Case Study New ink passes the test
In recent years, Derby-based DS Screen Prints has been exploring ways of becoming a more eco-friendly business. Among other things, this meant trying and using eco-friendly water-based screen printing inks. But these had their limits. That was until GIF Supplies suggested an interesting alternative. Here Nick Lewis, director, picks up the story.
D
S Screen Prints was founded in 1990 and is headed up by myself and my brother Chris. Over the decades we have built a very successful worldwide alternative clothing brand, and so took the decision to expand the business 15 years ago to offer our extensive print and design experience and knowledge to others. We now provide screen printing, embroidery, direct to garment printing, dye sublimation and vinyl printing services to a broad range of people including large established clothing brands, corporate clients, specialist sports companies, charities and events managers.
Passion for print
Our close-knit team have a real passion for print so we love to work closely with new brands, helping and advising. In the last 18 months we have noticed a large increase in new brands looking for eco-friendly inks and garments and sustainable printing companies, which is something that is
very close to our own hearts. In our push to become a more eco-friendly business, we look to actively reduce our C02 and electric running costs. Last year we invested in solar panels that
One of DS Screen Prints’ screen printing presses | 28 | August 2021
generate all of the electricity that we use in our factory. We also invest in equipment that has the smallest C02 footprint and where we can we recycle waste, wash rags and carry out cardboard recycling. Traditionally, producing water-based prints on to dark garments has had its limits. We have been trying eco-friendly water-based inks that are opaque, however in our print shop we find they need lots of additives to prevent drying in and help the curing process, which means shelf life is limited and ink wastage higher. This inevitably increases the costs for our customers and slows the print process in our factory. A few months ago, a local Derby brand called Reworked 348 approached us. They were looking for a cost-effective, but environmentally-friendly print for their latest range of reworked tees. These tees were originally produced in the 1990s in Kentucky, USA, using 100% combed cotton for the US army. They arrived from a European supplier still in their original packaging having never been worn. As a company, Reworked 348 has built a very successful business reworking vintage clothing in their bid to reduce the impact the global clothing manufacturing industry has on the environment.
www.printwearandpromotion.co.uk Nick Lewis (centre) pictured with some members of his team
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