A new partnership: Iqoniq x Screenworks

April’s product of the month is walking the walk – quite literally!

Introducing Screenworks’ official partnership with Iqoniq: launching with our latest jumbo water-based screen print, ‘Saving the Planet One Step at a Time’. Big on message and small on impact, this larger print leaves a lighter footprint – all thanks to Iqoniq’s low impact garments!

In this blog, we’ll introduce you to the brand’s innovative approach to low-impact fashion, explain why we’ve chosen water-based screen-printing for this special collaboration, and show you how you can bring your own sustainable collections to life with us.

From recycled materials to water-based prints, discover how we’re making it easier than ever to walk the walk when it comes to responsible branding.

Fresh look at the collaboration: 

This concept was inspired by Iqoniq’s initiatives to reduce waste and track their garments’ carbon footprint. Did you know?  This Yengo hoodie is made from 30% recycled industrial cotton waste and 70% organic cotton! By sourcing and repurposing cotton off-cuts into brand new garments, Iqoniq radically lowers their environmental footprint! Producing this hoodie uses 39% less water, 39% less CO2 and requires 4% less land compared to a standard garment. And that’s just one garment. The Yengo hoodie: A total game-changer! Thanks to their iconic new hoodie design, we’re now able to create extra-large jumbo prints on the front of the hoodie. Bye-bye redundant kangaroo pocket – say hello to discreet side pockets. An absolute game-changer when it comes to branding hoodies, as larger prints are more likely to be noticed from a distance. For decoration, we chose a large water-based screen print – a much better alternative to Plastisol if you’re conscious about the environment! To request an unbranded spec sheet for this technique, click below:

Why should I opt for water-based screen-printing for my promo wear? 

Here’s why water-based screen-printing is worth it:

1. Super breathable: You know it’s there, but you can barely feel it.
2. Soft to the touch: Inks penetrate the fabric, leaving a smooth, natural feel.
3. Water-based inks are free from PVC and phthalates – chemicals known to disrupt hormones.
4. They release low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Reducing these harmful chemicals means less air pollution and safer conditions for our workers!
5. We use industry certified inks: Water-based inks used at Screenworks are certified to be less toxic for the environment & safer for our workers: they have a lower environmental footprint.

Perfect for decorating baby wear, more sustainable collections or anyone wanting safer, softer garments!

So, what does water-based really mean? How do they work? 

Water-based inks use water as a solvent, carrying the colour pigment and binders deep into the fabric.

As the water evaporates, the colour binds to the fibres – which explains why water-based prints feel so soft! This is because the ink actually soaks into the fibres rather than sitting on top of the fabric as regular plastisol inks do.

In comparison, plastisol inks rely on plasticisers (sometimes containing  phthalates) which ensure the ink stays liquid until solidified, when it is heat-cured.

Just so you know:

While water-based inks are free from PVC and harmful plasticisers, they aren’t completely plastic-free. They still need chemical binders to lock the pigment into the fibres — think of them like acrylic paints compared to oil paints. Acrylics dry faster, don’t need toxic solvents, and are safer for children – just like water-based inks are safer for printing.

Overall, water-based inks offer a better choice if you’re looking to lower your environmental footprint. They avoid harmful chemical releases, protect our workers, reduce air pollution, and create beautiful, breathable prints that feel amazing to wear.

At Screenworks, we only use industry-approved, certified water-based inks of the best quality!

Here’s everything you need to know about our partnership with Iqoniq:

We’re proud to be the official UK partner for Iqoniq, a brand leading the way in sustainable garment production within the promo industry.

You may be wondering, why Iqoniq?

Iqoniq’s vision is to create clothing made from recycled materials to minimise environmental footprint and create better promotional clothing.

• Every Iqoniq garment has a digital product passport: Perfect for trading internationally & informing your end customer!
• Traceable from fibre to finished product: Your customer gets full transparency, building trust in your brand.
• Recycled cotton: Their cotton garments use 30% to 50% recycled industrial cotton waste – reducing the need for cotton farming which requires so much energy!
• Recycled polyester: Their polyester garments use 100% post-consumer plastic waste.
• Their products save vital resources: water, CO2 and land, without compromising on quality!

Iqoniq’s commitment to measurable, transparent actions make it easy for you to offer better garments to your clients — walking the walk, not just talking the talk.

And by working directly with Screenworks, you’ll benefit from competitive pricing and our wide range of quality branding services — all in one place.

Ready to do better – one step at a time?

It starts with choosing better products.

If you’re planning your next branded clothing campaign, get in touch with us today to discuss sustainable branding options or request samples from the new Iqoniq collection. Our team will be more than happy to help!