When an apparel decorator is looking for the latest screen-printing technology, when they want to explore the newest workflow software, and when they want to grow into other print verticals like promotional products and wide-format printing, there’s one thing they do consistently: attend a trade show.
Events like PRINTING United Expo — taking place this year from Sept. 23-25, 2026, in Las Vegas — not only give decorators the ability to see what’s new from a technology standpoint, but they also give insight into what designs are trending, innovations in blanks, and connections to peers and suppliers that they didn’t previously have.
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This year at FESPA 2026 in Barcelona, Spain, we put our boots on the ground to see what the apparel decorating community is working with right now, but also what to expect for the remainder of the year.
There were a handful of innovations on display, but the biggest takeaway we want to make sure decorators are aware of is how to push those innovations to their limits … and beyond. From highly-detailed prints to explosions of personalized color, and everything in between, here’s what you should have on your radar.
Trends in Apparel Decorating Technology … and More
There are several new technologies that decorators should be aware of on display at FESPA. Direct-to-film (DTF) continues to take center stage, though the conversations have changed drastically. While still considered “new” in the industry, the focus was less about it being the latest decorating trend and more about how it has improved.
One major improvement to this technology is in the powderless developments. Polyprint unveiled a new powderless DTF printer at the event, which features integrated liquid adhesive technology using DuPont Artistri’s JA1100 Jettable Adhesive. Other suppliers acknowledged that they are also working on powderless solutions, so expect to see more announcements coming in the near future.
Read the rest on Apparelist, a publication of PRINTING United Alliance, ASI’s strategic partner.
