For two decades, we proudly operated as a screenprinting business. It was a craft we loved, and we took pride in producing high-quality, custom apparel for clients across various industries. However, over the years, we saw the environmental challenges that screenprinting presented. The process, while effective, had certain inefficiencies and environmental drawbacks that didn’t align with the growing need for sustainability in production.
That’s why, after 20 years in the screenprinting world, we made a significant shift to Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing. With its advanced technology, DTF offers us a way to produce vibrant, long-lasting prints while drastically reducing our ecological footprint. Here’s why we’ve made this change and how DTF is transforming our approach to apparel printing.
1. Less Waste and Chemical Use
Screenprinting required a range of chemicals, from emulsions and cleaners to various inks and solvents. Each color meant a new screen, resulting in considerable waste and pollution. DTF printing eliminates the need for screens entirely, reducing the need for harmful chemicals. Without screens to set up and clean, our DTF process minimizes waste, creating a cleaner, safer work environment and a more eco-friendly product.
2. Lower Energy Consumption
Traditional screenprinting can be energy-intensive, especially with large orders. Each design needs a unique screen, and each color requires separate setup and curing at high temperatures. DTF, however, uses a single-pass digital approach, significantly lowering our energy use. The transfer process cures at lower temperatures, which means less electricity consumption and a reduced carbon footprint—a major step forward in our sustainability goals.
3. On-Demand, No Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs)
In screenprinting, high minimum order quantities are often required to justify the setup costs. While this was once the norm, it also led to overproduction and waste. With DTF, we now operate without minimums, so clients can order only what they need, and we can deliver without the need for excess stock or unnecessary waste. It’s a streamlined, just-in-time production process that benefits both our clients and the environment.
4. Reduced Water Usage
Water is essential in screenprinting for cleaning screens and equipment. However, this leads to large volumes of wastewater that require treatment before disposal. Since switching to DTF, we’ve largely eliminated water use from our process. It’s a much more efficient approach that supports water conservation, which is vital in sustainable production practices.
5. Durable, High-Quality Prints with a Longer Life Cycle
Our DTF prints offer the same quality our customers expect from screenprinting, with an added benefit—they last longer, even after many washes. This longevity means that customers don’t need to replace garments as frequently, reducing overall demand and supporting a more sustainable product lifecycle.
6. A Flexible and Digital Solution for Modern Brands
DTF’s digital capabilities allow us to meet the fast-changing needs of today’s brands. Unlike screenprinting, which requires a new setup for every design change, DTF lets us make adjustments quickly and easily. This flexibility aligns with on-demand production, reducing waste and supporting a more sustainable approach in line with the demands of eco-conscious consumers.
Our Commitment to a Sustainable Future in Print
Transitioning to DTF from screenprinting wasn’t just a technological upgrade; it was a conscious decision to align our business with the needs of a changing world. DTF allows us to uphold the same quality and attention to detail we’ve always offered while making a positive impact on the environment.
For us, DTF is more than just a printing method—it’s a pathway toward a more sustainable future in apparel production. If you’re looking for eco-friendly, high-quality printed apparel, we’re excited to be your partner in this greener approach.
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