PVC based inks and the environment
Plastisol is a PVC based ink which is a carcinogen known to cause serious hazards in the environment and to be harmful for human beings. Plastic is damaging the natural world and its ecosystems while having drastic consequences on life and the future sustainability of our planet. As ‘greener’ efforts begin (and have already begun!) influencing the collective consciousness of humanity and industries start turning away from plastic in as many ways as possible, this also includes the preference of screen printing inks that people purchase and wear.
PVC inks, like plastisol, are not drain safe. Printers using plastisol must resort to dangerous and environmentally harmful chemicals to break down plastisol from printing equipment and screens. Specially designed filters must be installed on drains to catch PVC particles. Many commercial printers are diligent in taking precautions, but unfortunately, many do not.
Plastisol is popular and loved by printers because it is relatively inexpensive and very well suited for mass production and large run orders because it does not dry and clog printing equipment. Plastisol never dries; it stays in a semi-liquid state until it is cured at a temperature that brings it to solidify onto a printed garment. Water based inks are cured at a high temperature until the water in the ink has completely evaporated, leaving behind just the pigment colours.
From Internet
