According to the Geneva Environment Network, 10% of carbon emissions produced globally are attributed to the fashion industry. This huge number is profoundly concerning, as carbon emissions can lead to several long-term environmental threats, such as air pollution, increased wildfires, climate change, and many more. We can say that the same goes for the textile and printing industries as well.
Fortunately, this was back then. As companies nowadays are increasingly making an effort to be more ethical and practise corporate social responsibility, alongside technological advances, the printing industry has become much kinder to the earth in recent years. Take DTG printing, for example. With a DTG printer, printing providers can solely rely on digital technology to produce printed clothing, eliminating any potential cases of child labour, leakage of harmful chemicals, and dangerous working conditions.
Consumers like yourself can also do their part to reduce carbon footprint and environmental impact in your t-shirt printing process. Whether it’s by opting for a more sustainable printing technique or selecting eco-friendly fabrics, there are many ways you can practise conscious consumerism that not only does good for the planet, but also makes you feel less guilty.
1. Print using DTG printing
DTG (direct-to-garment) printing is one of the newest methods introduced in the printing industry, applying digital tools to print designs on t-shirts and other clothing pieces. Similar to heat transfer, DTG printing requires the use of water-based inks, which are sprayed onto the garment to create the desired design. Due to this inkjet printing technology, less wastage is produced, and the t-shirt printing process does not release as many hazardous chemicals into the air.
If you’re looking to print your very own t-shirts using DTG printing, you’re in luck, as Direct T Shirt is one of the few t-shirt printing providers to offer a DTG printer in Singapore. With a DTG printer on hand, you can look forward to producing customised t-shirts more efficiently and at your convenience.
2. Print using DTF printing
Another environmentally friendly method that’s revolutionising the printing industry is direct-to-film printing, otherwise known as DTF printing for short. With this method, images or designs are transferred onto the fabric using a heat-press mechanism. As DTF printing only utilises water-based ink and an adhesive, it produces one waste product in the entire process. Unlike DTG printing, which can only print onto cotton t-shirts, DTF printing is compatible with various fabrics, from cotton and polyester to nylon and handled leather.
At Direct T Shirt, we are one of – if not the only – t-shirt printing providers to offer DTF printing in Singapore.
3. Go for organic cotton t-shirts
Organic cotton may sound rather pretentious to some people, but they are considerably different from regular cotton. When it comes to regular cotton, the farming process utilises GMOs, also known as genetically modified seeds, to fend off bugs. However, bugs can grow resistant to these seeds, so pesticides are brought into use. Pesticides contaminate the soil and vegetation, destroying biodiversity and natural ecosystems in the process. As organic cotton is made from natural seeds, there’s no need for pesticides, toxic chemicals, and high water consumption.
What’s more, organic cotton t-shirts come with numerous benefits. Aside from being high-quality and feeling soft to the touch, organic cotton tends to be produced by small-scale farmers who go the extra mile to be less impactful on the environment. Therefore, by purchasing organic cotton t-shirts, you’re directly helping create a more socially and environmentally conscious world.
4. Go for bamboo t-shirts
Bamboo is another great eco-friendly fabric option, though less mainstream than organic cotton. However, it’s increasingly gaining the spotlight due to its renewable nature. The farming process for bamboo is incredibly efficient as the plant can proliferate without much water consumption. Farmers also do not have to use pesticides or other chemicals to maintain the plant’s growth.
Since bamboo naturally has thermodynamic, antibacterial, and UV protection qualities, the fabric is widely used for sports and fitness clothing. If you plan on purchasing a t-shirt for workouts or you’re someone who spends ample time outdoors, bamboo t-shirts will be a good addition to your closet.
5. Print using heat transfer services
As the name suggests, heat transfer is a printing technique that transfers images and designs onto clothing with a heat press. Also known as digital heat transfer or thermal printing, heat transfer is one of the most green printing methods out there as it utilises water-based adhesives, which do not contain PVC and other toxic chemicals, and recyclable materials.
Besides being eco-friendly, heat transfer services also create durable t-shirts with high-quality designs at an affordable price.
Conclusion
Making sure the clothes you wear are sustainable is more than just protecting the world we live in. It’s also about working towards social unity and making an informed decision to align our consumer behaviour with our values and beliefs. At the end of the day, looking your best does not have to come with the cost of the planet suffering.
At Direct T Shirt, you can rest assured that all our t-shirt printing orders are produced with the highest quality. Just take a look at our Google Reviews. Not only do we provide the fastest services, but we’re also the leading t-shirt printing shop in Singapore. Our range of online t-shirt printing services has never failed to meet the needs and preferences of our customers. To find out more information, contact or WhatsApp us at 6457 7551 or email us at directtshirt@gmail.com.
