Epson and The Social Outfit have reaffirmed their joint commitment to ethical and sustainable fashion through a new collaboration showcased at an event in Sydney on 27 November 2025. The occasion marked the launch of The Social Outfit’s latest Resort and High Summer collections, featuring garments produced using fabric digitally printed on the Epson Monna Lisa ML-8000 direct-to-fabric printer.
Epson A/NZ managing director Craig Heckenberg said the partnership reflects the company’s broader commitment to supporting responsible manufacturing in the textiles sector. “‘Our partnership with The Social Outfit reflects Epson’s belief that technology can enrich communities and drive a more sustainable future. By supporting local, on-demand fabric printing, we’re helping enable ethical production and creative expression, while contributing to a more responsible and innovative textile industry,’” he said.
The Social Outfit, a social enterprise and fashion label, has worked since 2014 to create paid employment, training and mentorship opportunities for refugee and migrant women in Sydney. By producing limited-edition collections using remnant and deadstock fabrics, the organisation aims to reduce waste while providing meaningful pathways into the Australian workforce. The partnership with Epson has opened new avenues for skill development, particularly in digital print processes.
Chief executive Amy Low said the collaboration has unlocked creative opportunities within the organisation. “There is so much creative potential available to us through this Epson partnership. Accessing technology that enhances our ability to share stories of refugee and migrant women in Sydney is very exciting. This Monna Lisa digital print making was particularly intriguing to us, especially in translating one of our community print stories into a fashion capsule via Epson’s direct-to-fabric technology,” she said.
One of the highlights of the launch was the presentation of ‘Sama’, a community print story created by 12 women from the Chester Hill Community Hub. The design was digitally printed in Sydney on Epson’s ML-8000 and then crafted in The Social Outfit’s ethical workroom in Marrickville by refugee and migrant women. The garments will be available online and in the organisation’s Newtown store this summer.
Low said the partnership has strengthened The Social Outfit’s ability to deliver fully Australian-manufactured garments. She added that Epson provided support across fabric selection, printing and campaign material production. “We are thrilled that Epson could add another layer of storytelling to our community print,” she said.
Epson has extended the collaboration by providing financial and in-kind support, including large-format printing for photoshoots, projection work and event materials. The company has also assisted in producing work displayed during Refugee Week celebrations.
Heckenberg said Epson sees long-term value in supporting organisations like The Social Outfit. “It’s hard to overstate the importance of organisations such as The Social Outfit and the role they play in the sustainable fashion industry. The Social Outfit’s goals firmly align with Epson’s and that’s why we are so committed to this partnership. As a result, we believe the future for an ethical and sustainable fashion industry in Australia looks increasingly positive and bright,” he said.
