In today’s world, being environmentally conscious isn’t just a trend, it’s a responsibility. For artists, designers, and print shops, that means exploring eco-friendly screen printing ink options that reduce waste, limit harmful chemicals, and promote sustainability. If you’re looking to make greener choices without sacrificing quality, the good news is there are now plenty of screen printing inks that are both effective and kind to the planet.
Let’s dive into why environmentally friendly printing matters, the different types of eco-conscious inks available, and how to choose the best screen printing ink for your projects.
Why Eco-Friendly Printing Matters?
Absolutely adopting eco-friendly printing practices can be impactful. Traditional screen printing inks can often be harmful due to the chemical compounds in inks, especially plastisol inks, which often contain harmful chemicals better known as phthalates and PVCs. These chemical compounds do not decompose; they pose health threats. Moreover, when it comes to our fragile planet, in terms of propelling environmental stewardship, we need to do what we can to reduce the burden!
Eco-friendly screen printing inks are typically designed with some sense of duty to sustainability. These inks often use plant-approved formulas or water-based eco-inks that require less energy to cure, utilize solvents for clean up, and the list goes on for eco-inks that offer solutions for print shops and potentially for Planet Earth.
Types of Eco-Friendly Screen Printing Inks
Where to buy screen printing inks has become even more confusing when determining environmental impact and sustainability. Here are the categories of eco-friendly inks that you should understand:
Water-Based Inks:
These are probably the most common eco-conscious screen printing ink. Water-based inks consist mostly of water. This means that there are fewer harmful solvents and VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Water-based inks penetrate the substrates, allowing for a soft, breathable print. Water-based inks clean simply and are non-hazardous, which means no hazardous cleanup!
Pros:
- Soft
- Easy Cleanup
- Lower environmental impact
Cons:
- Can dry fast on screens
- Longer curing time
Discharge Inks
Discharge inks remove dye from the fabric and substitute it with pigment- resulting in vibrant colors on dark shirts. While some discharge inks can be aggressive, eco-friendly versions with lower toxicity profiles have been developed.
Pros:
- Bold prints on dark fabrics.
- Soft printing finish.
Cons:
- Status: Not for every fabric.
- Some may still be weak activators.
Soy-Based Inks
Soy-based inks are made from soy oil and are biodegradable because they are renewable resources. Soy inks are primarily utilized in offset printing, although some manufacturers are debuting new soy-based screen printing inks for fabric printing.
Pros:
- Renewable resource
- Lower VOC emissions
Cons:
- Limited availability in screen printing
- It may require special handling
How to Choose the Right Eco-Friendly Ink?
With all these choices available, it can appear daunting to select the best screen printing ink for sustainable printing. Here are some general suggestions to help with that decision:
Ink Type versus Fabric
Not all eco-friendly screen printing inks will work well on all fabrics. For instance, water-based inks perform well on cotton, and discharge inks are best for dark garments made of 100% cotton. You really want to ensure the ink best matches the fiber content and weave of the fabric.
Equipment Considerations
Some eco inks might require special equipment or curing processes when selecting them. For instance, water-based inks often require higher humidity or longer drying times. Be sure that your press and dryer configurations will support what you choose.
Durability
You want to evaluate durability for customer satisfaction. How well the ink washes, stretches and endures the test of time are all important factors. The majority of eco-friendly screen printing ink brands are now advanced through their formulations, which produce performance data that is as good as that of traditional inks.
Cleanup
One of the best features of eco inks is safe cleanup. Try to choose inks that immediately rinse off with water and do not require harsh chemicals, particularly if you are printing in a home or shared studio environment.
Conclusion
Eco-friendly printing goes beyond a feel-good choice. It is a step toward a more sustainable and responsible creative industry. By utilizing screen printing inks that are safer for everyone and the planet, you are making a contribution without sacrificing quality.
With options like water-based and soy-based formulas, as well as the exciting potential of algae inks, there has never been a better time to utilize eco-friendly printing. Choosing the best screen printing ink doesn’t have to be stressful – just follow the tips above, and you’ll be on your way to producing amazing prints with peace of mind.
Regardless of whether you have been printing for years or you are just starting out, it’s a great time to make the transition to eco-friendly screen printing ink and provide a great example for others on sustainable graphic design practices. Both your customers and the planet will thank you.
