Decorator Profile
People, planet, profit
Situated metres from the seafront in Newquay is the only screen printer and embroiderer in the UK that is Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified. But what does this mean for business? P&P editor Melanie Attlesey reports.
A
SP was born in 2003 when, after many years working in IT and retail, director Chris Dart decided to go it alone and start his own business. Fast forward 13 years and ASP is now the only contract screen printer and embroiderer in the UK that is GOTS certified.
Chris started ASP from a small industrial unit with a second-hand manual press. “It was very hard to register multi colour prints on a cheap entry level machine and each shirt had to be registered individually. All a bit of a nightmare,” he says. Chris learnt everything he knew himself and picked up work from local surf shops looking to create and sell their own designs. Eight years ago ASP moved to Newquay where they went about setting up a print shop in a 4,000sq ft unit just metres from the seafront. Chris describes ASP as a trade specialist garment screen printer and embroiderer for modern businesses that demand quality, reliability and value, which they are unable to find elsewhere in the traditional print industry.
He says: “We are fanatical about quality of finish, and obsessed with great customer experience. “We act as more than just a supplier, with our consultative approach, transparent processes, and consistent production making us the garment decoration professional of choice for well known
brands, charities, and promotional agencies alike.”
Over the years Chris has invested in an M&R Chameleon manual press, a six colour eight station M&R Sportsman, a 10 colour 12 station MHM E-Type and two dryers. As Chris points out: “We have grown our business organically without external investment. We have continually invested profits back into the business to buy more machinery. We used the Chameleon for around eight years but this has now been phased out of production. We are now working our way towards an MHM iQ Oval.”
Becoming GOTS certified
It was a local organic baby clothes company that first suggested ASP became GOTS certified. For Frugi it was important that the whole supply chain it used from cotton to garment decorator was GOTS approved. Frugi approached Chris and asked if ASP would become GOTS certified so the two companies could work together. Hayley Goodchild, production co-ordinator, said: “It was important for us that ASP was GOTS certified as it meant we were able to source locally and support other like minded businesses. The conversation with Chris was great and he immediately saw the mutual benefits of the GOTS accreditation.”
Greenpeace is a loyal client | 50 | July 2016
It can appear quite daunting when looking at becoming a GOTS certified decorator. There are many aspects to take into consideration during the certification process and in order to remain GOTS certified. A decorator must ensure they keep a complete paper trail of all orders, keep a close eye on health and safety and employment law, ensure safe and legal working conditions for employees, monitor waste water, demonstrate a reduction in water, gas and electricity usage, carry out a detailed clean down process and ensure organic garments are kept away from conventional cotton garments. Chris uses water-based inks that contain no PVC or phalates and to ensure the screen printing process is as environmentally-friendly as possible ASP
Chris Dart
has recently invested in a CPS recirculation unit for cleaning screens. This unit recirculates the solvent so it can be used again and prevents waste from entering the drainage system. Periodically Chris and his team need to empty the sludge that has been collected in the bottom of the unit. This can then be disposed of safely. Chris adds: “This is very eco-friendly and minimises the amount of waste that goes into our drains”
Chris says that it would be impossible to run the business if it wasnt for FastManager, a bespoke business management software for the apparel industry. His background in IT has definitely helped. “It does take time to learn and set up the system, but once you do, it gives you some much more control and enables you to work efficiently.” This means Chris can keep on top of everything including the paper trail he has to provide to the Soil Association when it comes to his annual audit. Its not only the operational process that Chris has to be conscious about, but also where he sources the garments he uses. These must be GOTS approved as well, ensuring the whole supply chain is GOTS certified.
Chris has chosen to use garments from Mantis World, Continental Clothings EarthPositive range and Stanley & Stella. “We are only one of two authorised dealers of Stanley & Stellas products in the UK. Stanley & Stella is a brand in a box. The
ASP is a GOTS approved screen printer
www.printwearandpromotion.co.uk
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72
