Graphics One has become the US distributor of Shockline’s transfer paper solutions after the two companies signed an exclusive agreement last week.
Securing Graphics One as its distributor for the US market is an astute move for Shockline. The US digital textile printing market has still to reach its full potential, so positioning itself correctly now could bring substantial rewards further down the line for the Termoli-based business.
In the US, transfer paper producers are also enjoying a demand that is higher than the global average – something Shockline will undoubtedly want to benefit from.
To date, Italy-based Shockline has garnered three decades’ worth of experience producing transfer papers for a wide variety of substrates, including: textiles; natural and artificial leather; wood; metal; glass; and ceramic.
In response to consumer demand for purely original customised clothing, Shockline has recently been focusing on self-weeding transfers for T-shirts. Self-weeding, otherwise known as no-cut, transfer papers are compatible with laser printers which transfer only the printed image in a one-step process, therefore nullifying the need to cut or trim away any of the background.
Additionally, Shockline produces transfer papers in rolls for inkjet printers including a unique transfer solution for wall decoration and for natural leather printing. Shockline also manufactures excellent waterslide decals, the company says.
“We are extremely happy to have Graphics One as a key partner in the international sales of our product line,” says Giuseppe Biondi, Shockline managing director. “Graphics One is a leader in the distribution of OKI’s white toner printers in the US market and we have worked very closely with OKI Europe and OKI Japan in the development of our textile transfer products. We feel this will be a very good collaboration between our companies. Additionally, we are hoping to develop products specifically for the American market with the help of Graphics One.”
Shockline’s wide range of papers has been approved by OKI Japan. Additionally, Graphics One is working with OKI Americas to ensure compatibility with new OKI printers, such as the Pro9541WT, and traditional printers like the C711WT, C831TS and Pro9432WT.
In the meantime, Shockline says that its research and development staff are continuing to create new and innovative transfer papers for the transfer market.
Currently, Shockline’s FC TopDark solution is available from the group of Graphics One sales channel partners with more products to follow shortly.
