Kyocera’s Water-Saving Tech Cuts Fashion Water Waste by 99.9%

At Milan Fashion Week 2025, Italian design house Florania unveiled more than just a collection—it showcased a blueprint for the future of sustainable fashion. In collaboration with Kyocera Document Solutions, the brand debuted garments printed using FOREARTH, a groundbreaking inkjet textile printer that slashes water use by 99.98% compared to traditional methods. This third partnership between Flora Rabitti’s Florania and Kyocera signals a seismic shift in how fashion intersects with technology, sustainability, and creativity.

Flora Rabitti, Florania’s founder said: “As a brand committed to reshaping the rules of fashion, we proudly embrace technological advancements to set new standards in fashion production. Personally, I believe in fostering international connections and building communities. Collaboration is the only way to achieve truly standout innovation. Furthermore, the FOREARTH technology is an innovative and illuminating technique that deserves to be shared and utilized worldwide, showcasing the beauty of sustainability. Its water-free concept aligns seamlessly with our vision for responsible fashion.”

Fashion's Answer to Water Waste

The textile industry is notorious for its environmental toll, consuming 153 liters of water per kilogram of fabric in conventional dye printing. Kyocera’s FOREARTH disrupts this model with a near-waterless process:

• 0.2 liters of water per kilogram —achieved by eliminating pre- and post-treatment steps.

• Two-step production: (print + dry) vs. traditional 4-6 step processes.

• Fabric compatibility: Prints on cotton, silk, polyester, and blends without separate machines.

“Water-free isn’t a buzzword—it’s survival,” says Flora Rabitti. “FOREARTH proves sustainability doesn’t mean sacrificing vibrancy or texture.”

Fashion Innovative

1. Localized, Agile Production: Traditional textile factories rely on massive water supplies, often located in regions with lax environmental regulations. FOREARTH’s minimal water needs allow production anywhere—even water-scarce regions. This reduces shipping emissions and enables “farm-to-closet” manufacturing.

2. Water Reduction via. On-Demand Printing: Screen printing’s bulk orders often lead to overstock and deadstock. FOREARTH’s digital platform enables small-batch, made-to-order production, aligning with Florania’s zero-waste ethos.

3. Solving Pigment Ink's Reputation Problem: FOREARTH's results silence past critiques of pigment-based inks (stiff fabrics, dull colors). Fabrics retain softness by integrating pre-treatment and finishing agents into the printing process while achieving vibrant, wash-resistant hues.

Milan's Runway Meets Circular Design

Florania’s 2025 AW collection—flowing silks, structured cottons, and bold geometric prints—proved eco-tech’s aesthetic potential. But the real impact lies beyond the catwalk:

• Carbon Footprint: Localized production cuts transport emissions by up to 40%.

• Chemical Pollution: FOREARTH uses eco-friendly pigments, avoiding toxic dyes that contaminate waterways.

• Energy Efficiency: Kyocera’s streamlined process reduces energy use by 30% compared to traditional methods.

Rabitti notes, “Collaboration is key. We’re merging Japanese precision with Italian artistry to show what’s possible.”

The Ripple Effect on Fashion Retail

Kyocera’s tech is already resonating globally:

• Retail Partnerships: Over 45 fashion brands, including adidas and The RealReal, now use FOREARTH.

•  Regulatory Tailwinds: Aligns with EU’s Strategy for Sustainable Textiles, mandating circular practices by 2030.

• Consumer Demand: 73% of Gen Z shoppers prioritize brands with transparent eco-practices.

Bader Alam of Full Frame Growth Partners (Kyocera’s investor) states, “This isn’t just a printer—it’s a catalyst for systemic change.”

A Blueprint for Fashion Brands

FOREARTH’s implications stretch beyond apparel:

• Home Textiles: Custom-printed, sustainable linens and drapes.

• Sportswear: High-performance fabrics without water guilt.

• Luxury: Limited-edition pieces with blockchain-tracked sustainability data.

Looking Forward

Kyocera and Florania aren’t just designing clothes—they’re redesigning fashion’s DNA. As Rabitti puts it, “Responsible fashion isn’t a trend; it’s the only way forward.” With FOREARTH, the industry now has the tools to marry creativity with accountability.

For brands, the message is clear: Innovate or obsolesce. For consumers, it’s a promise: You can look good and feel good.

Explore Florania’s Milan Fashion Week collection here and learn about FOREARTH’s technology on Kyocera’s site.