The DTG Column


Direct to garment printing:


A cleaner choice for a greener future


Charlotte Darling, director at Amaya Sales UK, outlines why direct to garment printing should be considered the cleaner choice for a greener future.


S


ustainability is no longer a nice to have. It is becoming a necessity and expectation from consumers, regulators, and businesses alike.


Nowhere is this more urgent than in the garment decoration and textile printing industry, which has long been criticised for its heavy use of water, chemicals, and energy.


As brands and print shops search for practical ways to reduce their environmental impact without compromising on quality or creativity and let’s face it cost, direct to garment (DTG) printing is a great solution for garment decoration. It has been emerging now for well over 15 years and offers a much cleaner and more sustainable solution. Unlike traditional methods, like screen printing and heat transfer that generate waste at different stages of their production cycle, DTG streamlines production with digital precision, reduces resource use, and supports responsible manufacturing models.


For me there are five significant reasons why DTG is increasingly seen as the eco-friendly choice for today’s garment decorators and why it can help shape a greener future for the entire industry if we allow it.


1) Minimal water usage compared to conventional methods One of the biggest environmental burdens of traditional textile printing is its excessive water consumption. Screen printing, for example, demands large volumes of water for mixing inks,


| 70 | August 2025


cleaning screens, and post-print rinsing. Today’s DTG printers apply water-based inks directly onto garments without the need for screens or extensive wash cycles. Advanced software technology ensures that ink is used efficiently and only where needed keeping costs to a minimum. For companies seeking to reduce their water footprint which in some regions of the world is even more critical than for us in the UK, this carries a big advantage.


2) Safer inks and reduced chemical impact


Traditional decoration methods often rely on plastisol inks and harsh chemical emulsions that can be hazardous to both workers and local ecosystems if not managed safely. DTG printing uses specially formulated water-based pigment inks that comply with stringent environmental standards and are free from harmful substances such as heavy metals and formaldehyde. In most cases they are certified by bodies like Oeko-Tex or GOTS.


Since there is no need for large-scale dye baths or chemical washes, the risk of toxic runoff is virtually eliminated. For businesses looking to operate responsibly and meet stricter regulatory standards, switching to DTG helps ensure a safer, cleaner production process. 3) Print on-demand reduces waste One of DTG’s greatest sustainability strengths is how naturally it supports a print on-demand business model. Unlike bulk printing runs that often lead to surplus inventory and unsold


stock destined for landfill, DTG allows decorators to produce exactly what is needed, when it is needed following the print what you sell philosophy rather than sell what you print.


This makes it economically feasible to fulfil small orders, custom designs, or limited editions without wasteful overproduction. It is this benefit that is regarded most highly by brands wanting to reduce their environmental footprint. 4) Smaller operational footprint and lower energy use


Traditional printing setups often require energy-hungry equipment such as screen dryers, curing ovens, and large wash stations. In contrast, DTG printers resemble high-end digital printers: they deposit ink precisely and use compact heat presses or tunnel dryers to cure prints efficiently.


Without the need for extra space to store screens, chemicals, and surplus inks, print shops can operate in smaller, cleaner facilities with lower overall energy demands. Over time, this streamlined approach can contribute to significant reductions in carbon emissions and utility costs. 5) Works on sustainable blanks DTG works best on a 100% or high cotton content garment, which aligns perfectly with organic cotton and sustainably sourced garments, further lowering the overall environmental footprint.


Towards a greener print industry No production method is entirely impact-free, but direct to garment printing stands out as a cleaner, smarter choice for businesses striving to balance creativity with environmental responsibility. By using less water, fewer chemicals, and supporting waste-free production, DTG empowers decorators and brands to deliver high-quality custom garments with a lighter footprint. Sustainability will not go away. As I write this, I am sure others will agree, that the high temperatures we have seen in recent weeks must in some way be linked to global warming. We all have a responsibility to protect the planet in the future and within our industry embracing direct to garment technology is not just good for the planet, it is a sound investment for your business’ future in garment printing.


www.printwearandpromotion.co.uk


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