Turkish company Canapa, specialised in paper and printing technologies, has developed the first innovative and recyclable paper-based transfer paper for textile printing to replace PET films used in Direct-to-Film (DTF) processes. While conventional PET films widely used in textile printing generate around 100,000 tonnes of non-recyclable plastic waste globally each year, the new Direct-to-Paper (DTP) transfer paper eliminates this environmental burden.
Canapa’s innovation, developed after four years of R&D and more than 1,000 trials, was crowned with the WTIN Innovate Textile Awards 2025 Sustainability Award, one of the world’s most prestigious honours in textile innovation.
Up to 60% lower CO₂ emissions compared to PET films
Independent testing conducted by Yıldız Technical University (GETAM) confirmed that the adhesive layer can be separated via solvent extraction and that the plastic content accounts for less than 5% of the product’s total weight. Thanks to these characteristics, the new transfer paper is classified as recyclable under CEPI (Confederation of European Paper Industries) and 4evergreen guidelines.
According to the results of a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study, the technology reduces CO₂ emissions by 60% on a Cradle-to-Gate basis compared with PET films. When recycling is taken into account, the reduction exceeds 75% on a Cradle-to-Grave basis, including end-of-life.
At an adoption level of 1 billion square metres, it would prevent 100,000 tonnes of PET plastic waste, while offering 20% energy savings in textile transfer thanks to its lower transfer temperature (120°C compared with 160°C for PET).
Higher stretch resistance than PET-based transfer papers
In addition to its environmental benefits, the new transfer paper also delivers strong technical performance in textile printing, including:
Efficient colour transfer with a validated white ink carrying capacity
Full compatibility with all separation modes (hot, warm and cold peel), confirmed in application tests
Improved stretch resistance compared to conventional PET-based papers
Wash fastness performance maintained under standard textile durability tests
“Our technology benefits the environment while strengthening Türkiye’s export competitiveness”
Özer Yılmaz, Co-Founder of Canapa, said that textile transfer printing technologies generate approximately 100,000 tonnes of non-recyclable PET film waste globally each year, a figure expected to rise to 500,000 tonnes by 2040. He highlighted that as these wastes cannot be recycled and are instead incinerated, they result in significant carbon emissions, commenting: “With our product, carbon emissions are reduced by at least five times. Under the European Green Deal, tax and regulatory measures targeting plastic use are becoming increasingly stringent, and the use of single-use plastics in the textile industry is being progressively restricted. The technology we have developed not only contributes to environmental sustainability but also provides a significant competitive advantage for Türkiye’s exports. The award we have received is recognised as one of the most important sustainability awards in the global textile industry, and we are proud to have brought this achievement to our country.”
