Guide to Ethical Eco-Friendly T-Shirt Printing

Looking to produce ethical and eco-friendly t-shirts? The Fabric Printer specialises in all forms of garment printing and embroidery. Whether you’d like to create caps, hoodies, polos or bags, we can help!

As one of the highest-quality garment printers in Australia, we have high standards and take our environmental impact seriously. Through our extensive range of accessory and clothing services, we provide eco-friendly printing options for all your custom apparel needs.

We discuss the top questions you should ask yourself when searching for ethical and eco-friendly t-shirt printing brands. Use this as your guide as you select a t-shirt printing company to work with.

Is your t-shirt printer eco-friendly?

Sustainable shopping is on the rise as people question what’s behind the label of their clothes. A major concern is whether or not clothing is created with the environment in mind. At the end of the day, your customers will vote with their wallets.

To determine whether or not a printing company is making their clothes with eco-conscious standards, ask these questions:

• Do they use organic fabrics?
• Does the brand utilize recyclable or renewable materials? (Think hemp, linen, cotton, or silk)
• What is the company’s ethos? 
• Do they maintain environmental standards or certifications?
• Are they using green practices? (Like BPA-free, recyclable, minimal packaging, carbon offsetting)

By asking these questions, you can effectively vet unethical practices.

Does your printer meet Global Organic Textile Standards?

As you’re researching brands, consider whether or not the brand meets Global Organic Textile Standards, also known as GOTS. This worldwide textile processing standard acknowledges the ecological and social impact of organic fibres.

All in all, this standard aims to define requirements that ensure the eco-friendly and socially responsible manufacturing of textiles. When you source garments from companies backed with the GOTS mark, you can trust that you’re purchasing ethical and sustainable clothing.

The Fabric Printer uses Brother GTX Inks to create our digitally printed t-shirts and accessories. We are proud to share that Brother GTX Inks has earned the GOTS Certificate, which means creating eco-friendly t-shirts in Perth is possible for all businesses.

Furthermore, we use Australian-Owned, 100% Solvent Free, Water Based Inks. Most commercial screen printers print garments using plastisol inks, which are easy to use and last well. However, plastisol inks contain PVC and phthalates that are harmful to the environment and have been linked to numerous medical disorders.

Plastisol inks also require the use of harmful solvents in the cleaning process. Water-based inks do not contain PVC or phthalates. You can feel very secure in the knowledge that you've done your part to help the planet and reduce our carbon footprint!

Does the printing company honor ethical living-wages?

In addition to being environmentally conscious, ensure that the brands you source your t-shirts from care for their employees and production associates. Search for sweatshop-free companies and businesses backed by the Fair Labor Association (or other credible standards).

Living wages, safe working conditions, legal age employees and fair compensation is all part of any ethical company. This goes for both the garment manufacturers (i.e. who’s making the actual t shirt) and the screen printers. We have a great selection of responsibly-made shirts, hoodies, and totes from AS Color, ready for customisation with your business’s or teams logo or design. 

Are you ready to order ethical and eco-friendly t-shirts?

Now you’re familiar with the questions to ask when sourcing ethical and eco-friendly t-shirts. Are you ready to place your order? At The Fabric Printer, we provide an extensive range of clothing printing in Australia from our local Perth-based factory showroom.  

From screen printing and digital printing to embroidery and sublimation services, we utilise high-tech fabric printing and products from the best brands to deliver the highest quality product to your door. Plus, we offer a 100% guarantee. Reach out if you’d like to take the next step to discuss your options or place your order.