Epson has announced the launch of a Smart Factory in partnership with Australian apparel manufacturer Citizen Wolf, in a move the company said underscores its commitment to advancing sustainable manufacturing and reducing waste across industries.
In a news release, Epson said the collaboration also includes a partnership with OzHarvest Ventures to produce a limited-edition range of garments that will support food relief efforts in Australia.
In a statement, Epson said the Smart Factory integrates Citizen Wolf’s made-to-order manufacturing model with Epson’s advanced direct-to-garment (DTG) printing technology to demonstrate how innovation can help eliminate waste in the fashion sector.
Epson Australia and New Zealand Managing Director Craig Heckenberg said the initiative aligns with the company’s broader sustainability goals.
“The NSW Government’s recent EPA report notes that 400,000 tonnes of textile waste alone is landfilled in Australia every year,” Heckenberg said.
“Our partnership with Citizen Wolf, the creation of the Smart Factory and our support of the OzHarvest Ventures social enterprise initiatives are of particular value to the environment as they significantly contribute to our shared goals around sustainable manufacturing and minimising waste in the fashion and food industries.”
Epson said Citizen Wolf’s new Zero Inventory Merchandise (ZIM) solution – developed through the partnership – combines the companies’ on-demand technologies to address the waste and financial risks linked to traditional mass production.
Citizen Wolf co-founder Eric Phu said the model enables charities and brands to create products only once an order is placed, avoiding surplus inventory and reducing costs.
“In collaborating with Epson to create a smarter factory, we’re able to bring to life a new innovation with our ZIM solution,” Phu said.
“It eliminates the capital and risks associated with holding inventory so it can be focused on supporting charitable work, while creating new revenue streams to support fundraising activities.”
Epson said the Smart Factory features several key pieces of its technology, including the SureColor F2260 A3+ DTG/DTFilm printer, D300 Speed Oven and SEFA Rotex Pro Swing Away Heat Press.
According to Heckenberg, these systems enable more efficient and environmentally responsible production.
“Given the enormous amounts of clothing sold during Black Friday and the holiday gifting season, most of which ends up in landfill within the year, the new Smart Factory and ZIM model are much needed and far more efficient alternatives that are better for people, charities and the planet,” Heckenberg said.
Epson said the collaboration extends to OzHarvest Ventures, the social enterprise arm of the national food rescue organisation.
The companies have released a range of t-shirts, tote bags and aprons featuring designs by OzHarvest founder Ronni Kahn AO, with proceeds supporting OzHarvest’s food relief programs.
“My designs feature symbols of hope and collective action we can all take to do good in the world,” Kahn said.
“This unique showcase is an example of how we can all work together and create positive impact for the world through innovative ideas and collaboration.”
Epson said the new OzHarvest range is available exclusively at shop.ozharvest.org.
