Japanese companies adopt inkjet technology for small-lot printing

Japanese companies are adopting advanced inkjet printing technologies to enable small-lot, on-demand production and more sustainable manufacturing processes.

Nissin P.D.S Co., Ltd., based in Matsumoto, Nagano, has launched ‘ATONOSE PRINT,’ a service starting in September 2026 that allows custom printing on pre-made paper bags and packaging. Using the T3-OPX direct-print inkjet printer, the service supports orders as small as 100 units. The process utilizes water-based pigment ink, which is safe for food-related items and eliminates the need for traditional plate-making, reducing both costs and lead times.

In the textile sector, Wakayama Senko has implemented Kyocera Document Solutions Japan’s ‘FOREARTH’ pigment inkjet printer. This technology significantly reduces environmental impact by minimizing water usage—reducing it to 0.02 liters per kilogram of fabric compared to the 150 liters required for traditional dye printing. The pigment ink method allows for immediate shipping after drying, reduces fabric shrinkage, and enables printing on diverse materials including synthetic leather and textured fabrics, supporting the company’s expansion into direct-to-consumer lifestyle goods.