Print-on-demand (POD) is another fast-growing domain within emerging DTF markets, especially as global consumer behavior shifts toward customization and immediacy. By providing different fabric types and amounts of pre-treatment via DTF printing it gives us a competitive advantage over screen — cotton, polyester some blends. The ease of use at Högl means DTF works perfectly for POD platforms targeting fashion startups, influencers and even local school or sports clubs too.

One of the most exciting innovations was automating DTF production lines in their entirety. Worlds over print houses are arming themselves with robotic arms and conveyor-based print handling systems to gain 24/7 low-labor manufacturing. Smart workflows cut the turn-around times and human interference level to a minimum as result consistently high print quality too.

We are getting more automated, as the personalized merchandise demand is sky-rocketing, automation enables DTF service providers; to scale their operations and maintain turnaround times. Globally, scale and manufacturing efficiencies within regions like China are enabling this to be one of the more dominant parts in the bulk DTF transfer in pricing.

This should create pressure on local businesses to the region of Southeast Asia, Europe and Americas, to think differently and establish their unique value propositions. The ones who are taking it head on are doing the opposite with high-touch services and rapid local fulfillment or creating specialized designs for disparate markets. This is making regional providers a little more differentiated in the increasingly crowded global marketplace.