Leather offcuts find new life in printed garments
Powdered leather on denim printed to look like jackets, jeans printed on washable leather and distressed denim designs on multiple fabrics are among the latest projects from Italian company NextPrinting.
Based in Bergamo and part of the ACM accessories group, it works with customers to create unique and novel print effects, with a strong focus on R&D.
One new project uses leather offcuts from the accessories side of the business, which are ground into a powder by a partner company and glued onto cotton or denim. This material can then be printed with images of jeans or jackets, creating novel effects and textures. The material can also be hand-finished using scratching and distressing, partially removing the surface layer.
Another new development uses leather pieces supplied by an Italian tannery printed to look like jeans or jackets (pictured). The leather remains supple and is also washable.
While digital printing is growing, it is important that there is the know-how behind it and not simply the machinery, project manager Philippe Mignot said. “Our technicians know how to print on different fibres and fabrics. This is what makes us stand out – we have a very skilled team."
