As we discussed in a previous blog post, the fashion industry is making a conscious effort to switch to cleaner and fairer production methods. This is a move that follows a series of international disasters, each of which contributed to the awakening of ethics amongst consumers around the world. But when you think about the fashion industry and the potential moral arguments that it can evoke, your thoughts will automatically wander to fur, the size of models or unfair work conditions. But how many of us stopped to think about how our clothes are printed?

And yet despite it being a relatively hidden aspect of the fashion world, traditional printing involves a lot of wastage. It can therefore have a negative impact on the environment. This is just one of the many reasons that digital printing is becoming increasingly popular with garment creation and it is the main reason why we have chosen to use it.

What is digital printing?

Digital printing is a term that is used to cover any printing that involves the printing of a digital-based image to any form of media. In the fashion world, this involves a pattern or print being digitally printed on to the chosen fabric.

Why is digital printing better for the environment?

Unlike other traditional printing methods, digital printing involves less waste and therefore has a minimal impact on the environment.

Digital printing has made it easier to print on eco-friendly fabrics and designers can therefore ensure that they are as sustainable as possible at every part of production. When it comes to textile production, water usage & pollution is the number one environmental consequence and it is something that has been felt across the world. Thanks to advances in technology, digital printing has cut down on the amount of water required in print production and in some cases, digital printing is 100% water free.

Screen printing on the other hand, has a lot of waste and Bali given the nature of artisanal & smaller printing setups means that most if not all printing houses do not treat their waste water properly before being discharged into the waterways.