Reactive printing

Digital printing with reactive inks only works on cotton and regenerated cellulose fibres such as viscose. Reactive dyes form a chemical bond with the cotton if the pH value is chosen correctly and the product is heated for a certain period of time. Since the printing ink 'only' contains highly purified reactive pigments, the process chemicals must first be applied to the fabric. As a rule, this involves urea & soda and a print thickener. After digital printing, the product must be steamed and then washed out. The result is a wash-resistant print with high brilliance and authenticity. The pre-treated cotton can be stored for 1-2 years, but it turns very yellow. This yellowing, however, is washed out with the afterwashing, which has taken place anyway.

IBENA development product for reactive printing: