The Difference Between Digital Pigment Printing and Digital Reactive Printing

Digital pigment printing uses a physical coating principle, fixing the dye to the fabric surface with an adhesive. This process is simple and suitable for a variety of fabrics (including blends and silk), but its colorfastness is poor and it easily fades after washing.

Digital reactive printing uses chemical bonding technology to allow the dye to penetrate the fiber, resulting in higher colorfastness (resistant to over 50 washes). However, the process is complex and only suitable for specific fabrics (such as cotton and polyester).

Process Comparison

Pigment printing requires no post-processing such as steaming and washing, offering high production efficiency and suiting fast fashion needs. However, the adhesive may retain odor and easily fall off after prolonged washing.

Reactive printing requires steaming and washing, which is more expensive, but the dye forms a permanent bond with the fiber, resulting in greater durability.

Environmental Benefits

Pigment printing is more environmentally friendly initially due to reduced wastewater discharge and lower energy consumption. However, the adhesive may contain harmful substances such as formaldehyde.

Reactive printing requires high-temperature steaming, which consumes more energy, but the dye is non-toxic and biodegradable. Applicable Applications

Dye printing is suitable for non-textile products such as blended fabrics and wallpaper, as well as products requiring fast delivery.

Reactive printing is often used for products requiring long-term durability, such as high-end bedding and clothing.