I have been vegan since 2017 and as a screen printer it is important to me that I check the materials I use would be classed as vegan. This can be tricky as there are so many chemicals used during the production process from creating the screen to printing the t-shirts and then cleaning it all up at the end. I always check with my suppliers before adding any new chemicals to my process that they are vegan / have no testing on animals. My main issue is that the majority of words used in the chemical list make no sense to me and sometimes even researching the words comes up with unclear answers, I therefore do have to take the word of the suppliers and manufacturers in some cases.

Another issue with screen printing is the chemical waste during the clean up process of a screen. As a vegan screen printer it is very important to me that I take action where possible to ensure minimal environmental harm. All clean down is done in a washout booth attached to a filtration system which removes any solids from the waste water such as left over ink, tape or screen emulsion and what is left then goes through two more water filters to purify the water as best as possible before it enters the drain.

If you own a vegan business or brand or even perform in a vegan band then I am sure using a vegan screen printer will be important to you and I will be more than happy to answer any questions you might have about the process.

Screen printing (even as a vegan screen printer) can classed as a destructive process. We are essentially taking something like a perfect garment and then covering it in ink and using a lot of chemicals during the process, making screens and then destroying them so they can be used again. It is however also one of the most environmentally friendly processes if done correctly.

To do it correctly means to take steps to ensure minimal waste of not only chemicals and ink but also things like water and electric. When I became vegan it wasn’t just about the animals and the food it was also about the planet. I do my best to always take steps in the direction of being a more sustainable, eco conscious vegan screen printer.

The garments I offer are also carefully considered. I will not under any circumstances knowingly work with garments that contain materials such as leather and wool. I also avoid using low quality garments from brands that I don’t agree with the morals of. By choosing a blank garment just because it is cheap is a very bad decision. You will end up with a lower quality print and an end result less likely to sell/be worn because it is not comfortable, doesn’t fit well and fades fast or falls apart. These garments make their way straight to landfill far too quickly.

I do my best to guide customers to the best quality garment for their budget, using garments made from materials such as 100% organic cotton or recycled polyester, this is instantly better for the environment. As it is something I am so passionate about I keep my prices for these products as competitive as possible when compared to the lower quality options.

As a vegan screen printer I care not only about the impact my services have on the environment but also the impact what you buy from me has on you. Wether you are vegan or not you have a responsibility to make better choices where possible and I am here to guide you through that process.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me and I will do my best to help. Also, if you are vegan then you can work with me safely in the knowledge that your money will be spent with other vegan businesses and buying vegan food!