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Sensient Imaging Technologies launches ElvaJet Alpha

Tuesday 18. June 2013 - a breakthrough technology platform representing a major innovation in the sustainability of textile printing

Sensient Imaging Technologies SA, a business unit of Sensient Technologies Corporation (NYSE:SXT), announces the ElvaJet Alpha platform: a unique method of digital printing directly onto polyester fabric, based on breakthrough, innovative water-based inks.
Sensient’s ElvaJet Alpha represents a major innovation in sustainability that reduces the environmental impact of textile printing without compromising on the quality of the printed product. The inks developed under this platform offer superior color vibrancy and through print. ElvaJet Alpha inks can be applied directly onto virtually any polyester textile, being fixed only with dry heat. With the use of ElvaJet Alpha inks, there is no washing or other finishing step needed.
The inks used under ElvaJet Alpha meet and exceed the high demands of the fashion industry with excellent print quality, consistent and vibrant colour intensity as well as good resistance and wash fastness. Most importantly, the inks offer a deep penetration and an impressive through printing to the reverse side of the fabric with seamless color levels unmatched by current alternative ink systems.
Production trials with ElvaJet Alpha have demonstrated significant improvements in sustainability and environmental impact. Printing with ElvaJet Alpha inks uses as little as 1 litre of water per linear meter compared to 50-100 litres necessary with other printing methods. Savings on energy in excess of 50% have also been demonstrated, while CO2 emissions were reduced by up to 90%.
The inks developed under ElvaJet Alpha were first pioneered at Miroglio Textiles as the key colouring ingredient in their E.Volution platform launched last February at Premiere Vision in Paris. Miroglio Textiles, based in Alba, Italy, is one of the leading manufacturers of fashion textiles and has become Sensient’s partner in the fashion textile field. At FESPA 2013 (25-29th June, London, England), Sensient will showcase a range of commercial garments from Miroglio’s Motivi fashion brand, demonstrating the commercial reality of ElvaJet Alpha in the marketplace.