5 Ways Digital Printing Loves the Planet

As designers, we’re always looking for ways to create beautiful interiors with a lighter footprint. The materials we specify and the processes behind them matter more than ever and fabric printing is no exception.

Enter digital textile printing: a smarter, cleaner, and more flexible alternative to traditional screen printing. It’s not only transforming what’s possible creatively, but it’s also quietly revolutionising how sustainably we can design.

Here’s why digital printing is leading the charge for eco-conscious interiors — and five key reasons it’s loved by both designers and the planet.

In traditional textile printing, huge volumes of water are used for colour mixing, rinsing screens, and washing fabrics. Those dyes and chemicals often end up back in the environment — making water pollution one of the textile industry’s biggest issues.

Digital printing is a game changer. It uses precise inkjet technology to apply colour directly to the cloth, eliminating most of that water usage entirely. Some modern pigment printers (like the systems used by my production partners) are 100% water-free, meaning cleaner rivers, safer communities, and a far smaller environmental impact.

Because digital printing removes so many stages of production like creating screens, mixing pastes, and drying each layer, it naturally consumes less electricity.

There’s no need for industrial drying ovens or repeated washing cycles, so energy use is drastically reduced.
Fewer stages also mean a smaller carbon footprint from start to finish, especially when you print locally or in small batches rather than shipping rolls halfway across the world.

Traditional printing can be incredibly wasteful, leftover dye baths, rinsing water, misprints, and minimum order quantities that often leave designers with excess stock.

Digital printing flips that model. You can print exactly what you need, when you need it.
No minimums, no bulk over-ordering, no wasted ink.
Each metre is produced to order, which means every drop of pigment has purpose.

For designers, this also means more freedom to experiment, test a small colour run, print a single panel for approval, or produce limited-edition fabrics without committing to hundreds of metres.

Many traditional dye processes rely on harsh chemicals that can harm both people and the planet. Digital printing, however, uses water-based, non-toxic inks that are free from formaldehyde, heavy metals, and APEOs (a common chemical pollutant).

My own production partners use Oeko-Tex–certified pigment inks, ensuring that every print meets the highest global safety standards for both makers and end users. That means safer handling for local artisans and healthier interiors for the people who live, work, and relax in them.

Because the tools are compact and the process efficient, digital printing can be done locally, whether that’s in the UK, Bali, or almost anywhere else. This localised approach reduces transport miles, supports small-scale producers, and allows designers to work closely with printers to perfect each design.

It also gives you the flexibility to print on demand, so you can respond quickly to projects without holding excess inventory. The result? A smarter supply chain that supports both sustainability and creative independence.

Digital printing doesn’t just tick sustainability boxes, it empowers designers to be more creative, more resourceful, and more responsible.

By choosing digitally printed fabrics, you’re helping reduce waste and pollution, support cleaner production, and bring your designs to life with precision and heart.
It’s one of those rare technologies that aligns beauty with conscience and that’s something every design studio can feel proud of.

My Signature Styling service helps you design and source bespoke, sustainably printed fabrics delivered to your door.

Check out my Service & Pricing Guide HERE