DTG Ink Safety Standards: Certifications for Children’s Apparel

The question of chemical safety dominates custom apparel for children, schools, and health-conscious organizations. Print providers making simple claims like “water-based inks are safe” offer little verification. Northwest Custom Apparel provides more than a claim. We rely on the highest international standards to prove the inks used in our industrial Kornit DTG printers meet the most rigorous criteria for apparel safety and environmental care.

This means our NeoPigment™ Eco-Rapid Ink is compliant with standards recognized by regulatory bodies worldwide, guaranteeing a final product that is Formaldehyde-Free and safe for wear by infants and toddlers.

If you are a commercial buyer, school, or organization looking for a DTG printing service that adheres to verified safety regulations, Northwest Custom Apparel ensures certified, high-quality production.

The Necessity of Water-Based Inks

Digital printing technology made a huge shift away from traditional, solvent-based screen-printing inks. Plastisol, a common screen-printing ink, contains PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and requires plasticizers to keep it liquid. Our industrial Direct-to-Garment process exclusively uses Water-Based Pigment Inks.

This pivot to water-based chemistry means the ink is free of Heavy Toxic Materials and Heavy Metals common in older printing methods. To understand the complete production advantages of this technology, read our guide on Direct-to-Garment printing processes.

The Proof: Oeko-Tex Certification

The definitive evidence for ink safety comes from third-party verification. We cite the Oeko-Tex standard, the world’s most recognized label for textiles tested for harmful substances.

Oeko-Tex Eco-Passport: Certifying the Chemical Product

The Oeko-Tex Eco-Passport certifies the chemical products themselves, such as the ink, pre-treatment, and other textile auxiliaries. Our Kornit NeoPigment™ Eco-Rapid Ink holds this certification, which verify its components are safe for human and environmental health and comply with the ZDHC MRSL (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals Manufacturing Restricted Substance List). This ensures the raw materials of the ink do not contain banned substances.

The DTG inks meet all government standards for inks used on children’s apparel, guaranteeing a final product with vibrant color that will outlast the life of the garment.

Oeko-Tex Standard 100 – Product Class I: The Infant Standard

The Oeko-Tex Standard 100 tests the final textile product. The requirements are categorized into four Product Classes based on consumer sensitivity:

• Product Class I: This is the most stringent level, mandatory for Textiles for Babies and Small Children up to 3 Years.
• Product Class II: For items with direct, extensive skin contact (e.g., underwear).
• Product Classes III & IV: For materials with no skin contact or home textiles.

For a detailed understanding of the most stringent textile safety requirements, consult the Oeko-Tex STANDARD 100 Product Classes documentation. By relying on inks proven to meet the highest limits of Product Class I, we specifically validate the claim that our prints are safe for infants, guaranteeing the highest level of human-ecological protection for your apparel.

Chemical Exclusions: Meeting Regulatory Substances

The current standard of safety requires the exclusion of specific harmful chemical substances. The Oeko-Tex certification guarantees our inks are free of these substances:

• Formaldehyde-Free: Formaldehyde is a known irritant and is strictly limited in all Oeko-Tex standards, especially in Product Class I materials.
• APEO-Free: The inks are free of Alkylphenol Ethoxylates (APEOs), which are regulated due to their harmful effect on aquatic life.
• Heavy Metals: The inks are tested against limits for heavy metals, including lead and cadmium.

The ability of our Kornit systems to print without pre-treatment on many fabrics, and with specialized eco-friendly fixation agents when necessary, further reduces the overall chemical load and produces zero wastewater, a sustainable practice central to our operation.

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Beyond Safety: Quality and Durability Features

Safety and environmental care do not compromise print quality. In fact, durability is a safety factor. A high-quality print avoids needing early replacement.

• Wash Fastness (ISO 105): Industrial DTG inks are engineered for superior Wash Fastness, which is the feature of a print retaining its color after laundering. This resistance to fading and washing off is measured by the international standard ISO 105. Our prints achieve high results (e.g., Level 4-5) on these tests.
• Soft Hand Feel: Unlike thick, plastic-like screen prints, the water-based inks soak into the fabric fibers, creating a soft finish. This ensures comfort, especially for children’s wear.

The DTG inks meet all government standards for inks used on children’s apparel, guaranteeing a final product with vibrant color that will outlast the life of the garment.

Northwest Custom Apparel is the northwest leader in environmentally friendly products.

• Eddie Bauer
• Nike
• New Era
• Port & Company
• Port Authority 100% cotton tees