February 4, 2025
A recent NielsenIQ report found that 73% of global shoppers are willing to pay more for sustainable products, with Millennials and Gen Z leading the charge. This growing demand for eco-friendly options gives your brand a chance to align with what matters most to today’s consumers.
If you're a brand that cares about environmental impact, screen printing can be both creative and sustainable when done right. The good news? You don’t have to compromise on quality, durability, or aesthetics to make your custom merch more planet-friendly.
At Superior Ink, we specialize in Denver screen printing that blends sustainability with high-quality, custom designs. Here’s how you can create merch that looks great, lasts for years, and keeps your eco-conscious customers coming back.
One of the easiest ways to reduce your environmental footprint is by switching to eco-friendly inks. Traditional plastisol ink, commonly used in screen printing, is made with PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and phthalates - both of which are harmful to both human health and the environment. These inks require toxic solvents for cleanup and contribute to plastic pollution when not disposed of properly.
The alternative? Water-based and plant-based inks.
Non-toxic and biodegradable – No petroleum-based ingredients or harsh chemicals.
Better for air quality – They don’t release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which contribute to air pollution.
Soft, breathable prints – Unlike plastisol, which sits on top of the fabric, water-based ink soaks into the material, creating a softer, long-lasting design.
Easier cleanup – Requires only water and mild soap instead of chemical solvents.
If you want to take it a step further, algae-based inks are emerging as an ultra-sustainable alternative. These use naturally derived pigments from algae instead of petroleum-based colorants, making them one of the most environmentally friendly options available.
Pro Tip: Water-based inks work best on lighter fabrics. If you’re printing on darker materials, discharge printing is a great way to get bold, vibrant colors while keeping the process eco-friendly.
Sustainable printing doesn’t stop at ink. The fabric you print on matters just as much when it comes to reducing waste and lowering your brand’s carbon footprint. Traditional cotton production requires thousands of gallons of water per shirt, along with heavy pesticide use that harms ecosystems.
Organic Cotton – Uses 91% less water than conventional cotton and is grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.
Recycled Cotton – Made from repurposed fabric scraps or post-consumer waste, cutting down on landfill pollution.
Recycled Polyester – Made from post-consumer plastic bottles, giving waste a second life.
If you’re focused on organic and ethically sourced materials, go for GOTS-certified organic cotton.
If your brand is actively reducing plastic waste, recycled fabric shirts or hoodies can turn discarded bottles into wearable merch.
If you want luxury sustainability, Supima® cotton offers an eco-conscious alternative with a premium feel.
Screen printing requires heat, electricity, and specialized equipment, but that doesn’t mean it has to be wasteful. By making small changes to your production process, you can significantly cut down on energy consumption and make your printing operation more sustainable.
Upgrade to LED exposure units – Traditional UV bulbs consume more power and require frequent replacement. LED exposure units use less energy and last longer.
Choose air-dry inks whenever possible – Some water-based inks don’t require heat curing, reducing the need for high-powered dryers.
Use energy-efficient curing methods – If your prints do require heat curing, use low-temperature curing inks to reduce drying time and power use.
Print in bulk – Printing large batches at once reduces machine warm-ups, energy fluctuations, and waste.
If you’re looking for Denver screen printing that aligns with your sustainability goals, Superior Ink is the partner you need. We prioritize energy-efficient printing methods to minimize waste and lower our environmental impact—all while delivering the high-quality custom merch your brand deserves.
Waste is one of the biggest environmental challenges in screen printing, but with better planning and eco-conscious choices, brands can dramatically reduce excess materials.
Reclaim and reuse screens instead of making new ones for every project.
Recycle leftover ink rather than discarding it. Some suppliers offer ink recycling programs that repurpose excess ink into new batches.
Repurpose misprints – Instead of throwing away imperfect prints, turn them into one-of-a-kind, upcycled pieces.
Use recyclable and biodegradable packaging – Swap plastic mailers for compostable bags or recycled cardboard.
Offer limited runs or pre-orders to avoid overproduction and reduce unsold inventory.
Pro Tip: If you ever end up with extra inventory, consider repurposing them into patches, tote bags, or even framed artwork to give them a second life instead of sending them to the landfill.
If you really want your brand to walk the talk when it comes to sustainability, your best move is to partner with a screen printer that prioritizes eco-friendly practices. Not all printing companies take sustainability seriously, so choosing the right partner makes all the difference.
Use non-toxic, water-based inks instead of petroleum-based plastisol.
Offer eco-friendly fabric options like organic cotton and rPET.
Minimize energy use with LED technology, efficient drying systems, and bulk printing.
Reduce waste through recycled screens, low-impact printing methods, and responsible disposal practices.
Stay transparent about environmental policies and continuously improve sustainability efforts.
At Superior Ink, we are committed to Denver screen printing that prioritizes both creativity and sustainability. From eco-conscious inks and fabrics to waste-reducing techniques, we help brands create custom merch that aligns with their values.
Sustainability in screen printing doesn’t stop at the production stage. Once a t-shirt or hoodie has lived its life, what happens next? Circular fashion is gaining momentum, and brands that embrace this concept can significantly reduce their environmental footprint.
Use biodegradable ink formulations – Some water-based inks are designed to break down naturally over time, reducing long-term waste.
Create return-and-recycle programs – Encourage customers to send back old merch so it can be up-cycled into new products instead of being discarded.
Opt for compostable prints – Some new screen printing techniques allow for biodegradable transfers that won’t leave behind plastic-based residue in landfills.
Educate customers on proper garment disposal – Including care tags or packaging inserts with sustainability tips can help customers make more eco-friendly choices.
Pro Tip: Going the extra mile in sustainability? Offer up-cycled collections, where old designs are reworked into new ones. It's a great way to reduce waste while creating unique merch for your customers.
Consumers today are looking for more than just products - they want experiences. Offering sustainable merch bundles is a creative way to package eco-friendly items together while promoting low-impact gifting.
The Zero-Waste Set – A combo of an organic cotton tee, a reusable tote bag, and a bamboo utensil kit.
The On-the-Go Pack – A printed hoodie paired with a stainless steel water bottle and a recycled-fiber notebook.
The Artist’s Collection – A screen-printed tee featuring hand-drawn artwork, sold with a limited-edition print or sticker pack on biodegradable paper.
Bundling merch makes it easier for consumers to shop sustainably without the hassle of piecing things together themselves. Plus, it’s a great upselling opportunity for brands looking to boost revenue while keeping eco-conscious customers happy.
Pro Tip: If you offer gift bundles, be sure to use plastic-free, recyclable packaging and clearly label all eco-friendly features.
Make Your Merch as Sustainable as Your Brand
Switching to eco-friendly screen printing isn’t just about reducing waste—it’s about making a meaningful impact. Whether you're a small business, nonprofit, or national brand, thoughtful printing choices show customers that sustainability is part of your mission.
At Superior Ink, we make it easy to print with purpose. From eco-conscious inks and fabrics to waste-reducing techniques, we help brands create merch that aligns with their values.
Let’s create something great - while doing good. Contact us today to start your next sustainable merch project.
