What’s in your T-shirt ink?
Did you know that the ink that’s used on your t-shirt has a direct impact on the environment? Well, it does.
Back in the day, all that mattered was price, quality, and ease of use. With an increasingly aware society, the choices we make concerning the environment are now in high focus. Eco-friendly ink, although more expensive, is a value purchase because the longterm effects of the alternative are not worth it.
Conventional ink is the t-shirt industry standard. Let’s find out more about what it means to use this ink.
What’s the environmental impact of water-based ink?
We at Create A Tee are intentional about going green, which is why we use water-based ink. Water-based ink is made by suspending biodegradable pigment into a water base. So in essence, the ink dyes the fabric color with the color of the ink instead of sitting on top of the shirt. It comprises naturally occurring substances and no toxic chemicals, therefore it is more gentle on the environment.
It is less risky for printers, consumers, and the environment at large when compared to conventional ink. Because it is water-soluble, you don’t require any special chemicals during clean-up. This ensures that we don’t add harmful substances into our waste and water supply.
What are the benefits of water-based ink?
- Longevity: Water-based will last as long as the garment and will not show any signs of peeling or cracking over time.
- Brightness: Depending on the fabric of the shirt, the brightness of the ink can range from bright to faded. If you use a 100% cotton shirt, the print will come off vibrant and bright.
- Feel: Because the ink dyes the shirt fabric, you literally cannot feel the ink on the shirt. Your shirt will end up feeling soft and because the ink is breathable.
How does Conventional Ink affect the environment
Conventional ink is a plastic-based ink and is the current industry standard. It’s made of PVC which is valued for its versatility in mass production and ease of use. The process of making it, however, results in the release of toxic chemicals; PCB and Dioxin.
Apart from the ink’s toxic chemical base, the chemicals that are used to manufacture and maintain conventional ink are potentially detrimental to environmental health. This is because most conventionals contain phthalates. Phthalates are normally added to conventional inks in order to convert them from hard plastic to soft malleable plastic. These chemicals are known to be carcinogenic and can do a lot of damage to the reproductive system.
During printing and curing, phthalates are released into the ecosystem resulting in more environmental damage. Once the garments are ready, they continue releasing phthalate toxins when exposed to heat. And finally, if the chemicals used to clean up conventional inks are not disposed of properly, they can be extremely toxic.
In the end
In order to reach our Sustainable Development Goals, we must take individual measures to play our part. Know the effect of what your clothes have on the environment and make the necessary changes where possible. A little goes a long way. Let’s all strive to be stewards of the ecosystem we live in. After all, where else can we go?
If you’d like to know more or talk to a T-Shirt expert, feel free to reach out. You can give us a call or email us.
