As a leading Print on Demand fashion company, Spreadshirt knows how important it is to be sustainable and look after our planet. There are many ways in which the way we work can impact the environment, and we like to take every step possible to reduce our carbon footprint. But what are the advantages of print-on-demand, and how can it help reduce the environmental impact fashion is having on the world we live in. Print on demand clothing is considered sustainable because it reduces textile waste by only producing items that have been specifically ordered by customers. This eliminates the need for excess inventory, which can lead to unsold and discarded clothing. Additionally, print on demand and custom printed clothing reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation, as products are only shipped when they have been purchased. This also allows for a more efficient use of resources, such as energy and water, during the manufacturing process.

Eco-Friendly Inks and Printing

There are several types of ink that are more eco-friendly than others. Some of the most common types include:

  • Water-based inks: These inks use water as the primary solvent, making them less toxic and less harmful to the environment than other types of inks. They are also less likely to cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.
  • Soy-based inks: Soy-based inks are made from soybeans, making them a renewable and biodegradable alternative to traditional petroleum-based inks. They are also less toxic and produce less emissions during the printing process.
  • Vegetable-based inks: Vegetable-based inks are made from natural sources such as linseed oil, which is derived from flax seeds. They are considered eco-friendly because they are biodegradable and non-toxic.
  • UV-curable inks: UV-curable inks use ultraviolet light to cure the ink, rather than solvents. This method reduces the amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released into the atmosphere, making it more eco-friendly than other types of inks.

At Spreadshirt we are constantly looking at how to be more sustainable, and many of our machines use vegetable-based ink and where possible all products are produced using ink that is certified as sustainable.

Sustainable Packaging

The most sustainable type of packaging is one that is reusable, recyclable, or biodegradable. The following types of packaging are the most sustainable:

  • Recyclable packaging
  • Reusable packaging
  • Biodegradable packaging
  • Minimal packaging

Packaging made from materials that can be recycled, such as paper, cardboard, and certain plastics, are also considered to be sustainable. Recycling helps to reduce the amount of waste in landfills and conserves resources by turning waste into new products.

Sustainable packaging used by Spreadshirt
A custom hoodie ready to be shipped in recycled packaging

Packaging that can be used multiple times, such as glass jars, metal tins, and cloth bags, are thought of as one of the most sustainable. This is because they reduce the need for single-use packaging and can be used for a long time.

Packaging that can break down naturally in the environment, such as plant-based plastics and compostable materials, are also considered to be sustainable. This is because they do not contribute to the problem of plastic pollution and can be safely absorbed by the environment.

Minimal packaging is also a sustainable option, it means using the least amount of packaging necessary to protect the product, reducing the use of materials and energy, making it more sustainable.

At Spreadshirt we are always thinking about how we can include as many of these factors into our packaging, and since 2022 we have stopped using plastic bags for shipping larger items such as custom hoodies and bulk orders for the corporate world and reduced the amount of plastic packaging used by over 50%. We have also moved to a completely paperless production process, saving more than 8 million sheets of paper per year, which is approximately 770 trees!

There is still a long way to go, but we are committed to a greener future, and will continue to look for more ways to improve the production methods we use, source more eco-friendly products and reduce the environmental impact we are making.  Read more about how sustainability is shaping Spread Groups future.

Der Beitrag Why Print on Demand Clothing is Sustainable erschien zuerst auf Create Blog.


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