Elusive Press

Print Options

Eco Friendly Options

The Screen printing industry

Here at Elusive Press we understand that many of the processes and materials used in our industry can be damaging for the environment.

At this stage we can’t completely rule out using the traditional chemicals and materials but the industry is changing. We support and welcome this change and choose environmentally friendly alternatives wherever possible.

Why choose organic Cotton?

The cotton industry is the third largest polluter, not far behind oil. However, a new wave of clothing brands are providing organic cotton options which are of great quality and increasingly more affordable.

We personally only wear organic cotton items now, not only for the impacts stated in the Soil Association review below, but because the quality and feel of the fabric is far superior than non-organic options.

Why use water-based inks?

Water-based inks do not contain many of the harmful chemicals such as PVC or phthalates found in oil based inks.

Chemical solvents are not needed to clean the screens after use – they can be cleaned with water.

They do not contain ozone-depleting chemicals such as CFC’s and HCFC’s, aromatic hydrocarbons, or any volatile solvents. They don’t contain lead or any heavy metals.

As far as garment printing goes, this is the most eco-friendly option available and equals its oil-based rival in durability and quality.

Some of the eco brands available:

Stanley Stella
EarthPositive ‘by Continental’
Ecologie ‘by AWD’
Kariban
Mantis
Sols
Russell Athletic
Westford Mill
Asquith & Fox
B&C Collection
Alternative
Anvil
Baby Bugs
Beechfield

Please see some information below from the Soil Association.

Organic Cotton

Certified organic cotton delivers proven benefits for people and planet – when it comes to making sustainability claims you can trust, nothing beats it.

Organic cotton benefits cotton producers and the environment in developing countries by avoiding the potentially harmful effects of toxic pesticides, and the reduced cost of production improves social conditions.

It’s better for the environment

Organic fibres are grown without the use of synthetic fertilisers or potentially toxic pesticides. By building soil fertility, organic farmers help lock CO2 into the soil, helping mitigate climate change. It also avoids the use of the toxic pesticides that, in non-organic systems, are responsible for poisoning wildlife and rivers, as well as killing an estimated 16,000 people each year.

It’s better for workers

By avoiding potentially toxic pesticides cotton workers benefit by avoiding the associated health problems and deaths common in non-organic cotton production. Avoiding pesticides also reduces production costs and farmer debts – the burden of pesticide debt has resulted in thousands of suicides in India which is the world’s largest cotton producer.

It’s non-GM

GM is banned in organic systems, while an estimated a significant amount of all cotton grown worldwide is genetically modified.

GM cotton poses a potential risk to wildlife and human health, as well as exposing farmers to unnecessary expense.

There’s restricted use of chemicals and limited residues

GOTS ensures that the chemicals used in processing textiles meet strict requirements on toxicity and biodegradability. Final products are restricted in the amount of allergenic, carcinogenic or toxic chemical residues. These residues can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin and may cause allergies, skin rashes or respiratory problems.

In contrast, non-organic manufacture uses tens of thousands of acutely toxic chemicals, many of which are classified as hazardous by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Factory conditions are better

Poor working conditions and rights in the garments industry are commonplace.

GOTS certified organic textiles must meet social criteria based on the International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions.

These cover minimum wages, working hours, child labour, freedom of association, discrimination, harsh or inhumane treatment and more.

Premium Organic Cotton Tees:

Stanley Stella

Are the one of most well know premium brands. They have a massive collection with loads of colours and styles to choose from. They have earned them selves one of the best names in the industry for its superior quality and eco conscience range. If it’s quality you want, then look no further.

Stanley Stella SX236 Crafter iconic

A mid weight, standard fitting, premium organic t-shirt with a standard fit.

View the PDF

Stanley Stella SX701 Creator 2.0

A heavy weight, standard fitting, premium organic t-shirt.

View the PDF

Earth Positive

The original organic t-shirt, they have done it correct since day one. A very popular choice if you looking for a premium organic clothing with a very competitive price tag.