Considerations for Sustainable Ink Systems
There’s a lot to consider when moving toward environmentally conscious ink systems, not least of which is deciding what that term actually means. Something that poisons the environment or is toxic is what most people think of. So they want ink that won’t do that. Something that’s biodegradable is another, but let’s remember that there are a lot of very toxic substances that are biodegradable.

Switching from plastisol to water-based ink systems are often considered by printers who want to move in an environmentally conscious direction. At first, this seems logical, but isn’t always the case. Some water-based ink systems have petroleum derivatives, which can gas off during the curing process. It’s important to think of sustainability as well as non-toxicity when choosing to go this route. You need to look at the process, what you are using, how you are using it and most important, what you are going to do with the waste.

There’s a lot of change going on and printers need to educate themselves. The material safety data sheet (MSDS) is the best place to start, although there are often the most overlooked. The MSDS contains all of the information on toxicity levels etc, or lack of, on any of the key ingredients. Always ask for one and always read it. This I’ve narrowed down my five considerations decorators should look at

1. What's in it?
Whether it’s pvc-free or water-based ink that’s being considered, find out what’s in it. Always check the MSDS and ask questions of the manufacturer. If using plastisol, ask for phthalate-free, and for water-based, ensure that it’s free of solvents and heavy metals or other unfriendly materials. Water-based fuses just like plastisol but in order to do that all of the water must be evaporated out of the ink first. This is why it takes longer to cure. Any solvents or impurities in there that sublimate will be gassed off with the water. Plastisol on the other hand remains 100 percent solid when it leaves the dryer and unused ink can be recycled (see below).

2. Where does it come from?
The manufacturing of ink itself leaves an enormous carbon footprint, from mining of raw materials to transportation (ships and truck), to the process itself. Sourcing inks and ink manufacturers closer to home helps only to diminish it.

3. How is it used?
The amount used is important because it decides how much waste will be generated. The curing process is also important because it is that here energy can be saved and conserved by using lower fusing inks that allow dryer temperatures to be lowered.

4. How is it cleaned up?
Find out what type of cleanup is required. It is here, as with the screen room, that the more unfriendly chemicals are to be found. Most plastisol inks these days can be cleaned using the newer generation of screen cleaners that are more environmentally friendly. If water is being used to clean it is very important to note that water-based ink solids are considered to be hazardous waste in just the same way that plastisols are and must be disposed of accordingly. You can’t just wash it down the drain.

Regarding the screen room, this is the most difficult due to the nature of the chemicals needed to clean screens and emulsions. Avoiding contaminants from entering the drain can be difficult. A closed filtration is best as it captures all of the solids but recycles the liquid.

5. How is it disposed of?
Not many people realize that unused plastisol inks can be recycled turning them into such things as sneakers or asphalt for roads. Water-based inks don’t have the same properties but in many cases will biodegrade, whereas plastisols won’t. Avoiding waste is by far the better consideration but not always possible. All industrial textile ink waste, whether plastisol or water-based, is considered hazardous and needs to be disposed of according to local codes.