How Epson and The Social Outfit Are Powering ESG Progress Through Digital Fabric Printing

Takeaways

• Epson and The Social Outfit expanded their partnership with a Sydney showcase highlighting sustainable digital fabric printing and ethical fashion production.
• The collaboration focuses on ESG goals by supporting local manufacturing, community storytelling, and employment pathways for refugee and migrant women.
• Epson’s technology and in-kind support have strengthened The Social Outfit’s ability to produce Australian-made garments and share community-driven designs.

Epson and The Social Outfit have strengthened their ongoing partnership with a new showcase in Sydney, spotlighting how digital fabric printing, local manufacturing, and community storytelling can support ESG progress in the fashion industry. The event marked the launch of The Social Outfit’s latest Resort collection, featuring prints produced on an Epson Monna Lisa ML-8000 direct-to-fabric machine.

Craig Heckenberg, Managing Director of Epson A/NZ, told attendees the collaboration reflects Epson’s commitment to technology that promotes ethical production and community impact. “By supporting local, on-demand fabric printing, we’re helping enable ethical production and creative expression while contributing to a more responsible and innovative textile industry,” he said.

Designs from the new High Summer collection, including pieces featuring the community print story ‘Sama’, were displayed at the event. The artwork was created by 12 women from the Chester Hill Community Hub, digitally printed at Epson’s Sydney facility, and later sewn at The Social Outfit’s Marrickville workroom. The showcase underscored how sustainable fashion can be powered by technology and community involvement.

Read More: Sustainable E-Textiles Tech Reduces Clothing Waste, Say Researchers

A Social Enterprise Empowering Refugee and Migrant Women

The Social Outfit is a social enterprise providing employment, skills training, and paid work experience to refugee and migrant women. Since 2014, it has helped many participants secure their first jobs in Australia. The label produces limited-edition garments using remnant and deadstock textiles, aligning social impact with environmental responsibility.

CEO Amy Low said access to Epson’s digital fabric printing technology has opened new creative opportunities. “There is so much potential available to us through this Epson partnership,” she said. The ‘Sama’ capsule collection is one of the first examples of how the collaboration is enabling new forms of storytelling and upskilling for staff.

Technology Strengthening Local Manufacturing

The High Summer garments, produced entirely in Australia, will be sold online and through The Social Outfit’s Newtown store. Customer interactions there help support young refugee women who are completing retail work experience as part of the organization’s employment program.

Designer and ambassador Bianca Spender addressed guests at the launch, describing the partnership as an important step in building stronger local manufacturing and ethical fashion pathways.

Also Read: 10 Inspiring Circular Fashion Examples to Transform Your Wardrobe

Expanding Support Beyond Printing

Epson has expanded its support to include financial and in-kind contributions, covering photoshoot printing, window displays, projection work, and event materials. The company also assisted with creative displays during Refugee Week, using its large-format and projection technologies to showcase community artworks.

Heckenberg said the partnership demonstrates how technology and community-focused initiatives can work together to advance sustainable fashion. Both organizations plan to continue exploring how digital textile technology, ethical manufacturing, and local production can shape the future of fashion.

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Source: SMBtech