The methods employed in fabric digital printing have undergone numerous changes over the years. The main objective of these changes has been to make the process less costly and more eco-friendly without compromising on the quality of the final product. Creating sustainable digital printing systems requires an overhaul of all the components that comprise the process of textile manufacturing. These include, among others, product design, grading, marking, patternmaking and cutting.
One of the ways of ensuring that the process is sustainable is through the use of consumables that result in less environmental pollution. Lacquers used in the screens now contain very small amounts of chromium. This has helped reduce environmental pollution associated with this element. The use of nickel instruments to make holes in screens is also a very environmental-friendly option.
The printing process requires a lot of water. This often results in huge expenses for the company. Many of them have decided to improve their waste water treatment mechanisms so as to recycle as much of the water as possible. The recycled water has a wide range of applications including washing of pumps and printing blankets. Good systems can recycle up to 65% of water.
Efficiency has also been extended to the machines used (both digital and conventional). Most of the new designs can now produce the same results with less energy, water, paste (ink) and so on. The requirement for high temperatures in the drying chambers means that a lot of energy needs to be directed in this direction. With the adoption of newer systems, however, this is no longer the case. The newer systems can hold warmth for longer periods of time and save up to 25% of energy.
Another trend that has characterised modern systems is the use of urea-free pre-treatment techniques. The new practice is the use of special types of foam that result in less carbon dioxide compared to urea. There is no need to use large amounts of water to remove residual urea from the fabrics which is a huge saving.
Adoption of digital engraving is an option that is also related with a number of sustainability advantages. In this technique, direct laser is used to print on the fabrics. This is associated with turnaround times that are much shorter. The implication of this is that less energy and water is required compared to the conventional methods.
Apart from engraving, the use of pigment rather than dyes also greatly supports sustainability. Pigment can be used for any fabric type and does not require pre and post-treatment of the fabrics. Conventional methods, in contrast, rely on pre-treatment and steaming to set the dyes. Using the pigment also leads to less chemical, water and energy usage.
As one plans to adopt sustainable digital printing, they will need to bear in mind that the process is governed by some legal guidelines. Many of these regulations are meant to guide the release of industrial effluent into the environment. Since there is some variation in the structure of the guidelines from one country to another, one will need to be conversant with those of the country in which the company is located.
One of the ways of ensuring that the process is sustainable is through the use of consumables that result in less environmental pollution. Lacquers used in the screens now contain very small amounts of chromium. This has helped reduce environmental pollution associated with this element. The use of nickel instruments to make holes in screens is also a very environmental-friendly option.
The printing process requires a lot of water. This often results in huge expenses for the company. Many of them have decided to improve their waste water treatment mechanisms so as to recycle as much of the water as possible. The recycled water has a wide range of applications including washing of pumps and printing blankets. Good systems can recycle up to 65% of water.
Efficiency has also been extended to the machines used (both digital and conventional). Most of the new designs can now produce the same results with less energy, water, paste (ink) and so on. The requirement for high temperatures in the drying chambers means that a lot of energy needs to be directed in this direction. With the adoption of newer systems, however, this is no longer the case. The newer systems can hold warmth for longer periods of time and save up to 25% of energy.
Another trend that has characterised modern systems is the use of urea-free pre-treatment techniques. The new practice is the use of special types of foam that result in less carbon dioxide compared to urea. There is no need to use large amounts of water to remove residual urea from the fabrics which is a huge saving.
Adoption of digital engraving is an option that is also related with a number of sustainability advantages. In this technique, direct laser is used to print on the fabrics. This is associated with turnaround times that are much shorter. The implication of this is that less energy and water is required compared to the conventional methods.
Apart from engraving, the use of pigment rather than dyes also greatly supports sustainability. Pigment can be used for any fabric type and does not require pre and post-treatment of the fabrics. Conventional methods, in contrast, rely on pre-treatment and steaming to set the dyes. Using the pigment also leads to less chemical, water and energy usage.
As one plans to adopt sustainable digital printing, they will need to bear in mind that the process is governed by some legal guidelines. Many of these regulations are meant to guide the release of industrial effluent into the environment. Since there is some variation in the structure of the guidelines from one country to another, one will need to be conversant with those of the country in which the company is located.
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