Why choose water-based ink?
When printing clothing, it’s not just about how a print looks, but also how it feels, how long it lasts and what the impact is on people and the environment. Water-based ink scores high in all of those areas. Below you can read why we consciously chose it from the beginning.
Soft prints
Water-based ink penetrates the fibers of the textile, instead of staying on them. That means: no hard or plastic-like print, but a super soft print that you almost don’t feel. Ideal for clothing that needs to be comfortable, even if you wear it often. Especially in fashion and merchandise, this is a popular choice – because it not only looks nice, but also just wears really nice.
Breathable & comfortable
Because the print does not lie as a thick layer on the fabric, the garment remains fully breathable. The fabric stays supple, moves with you, and feels comfortable on the skin – just what you want with clothes you wear often.
Especially with summer shirts, band shirts with a large print, or clothes you wear while working: you stay cool, move freely, and don’t suffer from a sticky print when you sweat or are in action.
More environmentally friendly
Water-based inks do not contain PVC, plasticizers or other harmful substances that you find in conventional screen printing inks. This is not only better for the environment, but also more pleasant and safer for the people working with it – during the printing process and for the person wearing it.
A responsible practice
At Groenewas we deal with this consciously: we choose water-based inks and ensure that our waste water is processed responsibly. In combination with organic or GOTS-certified textiles, this reduces the total impact of your production. As a brand, are you consciously working on sustainability? Then water-based inks are a perfect fit.
Beautiful detail work
Water-based ink is not only a durable choice – it also looks good. Because the ink soaks into the fabric, it creates a natural, matte finish with plenty of nuance and sophistication. Fine lines, hand-drawn illustrations and subtle shapes really come into their own with water-based ink. For designers, illustrators and brands looking for craft, detail and authenticity, this is the technique to let your work on textiles speak for itself.
Water-based ink vs. Plastisol ink
Unlike plastisol ink, water-based ink feels soft and natural to the touch. The ink soaks into the fabric, keeping textiles supple and breathable. In addition, water-based ink contains no PVC or plasticizers, making it a more environmentally friendly choice. This technique is ideally suited for sustainable brands, fashion and premium merchandise where comfort and appearance come together.
