Exclusive Interview by K. Gopalakrishnan, Pics by Manikandan
Embee Group, one of India’s most respected names in textile printing machinery, has taken a decisive leap into the future with the launch of its first-ever line of digital textile printers. With over 65 years of legacy and three generations of family leadership, Embee’s entry into digital printing marks a major milestone for the company and the Indian textile machinery ecosystem.
At ITMA Asia in Singapore, The Textile Magazine caught up with Mr. Harsh Shah, Managing Director, Embee Group, who shared insights on the company’s new digital models, its innovation philosophy and the evolving needs of global textile printers.
Reflecting on Embee’s participation, Mr. Shah noted that the event exceeded expectations with a strong international turnout. Visitors from across the world, including Asia, Europe and the Americas, engaged with Embee’s new product portfolio, reinforcing the company’s global relevance. For Embee, ITMA Asia has always been a platform for announcing major innovations. This year, the spotlight was unmistakably on digital printing.
Embee Makes Its Digital Printing Debut
For decades, Embee has been synonymous with advanced rotary screen printing solutions. The company is widely recognised for its commitment to innovation, producing new technologies every six months, and delivering complete end-to-end solutions for screen preparation, colour kitchen, sample preparation, washing systems and accessories. In a strategic move responding to strong market demand, Embee has now expanded into digital textile printing.
Introducing Sapphire and Emerald
Embee launched two direct-to-fabric digital printers at the exhibition:
- Sapphire: An entry-level scanning printer designed for mills beginning their digital journey.
- Emerald: A higher-capacity model aimed at customers requiring greater productivity and versatility.
These solutions were developed after years of behind-the-scenes R&D and careful observation of global trends. Mr. Shah noted that customers have long encouraged Embee to enter digital printing, and the company believed now was the right moment.
A Hybrid Breakthrough
Taking innovation a step further, Embee also introduced a hybrid printing machine that combines the strengths of rotary screen printing with digital printing in a single platform.
This enables mills to:
- Produce complex designs with both screen and digital elements
- Balance volume printing with high-value niche patterns
- Reduce changeover time and increase design flexibility
The hybrid model reflects Embee’s core philosophy of offering choice, versatility and future-oriented solutions to its global customers.
Rotary and Digital Will Coexist
While digital printing is gaining momentum worldwide, Mr. Shah emphasised that it currently accounts for only about 6% of global fabric printing. Rotary printing remains dominant and will continue to hold its place in high-volume, cost-sensitive segments.
Embee’s strategy is therefore not to replace rotary printing but to complement it with digital capabilities. According to Mr. Shah, both technologies will coexist, each serving distinct applications and markets.
Sustainability-Driven Innovation
A major highlight of Embee’s new product roadmap is sustainability. Customers, especially export-oriented mills, increasingly demand technologies that conserve water, minimise chemical usage and reduce environmental impact.
Embee’s contributions include:
- Water filtration and recycling systems that recover up to 90% of water for screen and squeegee washing
- Laser stripping machine, now in its ninth successful year with installations worldwide, offering a completely dry, chemical-free screen stripping process
These innovations address the growing global need for cleaner, more resource-efficient textile printing operations. Sustainability, Mr. Shah noted, is now central to every product Embee designs.
Innovation, Customisation and Self-Reliance: Embee’s Future Direction
Looking ahead, Mr. Shah emphasised Embee’s unwavering commitment to innovation, customer-centric design and technology development.
The company aims to remain focused on printing — both screen and digital — and continue offering end-to-end solutions tailored to customer requirements. Embee also carries forward its long-standing mission of supporting Make in India by developing technologies that reduce dependence on imports and strengthen India’s manufacturing capabilities.
“Anything that is not available in India today, that technology, that innovation — that is going to be our path forward,” Mr. Shah affirmed.
Embee Group’s entry into digital textile printing marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the company and the industry it serves. With its Sapphire and Emerald digital printers, alongside its hybrid rotary-digital platform, Embee is positioning itself as a comprehensive, future-ready printing solutions provider.
By combining decades of rotary expertise with cutting-edge digital technology and a strong focus on sustainability, Embee is enabling textile printers to embrace the next stage of transformation. The company’s innovation-led approach and customer-first philosophy ensure that Embee will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of textile printing, both in India and around the world.