3D hypercraft cvanschukkmann

I compared which textile you can do the best with digital textile printing. I compared all fabrics, for example polyester and cotton. And came to the conclusion to choose cotton: 

Cotton is a natural fiber which, especially within the fashion industry, is widely used for clothing because of its high moisture control, comfort, and durability. With a digital textile printing machine, you can print on cotton. To obtain the highest quality possible, most digital printers use reactive inks since this type of ink provides the highest wash fastness for prints on cotton.

There are no screens or plates to produce (as for screen print or rotary printing) and so needs less setup equipment.

Printing direct to fabric means less wasted surplus ink (unlike dyeing) through precise applicaton of the artwork.

The inks we do use are certificated as Azo dye free.

Using the best quality inks through the print heads stops clogging and waste.

Many of our fabrics also have a OEKO-TEX certification or are to European REACH standards.

There is less use of chemicals and water than traditional methods. Use of water is unavoidable however, by investing in high tech equipment we have reduced our water consumption to the minimum required to achieve production. The disposal of waste water is treated through approved channels and vetted by the local authority as effluent friendly.

Our machinery is designed to last. We are diligent with our maintenance programs and our staff are highly trained in their operation. Taking care of the machinery prolongs its lifespan.

There are unavoidable fabric off-cuts caused by rolling on and off the printer beds, testing print heads, etc. Mindful not to clog our landfill sites and to protect your copyright, we send all wasted fabric for recycling. Our waste fabrics are collected by a recycling specialist who shreds them and uses the resulting fibre as bioenergy, incinerating it to create heat sources and electricity. Plain fabric offcuts may also be donated to education and charity facilities.

Is Printing Bad for the Environment?

To start, we must analyze whether printing is a green practice or not!

Many traditional printing companies use chlorine-based bleaches for certain types of printing. Toxic chemicals are released into the water, soil, and air when these bleached papers are thrown away. To elaborate, the paper emits methane gas as it decomposes—that’s 25 times more toxic than CO2!

In addition to harmful bleaching practices, many printing companies use technology that emits potentially dangerous amounts of ozone. For reference, ozone (O3) is a highly unstable and reactive form of oxygen that can cause debilitating side effects on the human body.

In reaction, several printing companies have introduced sustainable printing processes. Keep reading to learn more about green printing and how The Print Authority is setting an example of optimal green printing practices.

Green printing is the practice of using renewable energy resources, reducing the use of energy and greenhouse emissions, and using recycled materials

For example, a printing service may use recycled paper to print their products.

Green Printing Processes

Over time, printing companies have taken a look at their production processes to implement more sustainable practices.

As mentioned before, they might limit the use of unnecessary chemicals or use recycled materials!

In addition, progressive printing companies have opted for digital printing presses that use less power, require fewer chemicals and use biodegradable toner.

After all, changing press and other chemicals makes good sense if effective and environmentally friendly substitutes can be found!

In the end, reducing waste lowers cost and makes the operation more efficient and profitable.

An even more unusual green printing technique includes using tree-free paper. This unique paper alternative is derived from vegetable products such as bamboo, jute, wheat, straw or agricultural waste.

Whichever eco-friendly paper alternative that you choose, it will print with the same quality that you expect from traditional printer paper.  It is also important to note the percentage of post consumer waste in any recycled paper you choose.  There are more options than ever available now including paper which is made with 100% post consumer waste. This new printing process has lowered client’s cost of obsolete materials by nearly $24,000 per year! In other words, waste is dramatically reduced and clients save thousands of dollars!