German textile manufacturer Krea signs deals with Igepa Group for the European wide distribution of all of its textile products. The deal was signed on Igepa boost at Fespa, said Krea managing director Jörg Hippel. One of the products that will be distributed by Igepa is Krea’s Speedy Outdoor textile, which is being shown for the first time at Fespa.

Roll-out of Krea’s products will begin after the show to Germany, Austria and Switzerland, and then to other parts of Europe, including the UK and Benelux, in the next few months.

The Speedy Outdoor backlit textile is made from polyester with a “special outdoor coating”, according to Hippel, who said price is “competitive”. It is compatible with UV and latex inks.

The product, which is waterproof and crease-free, is available commercially from the show but has been tested since the backend of last year by two high-volume users.

Normally outside you only have PVC. Everybody was trying to take textiles for outdoor use but they are not suitable because the sun kills the textiles. Their material protects the textile against the sun.

Hippel said that Igepa group know that they are absolutely reliable, it’s one of the great German traits. And they know that this is the biggest distributor, which delivers not only textiles to its customers but all its knowledge of the printing industry and knowledge of the inks.

Krea is also using the show to launch a number of new products in its accessories range, including flag packs, belts, velcro straps, and also a new range of blank towels, which can be individually printed using a transfer sublimation process.