Pigment inks for direct-to-garment (DTG) printing are the latest focus for Taiwanese ink manufacturer, Everlight Chemical. According to Bruce Chen, deputy general manager and head of colour chemistry, the Everjet PT-E5 inks (for Epson DX5) are expected to go on sale in the second half of 2014.

Established 15 years ago, Everlight Chemical first entered the market with its reactive inks for natural fibres like cotton, silk and wool. The company is now branching out into polyester printing inks. By 2016, Everlight Chemical will be in a position to extend its range further with the introduction of disperse inks for polyester, Mr Chen explained.

Launched earlier this year, the Everjet AT-E5 (for Epson DX5) acid ink can be used on a variety of sportswear fabrics. Holding over 1O0 patents, Everlight Chemical employs in excess of 200 R&D engineers.

Despite operating in over 85 countries, China remains a main market for Everlight Chemical. Demand is growing from Turkey, Central America and other Asian countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, Bangladesh, Pakistan and India.