[ModernElectric]

I am a homebased screenprinter, recently in business. As I am homebased, I thoroughly want to be as compliant and green as possible. Often I am confused by certain elements of the ecological impact of this and wanted a discussion on certain elements.

I use a Riley Hopkins press, a conveyor dryer, and a flash dryer. I have a converted garage that i do everything. Trying to figure out how to make my washout totally drainsafe in accordance with the law. Louisiana, where Im living, is a bit lacking in information on this subject.

Some Questions:

What is your vote for Health/Ecologically-friendly ink on the market?
Is buying a filtration system for my Washout booth worth the money?
What Chemicals for Cleaning/Reclaiming are THE MOST friendly for the environment and my health?

Also, just got my first order that includes youth shirts (not infant sizes.) I am a small business and the order is less than 100 shirts in the youth sizes. What can I do to be compliant with the CPSIA laws? Is there a certain ink I can use and be compliant? Am I considered small batch, etc?

Basically want to hear from other homebased printers. I am concerned as much for the legal aspects of what I do as well as the environment and would like to see how small I can make the footprint for my business, so I can grow without worry and build my base.

I know its a pretty varied post but any discussion would be helpful.

 

[CzechYourHead]

I live in Alabama and print in my garage. I use the Enviroline water base inks and cleaners. I called Ryonet and they said it was drain safe, but would want to use the Envirowipe ink remover if you are on septic. Its a pretty green product, but the white seems to dry pretty fast in the screen, so you have to work fast and use some screen opener. I really like the soft feel you get from the ink and the solvents are green and have a good citrus smell. Environmentally Eco Friendly Screen Printing Products

 

[beanie357]

Plastisol when cured is not enviro issue. Esp since the lead and phalate free stuff is widely used and works well.Waterbase of course is perceived better.

The chems are the issues. Franmar does the trick w/o the solvents and such. CCI enviro stuff works as well.

Of course, waterbase has a nicer feel.

We filter our washout booth as well with the 70/20 micron filters. You can 5 micron pool filters as well. Pretty much pulls the solids and they go in the convetor oven to dry, then the regular trash.

We reuse all or strike offs for rags, and buy used shirts at thrift stores for strikeoffs and then rags. Kinda green reuse type stuff.

 

[Celtic]

I'll address the CPSIA aspect.
You want to register! I did. You register as a 'Small Batch Manufacturer'.
Protect yourself and do it. You don't have to pay anything, just fill out the initial online form, then wait for them to review and send you back an email...you then have 3 days to respond to that.....then you respond...and are redirected to the next level....do that and they will email you a final acceptance with your number.