A first in DTF: Turkish company develops recyclable alternative to PET films

Turkish specialist in paper and printing technologies, Canapa, has successfully developed a pioneering, recyclable paper-based transfer solution for the textile industry. This innovation is designed to replace the conventional PET films used in Direct-to-Film (DTF) processes. While the PET films currently standard in textile printing contribute approximately 100,000 tonnes of non-recyclable plastic waste to the environment every year, Canapa’s new Direct-to-Paper (DTP) technology effectively eliminates this ecological burden.

Source: Textilegence

This breakthrough follows four years of intensive research and development and more than 1,000 rigorous trials. The significance of the achievement was recognized on a global stage when it was granted the WTIN Innovate Textile Awards 2025 Sustainability Award, one of the most esteemed honors in the field of textile innovation.

Achieving a 60% Reduction in $CO_2$ Emissions

Independent verification by Yıldız Technical University (GETAM) has confirmed the product’s sustainable composition. Their tests show that the adhesive layer is easily separable through solvent extraction and that the total plastic content represents less than 5% of the product’s overall weight. Because of these specific technical attributes, the new transfer paper is officially classified as recyclable according to the guidelines set by CEPI (Confederation of European Paper Industries) and 4evergreen.

Data from a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study further highlights the environmental impact: the DTP technology reduces $CO_2$ emissions by 60% on a Cradle-to-Gate basis when compared to traditional PET films. When the full lifecycle and end-of-life recycling are considered, that reduction increases to over 75% on a Cradle-to-Grave basis.

At a global adoption scale of 1 billion square meters, this technology would prevent the creation of 100,000 tonnes of PET plastic waste. Additionally, it provides a 20% energy saving during the textile transfer process, as it operates at a lower temperature of 120°C, compared to the 160°C required for PET films.

Superior Technical Performance and Stretch Resistance

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.

Ozer Yılmaz, Co-Founder, Canapa

Beyond its environmental credentials, the new transfer paper offers high-tier technical performance for textile printing applications, including:

• Superior Stretch Resistance: Outperforming traditional PET-based transfer papers in flexibility and durability.
• Efficient Color Transfer: Proven white ink carrying capacity for vibrant and accurate results.
• Universal Compatibility: Verified through application tests to work seamlessly with all separation methods, including hot, warm, and cold peel.
• Standard-Setting Durability: Maintaining high wash fastness performance under rigorous textile durability testing.