Our eco-friendly choices 🌎💚♻️
Printing eco-friendly techniques
We use sublimation and digital printing techniques for our limited edition Summer 23/24 collection.
In addition to requiring many litres of water and energy for production, the traditional printing and dyeing technique still generates a huge amount of waste and many of them are effectively polluting, proving to be a poorly sustainable alternative.
Digital printing is able to solve many of these main problems with the use of technology alone. The material used in colouring generates less waste and the procedure and is much faster, benefiting the agility and productivity of the textile industry.
This technique uses jet printers to reproduce the images. This makes the speed several times faster. This method has been refined over time and nowadays only produces waste related to the cleaning of the print heads.
Digital printing is often considered more eco-friendly compared to traditional printing methods in the fashion industry. Here's why:
Reduced water consumption: Digital printing uses significantly less water compared to conventional printing processes, which require large quantities of water for fabric preparation, rinsing, and washing. By minimizing water usage, digital printing helps conserve this precious resource.
Energy-efficient: Digital printing technologies have become more advanced, allowing for precise and efficient ink application. This reduces energy consumption and lowers carbon emissions, making it a greener option for the fashion industry.
Reduced waste: Unlike traditional methods that may produce excess ink, digital printing allows for precise color application, minimizing waste. Additionally, digital printing enables on-demand production, reducing the need for excessive inventory and potential waste from unsold items.
Non-toxic inks: Digital printing uses water-based, eco-friendly inks that are free from harmful substances such as heavy metals and formaldehyde. This makes the printed fabrics safer for both wearers and the environment.
Design flexibility: Digital printing enables easy customization and design changes, allowing fashion brands to produce garments based on customer demand. This helps reduce overproduction and the associated waste that comes with it.
While digital printing has its eco-friendly advantages, it's important to
While digital printing has its eco-friendly advantages, it's important to note that no manufacturing process is entirely without impact. Here are a few considerations to keep in mind:
Energy consumption: While digital printing is generally more energy-efficient than traditional methods, it still requires electricity to operate the printers and other equipment. Using renewable energy sources can help mitigate the carbon footprint associated with energy consumption.
Choice of materials: The sustainability of digital printing also depends on the materials used. Printing on organic or recycled fabrics can enhance the overall eco-friendliness of the process. It's essential for brands to prioritize sustainable sourcing and choose environmentally-friendly materials for printing.
Waste management: While digital printing reduces waste during the production process, the disposal of printed materials or garments at the end of their lifecycle remains a consideration. Encouraging recycling or implementing take-back programs can help minimize waste and promote circularity.
Chemical usage: Although digital printing uses water-based inks, some pre-printing treatments or post-printing finishing processes may still involve the use of chemicals. Brands should prioritize the use of eco-friendly treatments and ensure responsible chemical management throughout the production cycle.
By considering these factors and making conscious choices, digital printing can be a more sustainable option in the fashion industry. It's
It's important for fashion brands to adopt a holistic approach to sustainability by considering the entire lifecycle of a garment. This includes not only the printing process but also factors like the sourcing of materials, ethical labor practices, packaging, and transportation.
To further enhance the eco-friendliness of digital printing in the fashion industry, brands can explore innovative techniques such as pigment printing, which uses even fewer resources and produces minimal waste. Additionally, investing in research and development to improve the sustainability of ink formulations and printing equipment can contribute to a greener printing process.
Collaborating with suppliers and manufacturers who prioritize sustainability and transparency is crucial. Certifications like the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) or the Bluesign system can help ensure that the printing and manufacturing processes meet stringent environmental and social standards.
Ultimately, the fashion industry is undergoing a transition towards greater sustainability, and digital printing can play a part in that journey. By continually seeking ways to minimize environmental impact, fashion brands can embrace digital printing as an eco-friendly option while also addressing other sustainability challenges they face.
Sublimation is one of the most ecological techniques, because it does not use water and is not polluting, used in the textile industry for the printing.
Sublimation printing uses a special dye transfer process where the ink is transformed into gas and then infused directly into the fabric. Unlike traditional printing methods, this technique requires no water or chemicals, making it significantly more sustainable.
Additionally, sublimation printing produces no waste ink because the dye becomes a permanent part of the fabric, ensuring that there are no leftover remnants or harmful substances that need to be disposed of afterwards.
Furthermore, sublimation printing allows for precise color reproduction with vibrant results, meaning that less ink is typically required to achieve the desired effect. This efficiency helps to minimize the overall environmental impact.