How DTG Printing Has Changed in 2025

Over the last several decades, the world of Direct‑to‑Garment (DTG) printing has undergone remarkable shifts. While the year 2025 does not mark a significant turning point, it brings several innovations to the table.

Today’s DTG systems are not only faster and more precise than their predecessors. They are also more sustainable and digitally integrated than ever before. Kornit Digital, a company widely recognized for its modern DTG solutions, has been part of this evolution. Following its products can be an excellent opportunity for staying on top of the latest developments.

Key Takeaways

• DTG printing in 2025 focuses on seamless production with an emphasis on speed, precision, sustainability, and automation 
• The global DTG market is projected to nearly double by 2030, driven by demand for personalization and localization while shifting to mass production. 
• AI-driven personalization and generative design tools are enabling mass customization with minimal overhead.
• Trump-era tariffs have pushed DTG manufacturers to re-shore production and reconfigure supply chains.
• The rise of “micro-brands” is fueling demand for flexible, short-run production enabled by DTG.

DTG Printing Timeline

• Late 1980s – Early 1990s: Digital textile printing emerged as an inkjet-based alternative to analog screen printing, enabling direct and more efficient garment imaging (rather than transferring inks via paper and heat).
• 1996: The first commercially available DTG printer, the “Revolution”, was introduced by DIS in Florida, based on Matthew Rhome’s invention; a patent was granted in 2000. 
• 2003: Kornit Digital was founded 
• 2004–2005: DTG gained broader visibility. Mimaki, Kornit, and US Screen showcased printers at industry expos; Brother launched the GT‑541, its first purpose-built DTG printer.
• 2006: Dark garment digital printing enabled by Kornit’s first white ink inventions 
• 2011: Kornit launches the first sustainable NeoPigment ink that transforms sustainable textile printing. 
• 2013: Epson’s F2000 debuted, solving key issues like ink clogging and offering longer shelf life for DTG inks.
• 2019: North America’s DTG market surpassed $2.5 billion, with a projected CAGR of over 10% through 2021.
• 2025: Kornit Apollo showcased at FESPA 2025. 

DTG Printing Market Value

According to the Grand View Research* report, the global DTG market was estimated at USD 1.92 billion in 2024, projected to grow to USD 3.90 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of 13.0% from 2025 to 2030. The clothing/apparel segment alone was worth USD 985.7 million in 2024 and is expected to more than double by 2030.

Evolutionary Elements to Watch Out For

Here are a few elements that are changing the DTG industry in 2025 and have the potential to continue doing so in 2026. 

Personalization at Scale

Automated workflows and AI integration have empowered brands to create mass-customized, on‑demand apparel with ease. Advances in automation allow for unique, made‑to‑order design offerings without sacrificing speed.

Trump’s Tariffs

The reimposition of Trump’s tariffs in 2025 disrupted supply chains, raising costs for imported apparel and printing equipment. In response, many DTG businesses pivoted toward domestic manufacturing to try and maintain price competitiveness while reducing reliance on global logistics.

Collaborative Fulfillment Platforms 

Platforms like KornitX have revolutionized order routing and fulfillment, enabling brands to tap into a network of print providers across geographies. This allowed global reach paired with local production efficiencies and became a game-changer for scalable fulfillment.

Generative AI in Design

Generative AI tools now assist or even fully create graphics, dramatically accelerating product launch cycles and enabling more creative, trend-responsive design generation.

Shift from Fast Fashion to “Micro‑Brands”

The rise of niche communities and creator-driven apparel has given birth to micro-brands. Small, values-driven labels are embracing DTG for quick, small batch releases.

Real‑time Quality Monitoring

AI-powered sensors and real-time analytics now detect print errors or color mismatches mid-production. This reduces returns, tightens quality control, and enhances trust in on-demand apparel.

Sustainability 

In 2025, DTG has become significantly greener. Eco‑friendly inks, reduced water usage, and localized, on‑demand production models contribute to lower carbon footprints and less waste. Growing consumer interest in sustainable apparel has pushed both brands and printers toward more environmentally responsible practices.

Going forward, European ESG regulations such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), and the EU Taxonomy Regulation are undergoing revisions. These will affect businesses across multiple sectors, including printing. The complex reporting requirements and other sustainability-related rules drive organizations to turn to more eco-friendly solutions. 

Staying on Top of the Latest Developments with Kornit Digital

In 2025, DTG is not simply a technology. It’s a platform for sustainability, creativity, and agile fulfillment. Kornit Digital continues to stand at the intersection of these trends, offering advanced and environmentally conscious DTG solutions. 

Ready to explore what comes next? Contact Kornit to see how these developments are transforming apparel printing.

*Direct to Garment Printing Market | Industry Report, 2030. (n.d.). https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/direct-garment-printing-market-report