I am screen printing shirts, and I would like an eco-friendly option to Plastisol inks. Water-based inks don't seem any better. I have heard rumors of PVC free inks or water-based inks without harmful chemicals. Does anyone know where I can find a distributer of eco-friendly inks? I have been searching and found nothing. Where can I start?
Re: Does anyone know where I can get PVC free inks?
Here's a couple of links to PVC free Plastisol inks. Just found these through google search of "PVC free ink supply" not sure if these qualify as eco-friendly =)
Re: Does anyone know where I can get PVC free inks?
FYI - the link above says it is for the NX Spand-E-Sol ink, but it goes to the K2 inks. The title of this page is incorrect and that is why it is shows up wrong.
Re: Does anyone know where I can get PVC free inks?
Wilflex has a Phthalate free ink line, but I'm not sure if it's PVC free. Unless thats phthalates. The ink line is called Epic, if I remember correctly. I'd call a local Wilflex dealer and ask them if they have it or can order it for you. I know it's a lot more expensive than the regular plastisol, so make sure you factor into your green friendly shirts that they may come at a premium.
Re: Does anyone know where I can get PVC free inks?
Quote:
Originally Posted by neato
Stay tuned. International Coatings is set to release a new PVC free ink that will not cost more than traditional plastisol.
I completely forgot about this from SGIA. It's set to release after the first of the year (if I remember correctly from the rep at the booth). It is also a "low temp cure", which (they say) will reduce carbon footprint as a whole because it will allow printers to lower dryer temps and cure the same, this reducing electrical and gas demand on the dryers, and in theory, reducing carbon footprint. I got some sample prints from them at the show and it looks really nice.
Re: Does anyone know where I can get PVC free inks?
The new International Coatings PVC-Free ink system introduced at SGIA'07 is called Gen IV. It is not a water base, but it is PVC, Phthalates, Organo-Tin Compounds, Heavy metals, PCP, and Pesticide free.
Union Ink used to make a PVC-Free plastisol called Liberty, but it was about 30% more expensive than their traditional plastisols and they didn't sell.
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How are you measuring? Ulano Technical Product Manager - NYC
Re: Does anyone know where I can get PVC free inks?
Richard,
Any idea when this stuff should be available at the distributers?
The most exciting thing about these inks for me is the cost. Most manufacturers have PVC free inks, but they are about twice the price as plastisol. I've also heard that they will print on darks VERY well.
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Re: Does anyone know where I can get PVC free inks?
I was at ICC at the end of November teaching at their Open House classes and they told me that they are not going into full production until the end of January or February. I'm sure they will show it at the Long Beach ISShow, but they won't sell it until they know it will be stable.
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How are you measuring? Ulano Technical Product Manager - NYC
Re: Does anyone know where I can get PVC free inks?
Thank your for you last post taasmas. I have emailed to get more info. I have been having a very discourgaing experience searching for PVC free inks. As you mentioned, many water based inks I've tried, have harmful chemicals too. And they dry in my screen, so they're a pain to work with. I have received a couple samples of other PVC free inks, but many of them have been discontinued because they haven't got them right yet, or they only come in very large quantities for way to much $$$. Thanks for your help!
Re: Does anyone know where I can get PVC free inks?
Heck, I personally don't care all that much about global warming and my carbon emissions, but I would be willing to try some of these inks out if they do cure at a lower temp. That could save some serious bucks in a year, especially if the ink is roughly the same price.
Re: Does anyone know where I can get PVC free inks?
For a truly eco-friendly ink you'll have to go back a few hundred years and make your inks by smashing bugs and mixing that with some water and squeezing some juice from leaves and etc etc etc.
Not a very friendly manufacturing process so it would be expensive.
Does anyone know where I can get PVC free inks? 
Re: Does anyone know where I can get PVC free inks? 
