Mindful of our impact

We’re working hard to reduce our carbon footprint and the impact we have on the environment, through technological advancements, how we source raw materials and through the manufacturing equipment we use.
A close working relationship with our suppliers means we’re also able to monitor, review and improve our supply chain and production activities.

NEW IN: GOTS certified since April 2024

We’re proud to announce our recent certification by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), setting a new standard for sustainable garment decorating services. GOTS certification is not merely a badge; it’s a commitment to ecological and social responsibility that permeates every aspect of our operations.

GOTS evaluates the entire lifecycle of textile production, from processing to manufacturing, with rigorous environmental criteria. Our processes adhere strictly to these standards, ensuring:

✅ Sustainable Materials: We prioritize the use of certified organic garments, reducing environmental impact and promoting eco-friendly practices.

✅ Chemical Consciousness: Colourants & inks used in wet-processing meet GOTS approval, guaranteeing the absence of environmentally hazardous substances and the promotion of biodegradability.

✅ Responsible Printing and Finishing: We adhere to strict guidelines to avoid exploitation of natural resources and harmful chemicals in printing and finishing processes. Prohibited substances include allergenic dyes, carcinogenic colorants, and dyes containing heavy metals.

✅ Ethical Practices: Our robust social compliance system ensures adherence to labour standards and fosters transparency and accountability, upholding the highest ethical conduct.

ISO 14001

In September 2013, we were awarded the ISO 14001 having demonstrated that the following pollution prevention measures are in place and effective:

  • Ensuring legislative and regulatory compliance.
  • Reducing environmental impact.
  • Waste and energy reduction.
  • Cost saving in utilities and waste disposal.

Trade waste and recycling

We work with a professional waste collection enterprise that facilitates the recycling of a large percentage of our trade waste. Our recycling target is set at 40%; a considerable reduction of waste being sent to landfill.

We are also constantly striving to reduce the amount of packing used when transporting goods into and out of the business and always reuse packaging, where possible.

Phthalate & PVC-free inks

We encourage the use of water based inks which do not contain PVC or other harmful chemicals that regular Plastisol inks contain. This reduces the long and short term negative effects on the environment and eliminates the need to clean up after printing with chemicals and solvents.

At Screenworks we use the industry leading water-based system in the majority of our screen printing processes.

When Plastisol inks are required, we only use phthalate-free inks sourced from leading, reliable ink manufactures. We endorse Wilflex’s ‘Epic’ range which is the market leader in phthalate free Plastisol ink.

Waste water

The screen printing process requires water. We have invested in all stages of production to ensure the majority of the output water is recycled back into the process.

Waste treatment and recycling are in place, limiting the amount of waste water that is released into our sewers. We work closely with our local water authority; effluent which is filtered prior to entering the sewers is tested and monitored.

All mains water outlets are fitted with non-return valves which prevent water from being siphoned back into the mains water system.

Atmospheric waste

We are proud to have installed the latest generation of energy efficient gas driers. Installed back in 2018, the equipment dramatically reduced the amount of waste gases released into the atmosphere, as well as energy consumption.

The purchase was achieved using funds obtained from the Carbon Trust, an independent body focused on cutting carbon emissions and costs through their expert advice and technology services.