Ecopreneurship in Textile Innovation: Eco-Printing as a Pathway to Green Enterprise

Abstract

The demand for sustainable textiles has encouraged researchers and small producers to look for methods that reduce environmental harm without losing commercial value. Eco-printing, which uses plant materials to transfer colour and pattern directly onto fabric, offers one such possibility. This study explored whether eco-printing could support the development of green and circular textile enterprises by examining the technique itself, consumer responses, and people’s willingness to start eco-printing-based businesses.A mixed-method approach was used. First, eco-printed textile samples were developed using locally available plant materials and natural-fibre fabrics. These samples were then assessed for colour intensity, clarity of motifs, aesthetic appeal, colour fastness, and overall acceptability. In the second stage, 150 respondents completed a structured questionnaire covering perceived sustainability, product value, technical feasibility, market opportunity, entrepreneurial self-efficacy, and ecopreneurial intention.Respondents viewed the eco-printed products positively. Product uniqueness received the highest mean score (M = 4.31, SD = 0.66), followed by aesthetic appeal (M = 4.25, SD = 0.63). There were meaningful differences between plant materials in overall product evaluation, F(4, 745) = 13.84, p < 0.001. Entrepreneurial self-efficacy showed the strongest relationship with ecopreneurial intention (r = 0.68, p < 0.001). The regression model was significant, F(5, 144) = 38.72, p < 0.001, and explained 57.3% of the variation in ecopreneurial intention.Overall, the study suggests that eco-printing can be more than a craft activity. When combined with textile waste utilisation, product development, quality control, and business training, it may become a practical route towards small-scale green enterprises.