The new materials, whose addition to the Imageperfect portfolio brings the number of materials in the range to 21, enable printers to dip their toes in the interior décor and soft signage markets without having to buy new printers, according to Spandex UK general manager Leon Watson.

"The market is witnessing huge growth in textile applications, either for use in interior décor and soft signage, or as an alternative to PVC, vinyl or even rigid materials," said Watson.

"The reasons for this growth are aesthetic and economic: designers and architects are moving away from PVC and looking for materials that deliver a softer, sleeker look and feel. Textiles also deliver cost benefits compared with conventional materials, being reusable and lighter to transport.

"This is particularly significant for the exhibitions and events market. Stands were previously built predominantly using rigid materials, but many stand designers are moving to light textile systems that are cheaper to transport, require less resource to build and are completely reusable," he explained.

The seven new Imageperfect products include: Display Premium for indoor and outdoor applications; Display Grey Back, which is a curl-free blockout material; Backlit designed for lightboxes; Display Satin with two printable sides; Canvas Banner for art repro, canvas frames and banners; Display, which offers lay-flat hanging and 100% recyclable Banner Grey Back, also suitable for indoor and outdoor use. They are available in widths up to 3.2m, are fray-free and are suitable for cold-knife cutting. 

The new substrates were launched at this week's Sign & Digital UK event in Birmingham. 

Last year Spandex added two new Imageperfect films to its Easy-to-Use range of digital self-adhesive films, designed for use in retail spaces, offices and exhibitions stands.