Those using Organic T-shirts What Type of Process (Transfers, Ink) Are You using?
Hi,
Quick questions. I see a lot of people asking about organic t-shirts so i was wondering if you are using organic t-shirts what type of method are you using to apply the design;
- DTG Printer (non-organic inks)
- organic inks (screenprinting
- heat transfer s(nom organic), etc.
Re: Those using Organic T-shirts What Type of Process (Transfers, Ink) Are You using?
Quote:
Originally Posted by neato
You mentioned screen printing with organic inks. Where have you found organic screen printing inks?
Many screen print with waterbased inks on organic cotton. But they're definitely not organic.
I don't know if organic inks exist which is why I am asking what process is being used when printing on organic shirts.
I assume someone requesting organic shirts are concerned about environmental issues/use of chemicals so I wanted to know what people were printing the design on with. I listed DTG, Organic Inks, etc. as a question as I don't know what's being used or if in the case of (organic inks) that such a think exist.
I got ask last year if i sold organic -shirts. (never new such a thing existed). So now i'm trying to find out how designs are put on if the shirts are organic.
Re: Those using Organic T-shirts What Type of Process (Transfers, Ink) Are You using?
Water based inks would seem to be the appropriate choice. After all, what would be the point of going organic if you end up slapping vinyl, paint, or gaseous inks on it?
Re: Those using Organic T-shirts What Type of Process (Transfers, Ink) Are You using?
Quote:
Originally Posted by gothicaleigh
Water based inks would seem to be the appropriate choice. After all, what would be the point of going organic if you end up slapping vinyl, paint, or gaseous inks on it?
Why would you say water based inks would be the obvious choice?
Re: Those using Organic T-shirts What Type of Process (Transfers, Ink) Are You using?
It is true that WB inks are a BETTER solution if you're looking to print in an eco-friendly way. But they're definitely not a perfect solution.
It's still printing. The process is going to have an impact on the environment no matter what inks you use. The important thing is to ask your printer what steps he/she takes to leave a minimal impact on the environment.
Heck, a guy printing with WB inks could still be using areosol spray adhesive and mineral spirits to clean his screens. You need to ask these questions.
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Re: Those using Organic T-shirts What Type of Process (Transfers, Ink) Are You using?
The Planet Ink is the only shop I know of that uses organic inks. They make their own.
Although "organic" is a big buzz word right now, I think it actually confuses the issue. If the environment is the concern, the real issue is sustainability. That includes all of the inputs into the process -- how much energy was used, how much water, how much land, how much waste was produced, what kind of waste, and on and on and on. These factors should be considered for production of the garment, printing, transportation, and ultimately disposal. And, of course, human factors in production should be considered as well.
Speaking very generally, organic cotton is not even close to being the most sustainable fabric. Bamboo and hemp -- even if not organic -- are much friendlier.
And then there's recycled cotton, which, from what I have read so far, is probably the best choice in terms of sustainability. But it just doesn't sound as sexy as "organic". It seems that for most people, "recycled cotton T-shirt" conjures up images of thrift stores and sweat stains.
Anyway, I think that whether or not the ink is organic is a big red herring.
Re: Those using Organic T-shirts What Type of Process (Transfers, Ink) Are You using?
Quote:
Originally Posted by AustinJeff
The Planet Ink is the only shop I know of that uses organic inks. They make their own...
Hi AustinJeff,
Thanks for the link to Planet Ink it actually answers the questions I had basically if anyone was using a DTG Printer to print on Organic Shirts (they say they've just added that ability).
again thank you and everyone else that responded to this post
Re: Those using Organic T-shirts What Type of Process (Transfers, Ink) Are You using?
Printchic
Hi, I am new to the business but have done much research to locate a water-based ink that is eco-friendly. I found one called Permaset. It is a new line manufactured in Australia. It's 100% solvent free and can be washed out with water, although being slow at printing, we have had to purchase drain-friendly products to wash it out with. I think with practice we will be able to use water only.The spent water can be reused as grey water in your garden, once the solids have been removed. Only don't pour it out daily because of all the nutrients.
The inks are vibrant and extremely soft to the touch. They have an excellent washfastness and can be dry cleaned. So far so good. There is a screen printing company in England that has been using them for better than a year and they are quite satisfied.
If you're interested I can give you the name of the emulsion you need, etc.
Re: Those using Organic T-shirts What Type of Process (Transfers, Ink) Are You using?
Quote:
Originally Posted by 5Aw'F
Printchic
Hi, I am new to the business but have done much research to locate a water-based ink that is eco-friendly. I found one called Permaset. ...
If you're interested I can give you the name of the emulsion you need, etc.
Vicki
Hi Vicki,
Thanks for sharing the info. I don't do screenprinting at this time but would like the info for future purposes as i do have a screenprinting press and may do some dark shirts periodically.
Currently want i was trying to find out is if people were using their Brother GT-541 to print on organic shirts and was also curious to find out if people doing transfers from their inkjet was also possibly doing work on organic shirts.
I'll PM you to give you my email address for the info on the ink as it's a good reference to have as we have been talking about dusking off our screenprinting press.
This is a discussion about Those using Organic T-shirts What Type of Process (Transfers, Ink) Are You using? that was posted in the General T-Shirt Selling Discussion section of the forums.
Those using Organic T-shirts What Type of Process (Transfers, Ink) Are You using? 
