New Initiative at Milan Design Week 2025: Collaboration with Elle Decor Italia to Merge Art with the "FOREARTH" Inkjet Textile Printer

Kyocera Document Solutions Inc. (President: Takashi Nagai) is pleased to announce that a collaborative work featuring our environmentally friendly inkjet textile printer "FOREARTH" has been unveiled at Milan Design Week 2025* in partnership with the Italian design magazine "Elle Decor Italia".

This collaboration was made possible by Elle Decor Italia's appreciation for the environmental benefits and precision printing technology of the FOREARTH printer.

* The world's largest design exhibition in Milan, Italy, where various events are held for furniture manufacturers and fashion brands to showcase their uniqueness.

The graphics designed by Patricia Urquiola, who founded Studio Urquiola and is the Art Director at the Italian furniture manufacturer Cassina, were printed using "FOREARTH", enhancing the grandeur of the exhibition space. This collaborative work will be showcased at the exhibition "ALCHEMICA", held in the historically significant "Palazzo Bovara", renowned for its magnificent interiors and beautiful exteriors, from April 7 (Monday) to April 13 (Sunday) during Design Week.

Three works will be displayed in Gallery 2, and one work will be featured in the restaurant "Herbarium". Additionally, the scarves worn by the staff will also utilize the printing technology of FOREARTH.

Our company’s inkjet textile printer, FOREARTH, employs water-based pigments and combines unique technologies to reduce water usage by 99.98% compared to traditional analog textile  printing, which typically consumes large amounts of water. It also significantly lowers CO2 emissions, making it an environmentally friendly printer. Furthermore, it can print on a wide variety of fabrics, including silk, cotton, polyester, acetate, and nylon, all within a single system. The soft texture, durability, and vibrant colors achieved with this printer meet the high standards expected by Patricia Urquiola.

Comment from Patricia Urquiola:

What caught my attention in this collaboration was the chance to work with a printing technology that approaches things differently from traditional methods. I was curious about Kyocera Document Solutions’ FOREARTH, especially in how it addresses water usage in a more contained way. I’m always interested in tools that open up new ways of thinking and producing.

Working with FOREARTH allowed us to print these delicate, layered images with precision, without relying on traditional dyeing processes. That felt important in the context of Alchemica, an exhibition that analyses the home as a living, transforming organism—shifting throughout the day, the seasons, and the phases of life.

About Patricia Urquiola:

Patricia Urquiola is a renowned interior designer and architect from Spain, internationally recognized for her unique style and innovation. A former student of architecture at the Polytechnic University of Madrid and the Polytechnic University of Milan, she is currently based in Milan. She possesses a distinctive approach to the use of color and materials, creating numerous works that combine functionality and beauty. Her expertise extends beyond architectural projects to include product design, showroom design, and installations* for globally recognized top brands. Her designs are characterized by the fusion of modern elements and traditional techniques, pursuing new possibilities in furniture and space. Her work has been showcased by prestigious brands and exhibitions worldwide, earning her numerous awards.

* This refers to a method of expression where objects or devices are placed in specific indoor or outdoor settings, allowing the audience to experience the entire space as a work of art.

About ELLE DECOR Italia:

ELLE DECOR Italia is a magazine specializing in interior design and lifestyle, published in 26 countries and regions worldwide. It introduces the latest trends in fashion, art, and design, providing sophisticated ideas for interiors and lifestyles. Focusing particularly on the Italian design scene, it features the works of prominent designers and artists, inspiring readers. The magazine also includes practical advice on home renovation and interior coordination, making it a valuable resource for design enthusiasts and professionals alike. This year marks its 30th anniversary.

About the Inkjet Textile Printer "FOREARTH":  (More information can be found here.)

Through our sustainable inkjet textile printer, FOREARTH, we continue to innovate to address various social challenges facing the world, leveraging technology to create a better future and contribute to the realm of digital printing.

In the apparel industry, water pollution during the dyeing process has been a long-standing issue. FOREARTH utilizes environmentally friendly materials and employs a printing technology that almost eliminates water usage, significantly reducing water consumption compared to traditional dyeing methods. Additionally, by minimizing waste and improving energy efficiency, we have established a sustainable production process. These efforts contribute to reducing the environmental impact of the fashion industry.