It’s no secret that so many more printers are moving toward eco-friendly products. Eco-friendly products are easier to work with, less toxic and better for your health and the health of your employees. A great investment for everyone involved.

There are many ways you can change up your shop to be a greener print shop and make it a more health-conscious workplace. Let’s have a look at some of our highly recommended eco-friendly products you can implement into your shop.

lnksFor textile printers, water-based inks have been making waves in the screen printing industry. Water-based inks have expanded into special FX such as puff additives, glitters, reflective and much more, expanding the range far wider than previously available. Many ink manufacturers have refined their formulas and processes to give the inks properties that make high volume garment printing a breeze due to the slower drying properties, ease in multi colour printing, and basing low opacity colours. It’s making progress to becoming a rival to plastisol inks.

What makes water-based inks eco-friendly?

Water-based inks are virtually VOC-free, significantly reducing their environmental impact. They are also PVC and phthalate free.

As this ink type is made from a water-soluble polymers, this allows the ink to be water soluble. There are great clean up supplies for water­based ink, however, one of the simplest choices for cleaning water­based inks? Water. That’s right! Warm water will clean up water-based inks. This reduces the need for any toxic chemicals that may be used for other ink types. By reducing the need for chemicals in your print shop, you’re one step closer to being a greener print shop.

We carry two water-based ink brands here, Permaset and Magna Colours. Both of these brands are incredible water-based inks to help you move toward a greener print.

Find out more about Permaset: https://permaset.com.au/
Find out more about Magna Colours: https://www.magnacolours.com/

What to look for?

Some ink manufacturers will go one step further to get certified by OEKO-TEX & GOTS.

“OEKO-TEX Standard 700 is one of the world’s best-known labels for textiles tested for harmful substances. It stands for customer confidence and high product safety.”
Source: https.//www.oeko-tex.com/en/our-standards/oeko-tex-standard-700

This should help you identify eco-friendly products next time you’re in the market for inks!

Pre and Post Press Supplies

The supplies you use pre and post press will be one of your largest consumables besides ink. With this in mind, it’s important to note that you’ll be spending a lot of time working with these supplies. Using harsh chemicals require workplace risk assessments and strategies to minimise employee and workplace risk.

Their use can impact on employee health if not used correctly and with adequate PPE. Lucky for us (and you) there are companies out there that take pride if manufacturing eco-friendly pre, on and post press products.

Franmar

Franmar has established itself in the screen printing industry as the most eco-friendly clean up products to use.

“As a company, we want to change the perception that dangerous chemicals are necessary for cleaning and restoration projects and are committed to providing better alternatives for contractors, screen printers and DIYers.”
Source: https://franmar.com/about-us/about-franmar

Franmar has developed formulas to harness the power of soybeans rather that relying on acetone, mineral spirits or other petrochemicals. By focusing on using soybeans, they’ve been able to develop an eco­friendly clean up range for screen printing inks that is effective without the toxic fumes and ingredients. Franmar offers everything from degreaser to emulsion / haze removers, and environmentally friendly ink removers for all types of ink.

American Eagle

Jones Brothers has been importing the American Eagle HRl000 Haze Remover Paste for decades. Not only does it work extremely well in removing ghost images from the mesh, but it is also considered biodegradable and drain safe.

AGM Chemicals

AGM Chemicals is a new addition to the Jones Brothers offerings, with a Green Citrus Screenwash which works well in clean up of plastisol, solvent based and UV inks. With its pleasant scent and no harmful VOC’s, this product can help eliminate harmful solvents from your workshop.

Saati

Saati has been around since 1935 manufacturing mesh, screen chemicals and emulsions and other filter media. Their Direct Prep 3 Degreaser Concentrate is not only economical to use, but it is also 100% biodegradable.

Tekmar

Tekmar Ltd produces pallet adhesives that can be applied to the pallet either manually or through a bulk adhesive system. Customers are making the move to these types of products, with the aim of removing the use of aerosol spray adhesives on the factory floor. Tekmar adhesives can also be removed from the pallet using Citrus Cleaners, rather than traditional use of solvents to remove spray adhesive.

Around the shop

Textiles & Garments

There are many things you can do around your shop to make it greener. Something as simple as re-using and recycling garments or other substrates will go a long way. Convert misprinted textile/garments into testing pieces and once they’ve run their course, transition them into shop rags.

You can also look for textiles that are Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) or OEKO-TEX certified. These certifications have stringent criteria for the manufacturer to have this badge on their textile/garments.

“The Global Organic Textile Standard (COTS) was developed by leading standard setters to define world-wide recognised requirements for organic textiles. From the harvesting of the raw materials, environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing to labelling, textiles certified to COTS provide a credible assurance to the consumer. 11 Source: https.//global-standard.org/

“Driven by sustainability and a dedication to transparency, our work is grounded in proven science. Our standards allow everyone to make responsible decisions and protect natural resources. 11
Source: https.//www.oeko-tex.com/en/about-us

Everyone is slowly making their moves to become a healthier and eco­friendly workplace. We carry the best eco-friendly products in the screen printing industry and we want you to experience these awesome products for yourself.

Sustainable Screen Printing: Eco-Friendly Tips for a Greener Print Shop

Product Recommendations

1. Franmar Product Range

Franmar has you covered for the entire screen prep process. From emulsion removers to degreasers and everything in between, try Franmar!

2. AGM Green Citrus Screen Wash

AGM Screen Wash is a virtually VOC free screen wash that can tackle just about any ink type – Avoid those harmful solvent cleaners, opt for AGM.

3. Permaset or Magna Colours Waterbased Inks & Mixing System

Looking to change your ink system or expand your ink range? We carry both Permaset and MagnaColours waterbased inks.

4. Tekmar Pallet Adhesives

Reduce your usage of aerosol adhesives by using Tekmar waterbased pallet adhesives. Simply scrub with water to reactivate the adhesive.