Mimaki Achieves OEKO-TEX® Accreditation for Sublimation Technology

Amsterdam, January 29, 2015

Mimaki has attained the OEKO-TEX® accreditation for direct skin contact for its textile decoration technology using Sb300 series dye sublimation inks and Sb53 sublimation transfer inks. The OEKO-TEX® criteria catalogue provides manufacturers in the textile and clothing industry with a scientifically based standard benchmark for the evaluation of potentially harmful substances in textiles. OEKO-TEX® approved technologies are suitable to finish skin-friendly clothing and other textiles for interested end users. This certificate thus constitutes an important decision-making element when purchasing inks for textile production. The OEKO-TEX® certification is only valid if the textile is also certified.

Confidence in inks

The pioneering manufacturer has been awarded OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, product class Il. This concerns textiles and inks which, when used as intended, have a large part of their surface in direct contact with the skin, e.g. underwear, bed linen, terry cloth items, shirts, blouses etc. The independent testing and certification system for textile products from all stages of manufacture confirms the Mimaki technology has met the human-ecological requirements of the standard for products with direct contact to skin. The certification shows the technology fulfils the requirements of Annex XVII of REACH as well as the American requirement regarding total content of lead in children’s articles.
“We were already well aware of the business-winning value of the inks but are delighted that Nissenken Quality Evaluation Center has awarded them the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100,” comments Mike Horsten, General Manager Marketing EMEA at Mimaki Europe. “Customers can now use the inks confidently and safe in the knowledge they are approved for direct skin contact.”

The Heimtextil effect – digital print on the rise

“This has the potential to open up numerous market opportunities.” Mr. Horsten adds. “Our recent participation in Heimtextil showed an increasing interest in digital printing for textile applications.” Over 200 attendees joined Mr. Horsten’s presentation on “Why the home textile sector will switch to digital”, resulting in many constructive leads at the Mimaki booth throughout the show.

“Our digital textile printing capabilities have already hit a number of catwalks. This certification means even more designers can take a closer look at how printing can add creative value to their collections.”

The inks can be used on the following Mimaki systems: TS500-1800, TX500-1800DS, TX500-1800B, CJV150-107, 130, 160, CJV300-130, 160, JV150-130, 160, JV300-130, 160, JV5-320DS, TS3-1600, TS5-1600AMF, TS34-1800A and TPC-1000.

Mr. Horsten concludes: “After a very successful participation in Heimtextil in Germany, this industry seal of approval demonstrates just how far-reaching digital print can be. It is an endorsement of our continuous efforts to optimise our portfolio and more notably our digital print solutions.”