DIGITEX is a joint research and innovation initiative of the European Textile and Clothing Industries which aims at developing a breakthrough technology based on digitally microdisposing fluids on textiles enabling high-spped protective functiolisation, continuous processing and customised production. Digital microdisposal of fluids will alter textile economics in terms of production sppeds and on demand production. It unleashes the transformation of the textile sector to a knowledge intensive industry able to differentiate by adding value to the users of protective equipment. The technology breakthrough is based on a novel ECO-friendly flexible digital process able to micro-dispose small quantities of multi-functional fluids over textile substrates on demand by means of multi-nozzle jets technology in a continuous process at atmospheric conditions and room temperature in order to replace wet and high temperature conventional process.

Digital microdisposal has the ability of exact localisation and patterning of functionalities in multilayer textile substrates integrating advanced thermo and hydro regulation, sensorics, actuating and controlled release functions, based on nano-technology and multifunctional materials. It has a broad social impact in terms of increased safety in hazardous environments with more attention to the needs of specific users and non-toxicity, leading to a drastic reduction of environmental pollutions in process.