Emerging trends in dye sublimation papers
Dye sublimation printing technology has transformed production processes in many sectors, such as gift customisation, sportswear and corporate marketing.
Dye sublimation paper permanently transfers colours and patterns through heat and pressure: the ink turns into gas, penetrating the surface of the substrate and producing high-definition prints with elevated colour fidelity and sharpness.
The market in figures
The latest figures confirm a dynamic and robust growth in the dye sublimation printing industry. Worldwide sublimation paper consumption is around 200,000 tonnes per year, with an estimated growth rate of 7%.
In the digital textile printing sector, the volume reaches 2.7 billion square metres per year, with an annual growth rate of 10% and 12%. Geographically, Asia dominates the market with a 41% share, closely followed by Europe, which holds 36% of global sales.
These numbers attest to a growing trend that is helping to push the entire industry towards ever higher quality and environmental standards.
Development trends: diversification and sustainability
Expanding market needs are directing the development of sublimation printing towards increasingly diversified applications, ranging from customised apparel to furniture and promotional design solutions.
In response to the evolving market, manufacturers are working to develop specific dye sublimation papers for a broader range of substrates. Production efficiency and technological innovation will, in the medium to long term, allow them to offer products at more competitive costs, expanding the adoption of the technology into new segments. Through targeted innovations in materials and production processes, the aim is also to boost the precision of detail and colour reproduction, ensuring better surface uniformity and colour rendition stability.
In addition to the technological challenges, the market demands a tangible commitment to environmental sustainability.
For example, reducing the quantity of ink without compromising the quality of prints allows for a reduction in chemical consumption and a lower environmental impact. At the same time, embracing the principles of the circular economy - which promotes the efficient management ofresources and the recovery and recycling of waste - becomes imperative, especially given new EU regulations imposing limits on emissions.
Exploring the evolution of dye-sublimation printing paper
With an unwavering commitment to quality, the future of sublimation printing paper looks full of opportunities.
Companies in the industry are being called upon to invest in research and development to ensure products that combine performance, versatility and environmental sustainability at a competitive price. These advances will favour the growth of the dye sublimation printing market and create new
commercial and application opportunities.
Burgo Group, through the collaboration between Mosaico Specialty Papers and Sublinovation, welcomes the sublimation evolution by preparing to launch Ecosublime, the new range of digital sublimation printing papers developed to meet the specific needs of the fashion, home décor and technical and sportswear sectors, with a strong focus on sustainability and integration of the circular economy principles.
