Buitenkamp to visit Australia to present new opportunities in Natural Fibre Sublimation

L-R Gert-Jan Breukink - Coldenhove, Rob Brussolo - Ball & Doggett, John Buitenkamp - Klieverik

Textile printers have a significant opportunity to diversify their product offering and reduce environmental impact, thanks to a proven sublimation process developed in collaboration by Dutch companies Coldenhove and Klieverik. The system makes it possible to produce vibrant, durable prints on natural fibres—such as cotton, linen and wool—using a dry, chemical-free method that avoids the traditional limitations of dye sublimation.

While well-established in parts of Europe and North America, the technology remains largely untapped in Australia. According to John Buitenkamp, International Area Sales Manager at Kleiverig, who will visit Australia next week, that’s exactly where the potential lies. “It allows digital print businesses to enter the natural fibre space with a clean, dry process that’s far less resource-intensive than traditional methods.”

A Clean Alternative to Water-Intensive Printing

Sublimation printing has typically been limited to polyester-based fabrics, as natural fibres lack the molecular structure needed to bind with sublimation dyes. As a result, cotton and linen have generally required pigment or reactive printing processes that rely on extensive water use, chemical pre-treatment, and post-print washing.

The Coldenhove-Klieverik approach overcomes this barrier through two key components, Coldenhove’s coated transfer paper, Texcol, and Klieverik’s high-pressure calendar presses. The transfer paper acts as a molecular bridge, allowing the dye to fix to cellulose-based textiles under carefully controlled heat and pressure. The result is a sharp, colour-rich image with excellent durability, produced without steaming, washing, or effluent.

Used transfer paper can be recycled, and no washing facilities are required, making it a compelling option for print service providers seeking to reduce their environmental footprint and avoid costly wastewater management.

“With growing demand for locally made, sustainable products, the ability to offer custom-printed natural fibre textiles from within Australia is a timely advantage. For companies servicing fashion, home décor, or commercial interiors, the Coldenhove-Klieverik process supports shorter lead times, more agile production, and a stronger “Australian Made” message, explains Rob Brussolo, GM Sign, Display and Digital at Ball & doggett, distributor of the technology in ANZ.

“There’s a real appetite for cleaner, local production,” Brussolo says. “With this process, you can offer clients high-quality cotton or linen products, printed to order, without relying on offshore supply or investing in extensive infrastructure.

Market applications include custom cushions, curtains, upholstery, apparel, and even mono-material carpets, all of which are suitable for recycling and circular economy programs. The system can support both short runs and personalised production, ideal for design-led sectors with a focus on sustainability.

Although the technology has been commercially available for several years, it is still emerging in the Australian market. “This a practical, proven solution that aligns with where the market is going—towards sustainability, flexibility, and on-demand manufacturing," Brussolo concludes.