Digital dye-sublimation accelerates transformation of Southeast Asia’s textile print sector, Epson-IDC report finds

Textile printing in Southeast Asia is changing fast as businesses respond to demand for customized designs, quicker turnaround, and more sustainable production. A new Epson IDC report shows how digital dye sublimation printing is becoming a key driver of this shift, helping print providers stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

From sportswear and event apparel to home and lifestyle products, more textile businesses are turning to digital printing to grow faster, reduce waste, and meet modern customer expectations. The findings highlight how technology is reshaping the region’s textile industry and opening new opportunities for print providers.

Epson, a global leader in professional printing, today released a new whitepaper developed in collaboration with global market intelligence firm International Data Corporation (IDC) titled, Digital Textile Printing Trends in Southeast Asia . Based on a regional survey of textile print provider owners and key decision makers across the Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand, the findings underscore the pivotal role digital dye-sublimation technology is playing in transforming Southeast Asia’s textile print sector. As customer expectations evolve and sustainability and economic pressures intensify, businesses are increasingly turning to advanced digital solutions to stay competitive.

 

The appetite for customized and sustainable textile solutions in Southeast Asia has resulted in the number of digital dye-sublimation printers shipped across Asia Pacific doubling, from fewer than 1,500 units in 2017 to more than 3,000 anticipated by the end of 2025, according to IDC. Print providers now face unprecedented demand for durability, high-quality output and faster turnaround. Notably, the research finds that 44% of print providers consider cost-effectiveness for small runs and customisation a primary motivator for adopting dye-sublimation, with the technology praised for its ability to produce vibrant, multi-design outputs, even at a single-item scale.

 

Digital dye-sublimation unlocks opportunities for 8x growth

The report reveals that companies investing in digital dye-sublimation achieve revenue growth eight times faster than those relying solely on legacy screen printing, recording average growth rates of 8.4% versus just slightly above 1% over a 24-month period. `

 

Unlike screen printing, which requires large minimum print runs, dye-sublimation printers enable short-run, on-demand production. Besides printing fabric rolls, print providers can now produce smaller applications, such as textile labels and tags.

 

The flexibility of dye-sublimation allows providers to offer vibrant, multi-design outputs in a single batch, meeting the growing appetite for personalisation without compromising efficiency or cost. This agility has enabled three in five (60%) print providers to expand into new customer segments, including event organisers, brand owners and fabric designers.

 

In Southeast Asia, the rise in outdoor activities, such as marathons and hiking, is fuelling demand for customized apparel to commemorate events. More than four in five (81%) print providers cater to the booming apparel and sportswear market, particularly polyester-based garments ideal for dye-sublimation. Research also noted emerging opportunities in the homeware segment (36%) and footwear segment (33%).

 

More than half (52%) of surveyed providers reported improved customer experiences, citing faster turnaround times and the ability to deliver complex customised designs. These are capabilities that traditional screen-printing struggles to match.

 

Strong sustainability commitment from Southeast Asian industry practitioners

As Southeast Asia strengthens its position as a global textile production hub, Epson’s Infobrief shows how print providers are using digital dye-sublimation technology to further their sustainability strategies.

 

While not all customers currently demand sustainability as a purchasing criterion, providers cite it as a strategic priority, with seven in 10 saying it is important to their business, even if customers have no such requirement. For businesses exclusively using digital dye-sublimation, this sentiment rises to 88%. However, only a third believe their customers place the same importance on it, revealing an opportunity for greater communication and education between technology suppliers, industry bodies and customers.

 

 

Reducing waste and safeguarding worker safety

Beyond unlocking growth opportunities (49%) and reducing environmental impact (24%), sustainable printing practices are delivering tangible operational improvements. Compared to traditional screen printing, which often requires large volumes of water, harsh chemical inks and generates significant waste, digital dye-sublimation is inherently more sustainable.

 

IDC’s findings also point to improvements in workplace health and safety. Among the dye-sublimation users, 33% have enhanced employee safety by reducing direct contact with chemical inks and minimising exposure to harmful emissions.

 

This combination of environmental responsibility, cost efficiency and improved workplace health positions dye-sublimation as a transformative technology for the future of Southeast Asia’s print sector.

 

“While there is clear industry momentum towards sustainable printing, the research highlights a gap between provider ambition and customer priorities,” said Masako Kusama, President and Director of Epson Philippines Corporation (EPC). “This creates an opportunity for technology leaders like Epson, alongside industry partners, to better communicate the proven business, environmental and health benefits of sustainable practices.”

 

“Digital dye-sublimation is not only eco‑conscious, but it also reduces energy use, limits chemical exposure for workers, cuts waste and opens high‑value market opportunities. By partnering with providers to integrate advanced, energy‑efficient technologies, we aim to empower Southeast Asia’s print industry to compete more effectively while contributing to a more sustainable future.”

 

Download the full insights for Digital Textile Printing Trends in Southeast Asia by Epson Southeast Asia here.