Digital printing of fabrics is a process that requires lots of resources. In addition, it is associated with very large volumes of effluent that is a huge threat to the environment. In an attempt to create sustainable digital printing, many of the players in these industries have turned to production options that use fewer resources and create less waste. There has been a need to make changes in the methods used in the preparation of fabrics such as product design, cutting, grading, patternmaking and marking.
There are a number of ways in which sustainability can be achieved. One of them is the use of cleaner consumables. The lacquer used in the screens should as much as possible be chromium-free. This is ensures that environmental contamination is minimised. Many of the new techniques use nickel to make holes in screens. The advantage of nickel is that it results in less wear and tear and hence less deposition onto the textiles that are being printed on.
The process often requires use of large quantities of water. This makes the production process very expensive at times. A solution to this problem is the recycling of water and using it for other purposes. Once it has been treated, the water can be reused for rinsing the blankets used in printing as well as the pumps. Close to 65% of the water can be recycled in efficient systems.
Efficiency has also been extended to the machines used (both digital and conventional). Most of the new designs can now produce the same results with less energy, water, paste (ink) and so on. The requirement for high temperatures in the drying chambers means that a lot of energy needs to be directed in this direction. With the adoption of newer systems, however, this is no longer the case. The newer systems can hold warmth for longer periods of time and save up to 25% of energy.
Another trend that has characterised modern systems is the use of urea-free pre-treatment techniques. The new practice is the use of special types of foam that result in less carbon dioxide compared to urea. There is no need to use large amounts of water to remove residual urea from the fabrics which is a huge saving.
Adoption of digital engraving is an option that is also related with a number of sustainability advantages. In this technique, direct laser is used to print on the fabrics. This is associated with turnaround times that are much shorter. The implication of this is that less energy and water is required compared to the conventional methods.
Apart from engraving, the use of pigment rather than dyes also greatly supports sustainability. Pigment can be used for any fabric type and does not require pre and post-treatment of the fabrics. Conventional methods, in contrast, rely on pre-treatment and steaming to set the dyes. Using the pigment also leads to less chemical, water and energy usage.
Conforming to local and international legal requirements plays a big role in ensuring that sustainable digital printing is achieved. There has been a huge concern regarding global warming and climate change throughout the world. Many governments and the private sector have put in place stringent measures aimed at regulating the release of effluents into the environment. One will need to be aware of all these rules even as they make changes in the techniques used in printing.
There are a number of ways in which sustainability can be achieved. One of them is the use of cleaner consumables. The lacquer used in the screens should as much as possible be chromium-free. This is ensures that environmental contamination is minimised. Many of the new techniques use nickel to make holes in screens. The advantage of nickel is that it results in less wear and tear and hence less deposition onto the textiles that are being printed on.
The process often requires use of large quantities of water. This makes the production process very expensive at times. A solution to this problem is the recycling of water and using it for other purposes. Once it has been treated, the water can be reused for rinsing the blankets used in printing as well as the pumps. Close to 65% of the water can be recycled in efficient systems.
Efficiency has also been extended to the machines used (both digital and conventional). Most of the new designs can now produce the same results with less energy, water, paste (ink) and so on. The requirement for high temperatures in the drying chambers means that a lot of energy needs to be directed in this direction. With the adoption of newer systems, however, this is no longer the case. The newer systems can hold warmth for longer periods of time and save up to 25% of energy.
Another trend that has characterised modern systems is the use of urea-free pre-treatment techniques. The new practice is the use of special types of foam that result in less carbon dioxide compared to urea. There is no need to use large amounts of water to remove residual urea from the fabrics which is a huge saving.
Adoption of digital engraving is an option that is also related with a number of sustainability advantages. In this technique, direct laser is used to print on the fabrics. This is associated with turnaround times that are much shorter. The implication of this is that less energy and water is required compared to the conventional methods.
Apart from engraving, the use of pigment rather than dyes also greatly supports sustainability. Pigment can be used for any fabric type and does not require pre and post-treatment of the fabrics. Conventional methods, in contrast, rely on pre-treatment and steaming to set the dyes. Using the pigment also leads to less chemical, water and energy usage.
Conforming to local and international legal requirements plays a big role in ensuring that sustainable digital printing is achieved. There has been a huge concern regarding global warming and climate change throughout the world. Many governments and the private sector have put in place stringent measures aimed at regulating the release of effluents into the environment. One will need to be aware of all these rules even as they make changes in the techniques used in printing.
About the Author:
You can visit the website www.rollingpress.com for more helpful information about Basics Regarding Sustainable Digital Printing
Brak komentarzy:
Prześlij komentarz