Essex-based Natural Print Solutions has installed Ricoh’s latest direct-to-garment (DTG) printer, the Ricoh Ri 100, to bring the production of branded workwear and personalised merchandise in-house. The company says it is now able to offer its clients a same-day service at ‘exceptional’ levels of quality.

A family-run business, Natural Print Solutions provides clients and local businesses with a range of printed collateral, including stationery, brochures, signage, promotional merchandise and clothing. Until recently, the company used external suppliers to print shirts and other garments. With a price tag of £4250 and an assurance that it would ‘pay for itself within two sets of ink’, the Ri 100 was an affordable investment that would allow Natural Print Solutions to produce such merchandise in-house. 

‘The Ri 100 is simple to use,’ said Matthew Bradford, owner of Natural Print Solutions. ‘It is as easy as printing onto paper. And, because the process is digital, we can change the design from one garment to the next. Our customers love the quality of the merchandise produced on the Ri 100. The ink is absorbed into the fabric, giving it a soft finish. The garments can be washed, and unlike vinyl or transfer media, the images don’t crack or peel.’

Natural Print Solutions says the Ri 100 is perfect for short-run applications and compatible with a wide variety of merchandise, enabling the business to expand its range to include branded workwear such as polo shirts, fleeces and event merchandising like promotional T-shirts and tote bags. As well as the speed of order fulfilment, the company says its clients appreciate the quality of the merchandise printed on the machine.