is supporting product development internally—and how continuous improvements can give designers more time to focus on their work.

oin host Debbie McKeegan for an inspiring conversation with Danit Peleg, founder of 3D Fashion Lab and a trailblazer in 3D-printed fashion. Danit reflects on her journey from experimenting with desktop printers to creating soft, wearable textiles—and explores how AI is helping designers turn ideas into garments more quickly. Discover how bio-based materials, custom-fit designs, and on-demand local production could reshape the way fashion is made and consumed, while reducing waste and opening up new creative possibilities for designers and customers alike.

In this podcast episode, James Watson, Managing Director of Surface Print, discussed the evolution of his fourth-generation family business in Lancashire.

Surface Print combines traditional craftsmanship with digital innovation- investing £2 million in a hybrid rotary screen Gravure machine and £600,000 in new HP digital printers.

The company achieved ISO 14001 accreditation, introduced solar panels, and plans to install a new boiler and water recirculation system. Watson emphasised the importance of balancing traditional techniques with modern technologies to maintain quality and sustainability. The company also leverages AI for efficiency and marketing, while maintaining a family-oriented work culture.

n this episode, host Debbie McKeegan is joined by Frank Maeder, President of NedGraphics, and Neil Fenton, CEO of 10Duke, to explore how creative production can finally move beyond legacy hardware dongles and static license keys. They unpack why licensing became one of NedGraphics’ biggest pain points—from disruptive renewals and downtime to the chaos of remote work during COVID—and how a strategic shift to identity‑based, user‑centric licensing is transforming the day‑to‑day experience for designers and production teams worldwide.

The conversation dives into the build‑vs‑buy dilemma, why outsourcing licensing to specialists can unlock focus and speed, and how hybrid desktop/cloud models support global, always‑on workflows—even in low‑connectivity environments. Frank and Neil also highlight the security and business benefits of knowing who is actually using your software, as well as the often overlooked sustainability impact of retiring millions of physical dongles and their global shipping footprint. If you’re looking to future‑proof your software delivery, reduce friction for your users, and strengthen both resilience and sustainability, this episode is packed with practical insight and real‑world examples.

In this insightful interview, Dave Conner, Director of Product Marketing at Stahls and Fulfill Engine, shares his journey into the textile industry.

The commercial opportunity presented by printed, personalised merchandise is already a lucrative revenue stream; it is the core driver of growth in a multi-billion-pound industry. And the mandate for print businesses is clear: automate, adapt, and offer undeniable added value, or choose to gradually lose market share.

This is not merely a shift in consumer demand; it is the fundamental evolution of the printed surface. By leveraging adaptive manufacturing, 3D added value, and sustainable surface effects, digital printers can secure their future by offering unique print applications across apparel, interior décor, accessories, and bespoke objects.

Discover how automation, materials, and community collaboration are shaping the future of on-demand garment decoration and fulfilment.

In this podcast episode, Ulrich Scherbel, CEO of AMSilk, discusses the innovative production of bioengineered spider silk protein and its applications in the textile industry, going far beyond fibre and with the power to radically transform inks and chemistry. He explains the challenges of scaling up production, the importance of sustainability, and how AMSilk's technology can significantly reduce carbon emissions. The conversation also touches on the role of AI in protein bioengineering and the future vision for transforming the textile supply chain through collaboration and innovation

In this insightful interview, Jon Bailey, COO of Precision Proco, shares his journey into the print industry, leadership philosophy, and how embracing change and innovation has shaped his success.

Discover practical lessons on building a resilient business, nurturing talent, and leveraging AI for future growth

In this conversation, Meike Nieuwenhuis shares her multifaceted approach to fashion design, emphasising the importance of collaboration, upcycling, and engaging with cultural heritage. She discusses her experiences with digital printing and the Epson Innovation day at the NautaSign micro-factory, highlighting the need for sustainable practices in the fashion industry. The dialogue also touches on the challenges of colour management and the future of independent design, advocating for partnerships and community-driven production.

In this episode, MeiLin Wan, founder of GenuTrace, discusses the critical importance of traceability in the textile industry, particularly in light of increasing regulations and consumer expectations. With nearly a billion pounds of materials tracked under her leadership, MeiLin emphasises the shift from marketing claims to scientifically substantiated proof of sustainability. She highlights the need for both physical and digital verification methods, such as DNA testing and isotope analysis, to ensure that products are ethically sourced and compliant with regulations like the UFLPA. The conversation also touches on the evolving relationships between manufacturers and retailers, the challenges of integrating new technologies, and the necessity of transparency throughout the supply chain.