Sustainability-driven brands
Consistently free of PVC and plasticisers, a perfect match for organic and GOTS-certified garments.
Sustainable screen printing from Hannover-Linden
Water-based printing
Water-based screen printing works without PVC and plasticisers – brilliant, durable and, depending on the system, soft to the touch. Whether water-based or plastisol is the better fit is something we decide per job and garment.
What is water-based printing?
Despite the name, the base of water-based ink is not water but polyurethane (PU) or acrylic, coloured with pigment concentrate. The water contained in the ink first has to evaporate through hot air in the dryer tunnel; only then does the actual curing begin – for that the garment runs through the dryer tunnel for 3.5 minutes at 170 °C. Only then is the print wash-resistant.
Water-based vs. plastisol
Both systems deliver high-quality, durable prints – which one fits depends on the job and the garment. As for where the ink sits: plastisol and high-solid water-based inks are printed onto the fibre, only low-solid water-based ink soaks into it. A cleanly printed plastisol print is barely distinguishable by hand feel from a water-based print. Water-based systems additionally work without PVC and plasticisers – which is why we like to use them for sustainability-driven projects.
Why water-based printing?
Water-based ink works without PVC, phthalates and plasticisers, which makes it an ideal match for organic garments and sustainability-driven brands. Depending on the system the hand feel is soft and breathable, the look matte and natural.
Sustainability: without PVC & plasticisers
Water-based inks work without PVC and plasticisers and therefore suit sustainability-driven collections well. We like to print them on GOTS-certified organic cotton from Stanley/Stella and AS Colour. To stay honest: water-based systems also contain chemistry and have to be processed properly – “sustainable” here mainly means PVC-free and durable prints that keep the garment in use for longer.
Hand feel, look & durability
A water-based print looks matte and natural. Dried and cured correctly, it is highly wash-resistant. Washing inside out at 30 °C on a short cycle and not tumble drying keeps the result looking good the longest.
Suitable garments & dark fabrics
Water-based printing works best on cotton and cotton blends, especially organic qualities. On light garments the ink covers directly. On very dark fabrics the opacity is lower – there we use higher-opacity systems and advise you on which solution suits your artwork best.
Who it's for
Fashion
A matte, natural look for collections that need to feel premium.
Soft, matte look
For everyone who wants a particularly soft hand feel and a matte appearance.
How it works
- 1
Enquiry or instant price in the configurator
- 2
Advice on technique and garment
- 3
Review and approve the quote
- 4
Production and shipping
Deadline in just a few days? We print express too.
Frequently asked questions
Ready for your project?
Whether 30 or 30,000 garments – get your price straight from the configurator or visit our showroom for samples and advice.