To ensure genuine environmental responsibility in apparel printing, Northwest Custom Apparel exclusively utilizes the Kornit DTG system. This technology is the industry benchmark for eco-friendly custom apparel because it uses water-based, non-toxic NeoPigment™ inks and operates a closed-loop system that generates zero chemical wastewater. This commitment moves us past general “green” claims and solidifies our position as a leader in sustainable printing solutions for the Seattle, Tacoma, and across Washington.
The Most Sustainable Choice: Kornit DTG Printing with Zero Chemical Waste
The System: Why Kornit DTG Eliminates Chemical Waste
The central question in sustainable printing is: which direct to garment print systems are most eco-friendly? The answer lies in the hardware’s core process and chemistry. Our investment in Kornit technology is not merely a preference; it is a structural commitment to eliminating waste.
The Core Technology: NeoPigment™ Water-Based Inks
Kornit’s patented NeoPigment™ inks stand apart from conventional apparel inks. They are water-based, non-toxic, and free of heavy metals, formaldehyde, and alkylphenol ethoxylates (APE).
- Verifiable Safety: These inks meet the strict safety standards required for infant wear, earning certifications like OEKO-TEX Standard 100 and being compliant with the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS-5). This provides customers with concrete proof that the finished apparel is safe for all ages and the environment.
Zero Wastewater: The Closed-Loop Process
Traditional decoration methods rely on chemicals for setup and cleanup, creating wastewater that requires complex disposal. The Kornit system eliminates this entirely:
- No External Pre-Treatment: The pre-treatment chemicals needed for dark garments are applied and integrated directly into the machine’s printing cycle. There is no need for external equipment, post-print washing, or extra steps that introduce water and chemical runoff.
- Zero Chemical Waste: Kornit’s innovative approach means the entire printing process, from design to finished shirt, is contained. As CEO Jim Mickelson observed, the process generates “absolutely no chemical waste,” which is a significant shift from the industry’s chemical-intensive past.
Sustainable Apparel Sourcing: The Best Garments for Eco-Friendly Prints
The environmental impact of custom apparel is defined by the quality of the print and the sustainability of the blank garment. Many customes usually ask us about the source such as sustainable garments for your custom apparel and eco friendly custom apparel.
Remember, The environmental choice starts with the shirt itself. We vet and recommend brands that align with our sustainable printing process.
Top Eco-Friendly Garment Brands We Recommend
We advise our clients to choose sustainable shirts for printing that minimize water usage and incorporate recycled content:
- Allmade Tri-Blends: Known for using organic cotton, recycled polyester, and modal to produce ultra-soft fabric with minimal environmental footprint.
- Bella+Canvas: Recognized for ethical production, efficient water use, and manufacturing primarily in the USA. Their airlume ring-spun cotton uses seven times less water than conventional methods.
- Gildan Softstyle: An accessible option that uses ring-spun cotton that performs exceptionally well with DTG inks and focuses on responsible sourcing.
We ensure that your high-quality, full-color DTG prints are applied to garments that uphold your brand’s commitment to sustainability.
Environmental Impact Comparison of DTG vs. Screen Printing
In the South Sound region, a huge movement towards environmental stewardship is taking shape among local businesses. As Aaron Williams, Executive Director of the Fife Milton Edgewood Chamber of Commerce, notes, being green provides a powerful competitive advantage. The choice of printing technology is essential to backing up these claims.
Here is a direct comparison of the environmental attributes of DTG versus older, traditional screen printing systems:
| Attribute | Traditional Screen Printing | Kornit DTG System |
| Chemical Waste | High. Requires chemical solvents for cleaning emulsions and screens, generating industrial wastewater. | Zero. Closed-loop system ensures absolutely no chemical runoff. |
| Water Usage | High. Significant water consumption is required for washing screens between color setups. | Minimal. Only the water content in the water-based ink is used. |
| Ink Type | Plastisol (PVC, Phthalates). Petroleum-based, requiring special disposal and curing. | NeoPigment™ (Water-Based, Non-Toxic). Cured via non-toxic heat process. |
| Energy Use | Higher. Energy consumed by large drying tunnels and specialized curing units. | Lower. The efficient digital process streamlines energy use per print. |
Operations Manager Erik Mickelson confirms the move to digital is a smart business decision, not only for the environment but for efficiency: “The technology not only enhances the quality of work but is also more labor-efficient.”
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Northwest Custom Apparel’s Growth and Expansion in a Green Future
The push towards sustainable direct-to-garment printing has opened new avenues for growth at Northwest Custom Apparel. The company has rebounded and is looking to expand. Currently, embroidery is constituting 50 percent of their business and DTG is making up another significant portion. As Williams warns against mere “greenwashing,” the genuine efforts of companies like NW Custom Apparel in backing their green claims with factual evidence set a standard for others to follow.
This move towards sustainability, spearheaded by local businesses in Milton, exemplifies a responsible approach to growth and development, prioritizing both the environment and the community’s well-being.
| Order Type | % of business |
|---|---|
| Embroidery | 50% |
| DTG | 25% |
| Screen-print | 15% |
| Promo Items | 10% |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The best choices are shirts made from 100% organic cotton or high-quality blends that include recycled polyester or ethically sourced rayon (like tri-blends). These fabrics offer the optimal surface for our water-based inks while ensuring responsible material sourcing.
Yes. Kornit NeoPigment™ inks have achieved OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification, which confirms that they are free from harmful substances and are safe for human ecological use. They also comply with the GOTS-5 standard, critical for organic fabric printing.
The water savings are substantial. Because our DTG system requires no water for cleaning screens or washing off external pre-treatment chemicals, the entire water consumption related to production cleanup is eliminated, which saves thousands of gallons annually compared to water-intensive screen printing operations.
Yes. The pre-treatment used in our Kornit system is applied during the print cycle and is non-toxic. Unlike methods that require washing the garment after pre-treatment, our closed-loop process integrates the solution into the fabric and cures it instantly, making it a sustainable and necessary step for achieving vibrant colors on dark apparel.
A sustainable shirt is defined by its material, manufacturing, and lifespan. It often uses recycled or organic content, involves low water usage during growth and production, and is made by a brand with ethical labor standards. We prioritize garments that meet these criteria so your custom environmentally friendly apparel truly reflects your values.
