From Thread to Textile, transforming a raw material into a unique ribbon, strap, or cord is at the heart of our expertise.
Design, material selection, finishing touches… every detail matters in bringing to life a product that perfectly meets our clients’ expectations.
Justine, account manager at Satab for 6 years, gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of a custom ribbon: personalized, tailor-made support at every step of the manufacturing process.
Q: Justine, can you explain the main steps in customizing a ribbon, from manufacturing to delivery?
Justine: Of course! It all starts with a woven greige ribbon, although it’s also possible to choose a yarn-dyed option. Once this base ribbon is produced, several customization options are available to our clients.
The first step is dyeing. Clients can choose a color from the item’s standard color range or develop a custom shade by providing a Pantone reference. We then reproduce the color using either a textile swatch or the Pantone chart. Depending on the type of ribbon, we select the appropriate dyeing method: continuous or batch dyeing.
Next comes the finishing step, if needed, which allows us to adjust the ribbon’s properties according to its intended use, strengthening it, making it water-resistant, or giving it a particular feel or structure.
Q: And what about printing and finishing?
Justine: Here too, the possibilities are very diverse. We offer several printing techniques:
Screen printing, flat or raised
Foil stamping: we have a wide range of foils, from the basics like gold, silver, or bronze, to more vibrant shades like fuchsia, green…
Digital printing, transfer, or even 3D printing
And even ink-free solutions such as laser engraving or embossing
We also have strong expertise in cutting, which can be done using laser or ultrasound, depending on the type of material. We offer cuts in predefined lengths according to the client’s specifications, or in custom shapes: bias cut, straight cut, swallowtail, etc.
Q: You also offer personalized support. What does that look like?
Justine: We support each project with close, hands-on involvement. Whether the client comes to us with a vague idea, a visual, a vector file, or even a fabric sample, we’re here to help define and refine their needs.
We work hand in hand with our in-house laboratory, which can perform a wide range of compliance tests: colorfastness to light, rubbing, washing (40°/60°), chlorinated water, ironing, seawater, sublimation, tensile strength, yellowing, etc.
For the development of a new color, we offer three options:
A single lab submission,
Three lab submissions,
Or a pre-series prototype (around 50 meters, including submission).
Q: Once the project is approved, what are the final steps?
Justine: Once all the key elements are defined, material, item, weave, width, color, packaging, print color, etc. The client must provide a vector file (usually a logo).
We then send a proof (BAT) for approval before any production begins, along with a price quote and lead times. If needed, a sample or pre-series can be produced for validation.
Finally, once everything is approved, production is launched.
Q: A final word?
Justine: Working with a French or international partner requires a communication approach tailored to the context. I believe that the best business relationships are, in most cases, built on trust and long-term collaboration.