Decorator Profile
It’s a cleaner way of doing business and one that every screen printer should consider; it’s the right thing to be doing. Accreditation might not be the correct route for every garment decorator, but an environmentally- friendly way of running a print shop should be high on everyone’s agenda.
– Christ Dart, director , ASP
garments have a great retail quality and fit and, as they are made out of organic cotton, we have a natural affiliation with the brand,” explains Chris.
Becoming GOTS certified has done little to alter the way that Chris runs and manages ASP. In fact he says the whole work ethic just makes sense. “Its a cleaner way of doing business and one that every screen printer should consider; its the right thing to be doing. Accreditation might not be the correct route for every garment decorator, but an environmentally-friendly way of running a print shop should be high on everyones agenda.”
Chris admits that although becoming GOTS certified has provided ASP with another string to its bow, as a company it couldnt survive with printing solely GOTS certified work. This is because Chris believes the consumer is not aware of the benefits that being GOTS certified brings. “Before the economic crash when people had more money to spend, organic clothing and the whole lifestyle was very topical. But as soon as the crash happened it was this luxury that was one of the first things that went out of the window. Now the economy is recovering we are finding that the interest in organic cotton is making a resurgence. However, the problem remains that not many trade customers are aware of what GOTS is and how it could benefit them. Its an education process and we need to educate our clients and prospective clients, so in turn they can educate the consumer,” says Chris.
Clients that do use ASP because of its GOTS credentials include Greenpeace and WWF. Chris says, “Greenpeace phoned us
Justin Pritchard at work
up after looking for an approved decorator on the GOTS website. There were only, at that time, eight in the whole of Europe with ASP being the only one based in the UK.”
Sustainable business
As well as following this cleaner way of business, Chris also lives by the triple bottom line philosophy of people, planet, profit. This is a framework consisting of three parts: social, environmental and financial. Looking after all three in equal measure enables Chris to run a more sustainable business for the future with his employees, finances and the environment at the heart of it. Talking of the future, Chris has big plans for this. He has his eye on an additional 5,000sq ft industrial property in close proximity to his current one. He explains that the plan is to move the offices, goods
in/out, embroidery department and his showroom over to the new building, meaning more room for another screen print machine in the current print shop. This move will enable ASP to be able to take on more work. ASP currently employs 10 members of
staff and with the planned expansion is currently looking to recruit more. In the spring Chris recruited experienced screen print manager Justin Pritchard to the role of production manager. Chris hopes that with Justins knowledge and experience, ASP can be more proactive about promoting and marketing its GOTS credentials, thus moving the business forward. Chris loves his job and this is evident in the way that he talks about his business. He says: “When you start a business its your own baby although ASP is more like an adolescent now. The company needs people like Justin, as a central influence to the companys upbringing and future success.
“I love coming to work in my shorts and slaps, going down to the beach after work. Its these pleasures in life that make it all worthwhile. Living in Cornwall is certainly a different way of living. I wouldnt do it any other way.”
And what about a final piece of advice:
“Youve got to know your numbers. Theres an old adage, failing to plan is planning to fail. Making the move from being a perceived back street screen printer to a mainstream one is all down to planning,” Chris says.
About GOTS l Recognised as the gold standard for the sustainable processing of clothing and textiles made with organically grown fibres such as organic cotton and wool.
l At least 70% organic material must be used in a GOTS certified product. The use of organic fibres is not enough.
l The entire processing chain has strict standards.
l GOTS prohibits the use of the kinds of chemicals commonly used in textile processing that can cause cancer, birth defects and other serious illnesses. Only low impact chemicals are permitted to protect consumers health.
l GOTS also includes stringent restrictions on wastewater treatment, and requires target goals and procedures to reduce water and energy consumption.
l Social criteria based on the International Labour Organisations policy must be met. These include; safe working conditions, no discrimination and no child labour. Regular inspections are also done by third parties, along the entire textile supply chain.
l Every stage of processing, Keeping on top of the paper trail
www.printwearandpromotion.co.uk
manufacturing and wholesale must be independently certified.
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