Chesterfield-based Resolute DTG has signed a deal with Kodak to manufacture the latter’s new direct-to-garment (DTG) inks in the UK, to secure supplies for OEM and end-user customers in the UK and Europe post-Brexit.
Code-named ‘Brexink’, the deal is the culmination of a year of negotiations between the two companies to bring a new Kodak high quality pigmented ink to the UK. The manufacturing contract, which involves Resolute’s manufacturing partner Mexar Inkjet Solutions, is intended to allow a competitive price point to be maintained and a stable supply ensured for the growing UK and European DTG industry.
The first product to market will be the new Kodak ‘Formulation E’ which will arrive this year; Ricoh, Kyocera and other formulations are scheduled to roll out in 2020. The new inks will be available first to Resolute’s UK customers through its existing online platform and the UK’s largest garment supplier Ralawise. Post-Brexit (when and if it occurs), Resolute will continue to supply its EU client base directly and hopes to continue its current next-day service into most mainland European countries.
Colin Marsh, Resolute’s managing director, said, ‘Regardless of the Brexit negotiations we will continue to supply all existing products and aim to keep prices as keen as possible. This exclusive partnership offers the full suite of Kodak high quality products including DTG inks, cleaning solutions, pre-treatments and spot colours for our OEM customers, at a stable price with no fear of supply issues caused by Brexit. The product branding will be under our current trade mark, Resolute Ink and carry a specially designed ‘Powered by Kodak ink technology’ logo for authenticity once launched. Confidential testing has been ongoing for the past few months; we are delighted with the performance and stability of these high-quality inks and associated products.’
