Custom T-Shirts: How to Make Them Eco-Friendly
T-shirts are a brand and promotional product must-have, but not all t-shirts are created equal. Some are made of lower grade materials that can be harmful to the environment, while others are made of organic materials that are better for the planet.
If you're looking for an environmentally friendly option, you can make your own custom t-shirts from eco-friendly materials. In this article, we'll show you how to make your t-shirts green without sacrificing style.
Choose an Eco-Friendly T-Shirt Printing Company
When it comes to customising your t-shirts, it's important to find a company that uses eco-friendly practices. Not only will this help the environment, but you can also feel good about supporting a business that shares your same values.
There are a number of printing companies that use sustainable methods, such as waterless printing and alternative inks. So, when you're shopping around for a printer, be sure to ask about their environmental policies.
agogo is one of Australia's leading screen printers and offers eco-friendly printing options from digital direct-to-garment through waterbased screen printing inks and eco-sourced garment blanks.
Better Cotton Initiative
The Better Cotton Initiative exists to make global cotton production better for the people who produce it, better for the environment it grows in and better for the sector’s future. BCI aims to transform cotton production worldwide by developing Better Cotton as a sustainable mainstream commodity.
AS Colour is committed to improving cotton farming practices globally with Better Cotton (BCI). To achieve this mission Better Cotton trains farmers to use water efficiently, care for soil health and natural habitats, reduce use of the most harmful chemicals and respect workers’ rights and wellbeing.
Better Cotton is sourced via a chain of custody model called mass balance. This means that Better Cotton is not physically traceable to end products, however, Better Cotton Farmers benefit from the demand for Better Cotton in equivalent volumes to those they ‘source.’
Select a T-Shirt Made of Sustainable Materials
So, you want to make your custom t-shirts eco-friendly? Here are a few tips to get you started:
First, select a t-shirt made of sustainable materials. Organic cotton, for example, is grown without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilisers, making it better for the environment.
Next, choose a printing method that doesn't use any harmful chemicals. You can go with screen printing, which is a traditional printing method that uses water-based inks, or digital printing, which can print your designs directly onto the fabric using soy ink for example.
OEKO-TEX® Standard 100
100% of AS Colour's products from Bangladesh are certified by Oeko-Tex and 80% of their China Dye houses are also certified by Oeko-Tex Standard 100. OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified ensures that products are free from dangerous substances—chemicals like pesticides, heavy metals, formaldehyde, and undesirable surfactants. The certification is designed to ensure the effect the dyeing industry has on the environment is minimised and the garments are safe for consumers as well as the people who make and sell them.
CERTIFICATION. The Oeko-tex Standard 100 is a testing certification for numerous harmful chemicals, even if they are not yet legally regulated. The certification of products in accordance with OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 is that all parts of an article meet the required criteria. Extensive product checks and regular company on-site visits also ensure that the industry has a globally sustainable awareness of the responsible use of chemicals.
• Important legal regulations, such as banned Azo colourants, formaldehyde, pentachlorophenol, cadmium, nickel, etc.
• Requirements of Annexes XVII and XIV of the European Chemicals Regulation and their safe use REACH
• European Chemicals Agency ECHA
• SVHC Substances of Very High Concern
• Requirements from the US Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA)
• Discussions and developments that are considered to be relevant are taken into account as quickly and effectively as possible through updates to the STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® requirements.
• Numerous environmentally relevant substance classes.
Consider the Dyeing and Finishes Used on the T-Shirt
When it comes to custom t-shirts, there are a lot of different factors to consider. In addition to the type of fabric and fit you want, you also need to think about the type of dying and finishes used on the shirt.
Some dyes and finishes are more environmentally friendly than others, so it's important to do your research and choose one that will have the least impact on the planet. For example, a water-based ink is better for the environment than an oil-based ink, because it doesn't release harmful toxins into the air.
Similarly, a natural finish is better for the environment than a synthetic finish, because it doesn't contain any harsh chemicals. So if you're looking to make your custom t-shirts eco-friendly, be sure to consider these factors!
Use Water-Based Inks for Your T-Shirt Printing
When you're printing your custom t-shirts, it's important to use water-based inks. Not only do they look great, but they're also more environmentally friendly than other types of inks. Here's why:
Water-based inks are non-toxic, which means they're safer for both you and the environment. They also biodegrade more quickly than other inks, meaning that they won't sit in landfills for years. Plus, they don't produce harmful VOCs (volatile organic compounds), so they won't damage your lungs or the air quality around you.
Printed T-Shirts
When it comes to custom t-shirts, there are a lot of different ways to make them eco-friendly. You can choose materials like organic cotton or bamboo, or go for a water-based ink instead of a traditional petroleum-based ink.
Another option is to order a digitally printed shirt. This process uses significantly less ink and energy than traditional screen printing, and it's also completely recyclable. So if you're looking for an environmentally friendly way to create your custom t-shirts, digital printing is a great option.
Request a Proof Before Your T-Shirts Are Printed
Now that you know all about how to make your custom t-shirts eco-friendly, it's time to place your order! When you're ready, be sure to request a proof before your t-shirts are printed. This will help to ensure that your design is accurate and that the colours are perfect.
Looking for a more sustainable option? Consider ordering your t-shirts made from organic cotton. Not only is this better for the environment, but it also feels softer and more durable than traditional cotton.
There are a few things you can do to make sure your custom t-shirts are eco-friendly. The most obvious is to use organic materials, like cotton, bamboo or hemp. You can also use recycled materials, like fabric made from post-consumer plastics or reclaimed wood fibres.
You can also reduce the environmental impact of your custom t-shirt printing by choosing an eco-friendly printer. Some printers use water-based inks and soy-based coatings, which are friendlier to the environment than traditional petroleum-based inks.
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