T-cycle uses only water based, non-toxic printing pastes. Permaset aqua is the most eco friendly water based ink around, to find out more about them click here

Why use water-based inks?

Most screen printing companies print garments using plastisol inks, which are easy to use and last well. However, plastisol inks contain PVC and phthalates that are harmful to the environment and have been linked to various medical disorders. Plastisol inks also require the use of harmful solvents in the cleaning process.

Water-based inks do not contain PVC or phthalates and are much more environmentally friendly. Permaset Aqua inks do not contain any toxic chemicals at all. It is formulated free from Lead and other heavy metals and passed the Oekotex Class 1 standard with 60% to spare. It is safe to use on baby clothes under 2 years, underwear and swimwear.

Permaset Aqua inks do not contain ozone-depleting chemicals such as CFC's and HCFC's, aromatic hydrocarbons or any volatile solvents. And you don't need solvents to clean the screens down after they've been used - you can clean them with water.

Why doesn't everyone use water-based inks?

Water-based inks can be difficult to use. They air dry and can clog up the screen during printing. Traditionally water-based inks were not as hard-wearing and durable as plastisol inks and weren't as opaque.

Permaset Aqua is durable, highly opaque with excellent colour yield

Permaset Aqua was developed with this in mind and it is highly durable to wash, rub and dry-clean, together with intense pigment colour for excellent coverage, opacity and colour brightness. The ink colours have light-fastness ratings of at least 6/8 on the Blue Wool scale - in fact most of the colours received ratings of 8/8. Water-based inks have the added benefit that they are softer to the touch than plastisol inks.

 contact polly@t-cycle.co.uk