When it comes to silk screen printing and the environment, there are a few important factors to consider. The first is the kind of inks used for the process. The second is the type of printing surfaces available. And lastly, the impacts of the process itself on the surrounding environment and workplace. 


Inks Used for Silk Screen Printing 

When it comes to lace printing, there are typically two types of inks available: water-based inks and plastisol inks. Water-based inks often contain pigments and other ingredients that are a combination of both natural and synthetic components. Plastisol inks contain PVC resin, liquid plasticizers and often photoinitiators or other additives. 

In terms of environmental concerns, water-based inks have been found to be less toxic than plastisol inks due to their inherent makeup. Generally, water-based inks won't contain heavy metals that can be hazardous when disposed incorrectly, and because these inks are water-soluble, they're much easier to clean without the presence of harsh chemicals. 

Both types of ink have their own environmental advantages and disadvantages. It's important to consider that the water-based ink composition is superior to plastisol inks due to the base used to make the ink, but water-based ink generates more waste and may require additives to enhance curability. However, the lifespan of water-based ink is shortened as a result, leading to increased disposal, whereas plastisol inks remain unaffected until exposed to extreme heat.


Printing Surfaces 

The other side of the coin when it comes to silk screen printing and environmental concerns is that of the printing surfaces. For example, what kind of fabric are you looking to use for this process?

Most often, silk screen printing is done on fabrics like cotton, polyester or nylon. These fabrics will typically absorb the inks much easier than other materials, meaning less ink is used and the overall pr-inting process is more efficient. Of course, some fabrics are better than others; cotton, for instance, is a much better option than polyester or nylon because it's a natural and renewable resource.


Impacts on the Environment 

When considering environmental concerns with silk screen printing, it's also important to think about the impacts of the process itself. For instance, the use of energy and water is usually required for each printing job. Both of these resources should be used responsibly and when possible, be sourced from recycled sources. 

It's also important to think about the impacts of disposing of the inks and fabrics once the printing process is complete. For example, when disposing of inks, it's best to do so responsibly: make sure that they can be reused or recycled, and avoid sending them directly into the environment or to a landfill. 

It's also important to consider air quality, too. If screen printing is being done in a open workspace, there's the potential for dust and other air contaminants to be released into the air. To avoid this, it's important to make sure the workspace has adequate ventilation and air filtration systems in place.

The bottom line is that there are some environmental concerns that are associated with silk screen printing, but these can be addressed and managed properly through appropriate selection of inks and materials, as well as responsible use of resources. By keeping these considerations in mind, you can ensure that your silk screen printing process is both efficient and environmentally responsible.