Production, post production & chemicals The far reaching benefts of water-based inks continue to unfold during the production and post-production processes at Squeegee Science. While plastisol inks require harsh, toxic chemicals to degrade and clean during production and post-production, water-based inks are easily maintained and cleaned using water alone. In addition, all chemicals used during the post-production screen reclaiming process at Squeegee Science are 100% biodegradable, and made from either soybeans or corn. This amounts to no toxic chemicals going down the drain, and yet another step towards sustainability.
Use of aerosol cans have also been a staple of the screen printing industry for many years, utilized in applying spray adhesives, screen openers and other tools of the trade. The propellants found in these cans have long been known for their negative effects on the environment, and Squeegee Science has taken the initiative to completely phase out these products in our shop. The standard aerosol screen opener has been replaced with a bucket of water and a rag, and our table adhesive is a water-based product applied using a brush.
The offces and art department at Squeegee Science have also taken measures to ensure a sustainable workplace, and can be found everywhere from our use of recycled paper products to the use of continuous ink systems in our printers. Recycling of our waste is also of great concern, and recycling containers for paper, plastics and cardboard are located strategically throughout the workplace. In these ways we ensure that we not only live up the the standards set by ourselves, but also by our customers, partners and the global shift toward a sustainable business model.
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The water-based revolution has only just begunUp until a few years ago, water-based inks had a pretty bad reputation in the screen printing industry due to their tendency to quickly dry in screens, branding them unusable for most applications. It is only recently, and with great strides made by companies like Matsui and Colourmaker, that these inks have finally found their time to shine.
To be, or not to be.. Organic! Not just any old cotton ball can label itself organic. Certification is
a lengthy process varying by country, which includes the history of the land as well as the practices and substances used while farming. While the USDA has the final word on who can issue organic certifications in the United States, there are many other organizations worldwide which analyze and issue their country's organic stamps.
Eco-friendly chemicals?The harsh chemicals required for production with mainstream plastisol inks become a thing of the past once water-based inks enter the equation. Aerosol screen openers are replaced with a bucket of water and a rag, and the mineral spirits and other chemicals used for cleanup move aside as water once again handles the job with ease. In addition, all chemicals utilized in the production process at Squeegee Science are 100% biodegradable and made from either soy or corn.
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