Printing Process at LUCKE
Clothing printing processes
Often, the environmental impact of clothing printing is overlooked by purchasers. However, the way we print fabrics can have just as much of an effect on the environment as where we source the materials. At LUCKE, we prioritize striking the right balance between creating vibrant, long-lasting prints and minimizing our environmental footprint.
Sublimation
Sublimation is hailed as one of the most eco-friendly printing processes, especially when paired with recycled polyester.
Durability: In sublimation, inks are fused into the fabric instead of sitting on top like traditional screen printing. This results in a softer touch and enhanced durability, ensuring that colors remain vibrant even after multiple washes and extended exposure to sunlight.
Environmental Benefits:
- No toxins are used, protecting both workers and the environment.
- Zero waste: the process doesn't release dye into the water system.
- Water Saving: Sublimation consumes significantly less water compared to other processes, especially for cotton printing which can use up to 10,000 liters of water per kg of fabric.
Screen printing (water based)
Most people aren't aware that most screen printers use Plastisol ink, which is essentially liquid plastic. In this ink and when cleaning up after a lot chemicals are used.
At LUCKE, we offer water based inks that have been granted approval by the Soil Association in the UK, having successfully met the requirements of the Global Organic Textiles Standards (GOTS) for non-organic chemical inputs for use in organic textile processing.
Although depending on your project brief these inks can’t always be used, we aim to educate our clients on water based inks and try to point them in that direction.
We still have the capability to use Plastisol and do so when the project requires it, as we want our prints to be vibrant and long lasting.
LEAD TIME: 7-12 days depending on volume.
Embroidery
This is a timeless, classic, process that offers a premium, long lasting finish. We work with Madeira threads that are market leaders in this space and have a strong sustainability focus.
Classic Rayon, is currently the main type of thread that is used, which is made of rayon viscose that is made from renewable raw materials
- STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®, product class I (suitable for babies/toddlers)
- Made in Germany
- More than 400 durable and wash-resistant colours
- Natural, unique shine and soft feel
Madeira has also developed newer sustainable threads that we hope to use in the near future.
- Polyneon Green: Made from 100% Global Recycled Standard (GRS) post-consumer PET bottles
- Sensa Green: Made from 100 % TENCEL Lyocell fibres that are full recyclable
Supacolour transfer
This process uses water based inks to create a heat press transfer print that can have multiple vibrant colours with gradients and fine detail.
- Great alternative to screen printing, especially for small runs with lots of colours
- Uses water-based inks without harsh or toxic chemicals
- Transfers come on recyclable paper
- Transfers made to last , being tested for over 50 washes and still look great.
- MOQ = 10
LEAD TIME: About 5-10 days for Supacolours
Direct to garment (DTG)
This process is the “new- school” in printing technology and allows us to offer a print on demand service with no minimums. Watch this space!
- Eco-friendly water based inks
- Unlimited colour combinations
- No MOQ or set up costs
- Quick and easy design process