Epson & Citizen Wolf launch Smart Factory to cut textile waste

Epson has formed a partnership with Citizen Wolf to support efforts in sustainable manufacturing and waste reduction within the Australian fashion and food sectors. The collaboration centres on a new Smart Factory model at Citizen Wolf's Marrickville facility and includes an extended partnership with OzHarvest Ventures, providing technology and processes intended to reduce surplus stock and direct more resources to charitable work.

Factory innovation

The Smart Factory integrates Citizen Wolf's made-to-order approach with Epson's direct-to-garment (DTG) printing technologies. The new facility utilises equipment such as the Epson SureColour F2260 printer, designed to limit resource consumption in garment production. This model supports the production of clothing and merchandise only after an order is placed, helping companies avoid the creation of unsold inventory.

"The NSW Government's recent EPA report notes that 400,000 tonnes of textile waste alone is landfilled in Australia every year. 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," said Craig Heckenberg, Managing Director, Epson Australia and New Zealand.

Zero Inventory model

The Smart Factory also debuts Citizen Wolf's Zero Inventory Merchandise (ZIM) system. This approach is targeted at charities and brands that have traditionally purchased merchandise in advance, risking surpluses that tie up funds and potentially lead to waste. With ZIM, charities and other partners can offer a wide variety of garments and designs, producing items only when an order is confirmed and paid for, thus avoiding overproduction.

"In collaborating with Epson to create a smarter factory we're able to bring to life a new innovation with our Zero Inventory Merchandise (ZIM) solution. This solves the real-world problem of eliminating the financial risks and incredible waste inherent in the fashion and merchandise industry, by combining Citizen Wolf's and Epson's leading on-demand technologies," said Eric Phu, Co-Founder, Citizen Wolf.

"The ZIM solution flips this model by allowing charities and other brands to have custom made garments, hold zero inventory, get their money upfront from the customer and only pay for what they sell. In this way they can create as many designs, styles and sizes of garments as they wish that are only produced when an order is placed. It eliminates the capital and risks associated with holding inventory so it can be focused on supporting their charitable work, while creating new revenue streams to support their fundraising activities," said Phu.

Charity partnership

OzHarvest Ventures, the social enterprise arm of food rescue charity OzHarvest, has launched a limited-edition range of t-shirts and tote bags produced through the Smart Factory. Proceeds from sales of these items will go towards OzHarvest's food rescue work, aiming to deliver meals to people in need and reduce food waste.

"OzHarvest is a wonderful for-impact organisation that helps stop food waste and feed those doing it tough in our community. We are delighted to work together with Citizen Wolf to print a range of t-shirts, tote bags and aprons, featuring designs by OzHarvest's founder Ronni Kahn in the new Smart Factory. Proceeds from the range will support OzHarvest to carry out their amazing and impactful work," said Heckenberg.

Citizen Wolf's Marrickville factory, where the Smart Factory is located, is Ethical Clothing Australia accredited and B Corp certified. All garments produced are made locally, adhering to sustainability and ethical standards.

Equipment focus

The Smart Factory relies on Epson's SureColour F2260, a direct-to-garment and direct-to-film printer, alongside specialised industrial equipment such as the D300 Speed Oven and SEFA Rotex Pro Swing Away Heat Press. According to Epson specifications, the SureColour F2260 uses 800 ml ink pouches to minimise plastic waste and features components intended to reduce frequency of replacement, aiming to lower both operational and environmental costs.

"My designs feature symbols of hope and collective action we can all take to do good in the world. 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," said Ronni Kahn, Founder, OzHarvest.