The textile printing industry, historically dominated by high-capital rotary machines, is undergoing a transformative revolution with the rise of digital printing technologies. At the forefront of this change is Surat-based Orange O Tec, dedicated to democratizing digital textile printing. By enabling micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to embrace cutting-edge solutions with lower capital investments and greater scalability, Orange O Tec is shaping the future of textile production.
A Visionary Approach: Mr. Aayush Rathi, Director of Orange O Tec
Traditionally, entering the textile printing industry required significant investments. Setting up a conventional printing plant could cost upwards of Rs. 50 crore, demanding over 10,000 square meters of space and a large workforce. This high barrier to entry limited opportunities for entrepreneurs and smaller businesses, leaving the industry dominated by established players.
However, digital printing technologies, especially digital sublimation and pigment printing, are changing the game. With lower capital investment requirements, these technologies empower smaller businesses, designers, and even students to explore textile printing without significant financial strain. “Back in 1984, when Apple launched the Macintosh, it disrupted a market dominated by expensive mainframe computers. A similar revolution is now happening in textile printing,” explains Mr. Aayush Rathi, Director of Orange O Tec. “Establishing a rotary printing plant is still a massive investment, but digital printing makes it possible for smaller players to enter the market with ease.”
Pioneering a New Era in Textile Printing
Since its inception in 2009, Orange O Tec has been bridging the gap between innovation and accessibility. Initially a marketer of digital textile inks, the company ventured into digital printing machines in 2011 as the Indian representative of MS, an Italian pioneer in high-speed digital printing. Today, Orange O Tec’s efforts have made it possible for first-time entrants to set up digital printing units with ease, requiring just 2,000 to 2,500 square feet of space.
Transforming the Market Landscape
Approximately 75% of digital or sublimation printers installed in India are owned by first-time entrants, such as textile traders, fashion designers, and students. By contrast, large textile mills account for only 25% of installations. Orange O Tec’s Director notes that mills have been slower to adopt digital printing due to the operational shifts required, but smaller businesses are driving a dynamic transformation in the market.
Advancing Local Manufacturing
In 2023, Orange O Tec began assembling its own printers under the Colorix brand, reducing production costs by 20% and bolstering local manufacturing. With a 5,000-square-foot assembly plant in Noida and plans for a larger 15,000-square-foot facility in 2025, the company aims to manufacture 70% of its components locally within two years. This initiative supports the “Make in India” campaign while enabling Orange O Tec to offer competitive pricing and explore export opportunities.
Innovative Solutions for Every Need
Orange O Tec’s portfolio includes groundbreaking technologies like the Foiljet, a multi-purpose sublimation printer that combines coating, printing, and gluing in one compact machine, and the Rocket, the fastest single-pass printer with a capacity of 90,000 meters per day. These innovations reduce costs, save space, and redefine efficiency in textile printing.
Driving Sustainability
Sustainability is a cornerstone of Orange O Tec’s mission. Digital printing reduces emissions by 30-40% and significantly lowers water usage. Pigment digital printing eliminates water use entirely while cutting emissions by up to 70%, making it both eco-friendly and cost-effective.
Comprehensive Support for Seamless Operations
Orange O Tec’s commitment to customer satisfaction is evident in its robust after-sales support. With 75 service engineers stationed across major textile hubs, the company ensures minimal downtime for its customers. A forthcoming after-sales service app will enhance this by streamlining service requests and providing real-time updates.
A Bright Future for Digital Textile Printing
Digital printing accounts for 18-20% of fabric printing in India, but this share is expected to grow to 35-40% in the coming years as technology advances and ink prices decrease. Orange O Tec is preparing to venture into digital ink manufacturing and establish a paper coating line to reduce import dependence. Additionally, the company aims to expand into menswear shirting fabrics with its pigment printing machines.
At Orange O Tec, we believe in empowering businesses of all sizes to tap into the potential of digital textile printing. By combining innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled customer service, we are paving the way for a new era in the textile industry where opportunities are accessible to everyone.