Track 4
Eco-Friendly Fabric
Printing: A Sustainable and
Ethical Approach to Textile
Design
Presented by Ms. Sumathi R
Asst. Professor
Jain Deemed to be University, Kochi
BRSI 2 Rebuilding Resilient Global Societies in the Context of ES
G and Disruptive Technologies
Introduction
• The textile industry significantly contributes to environmental degradation through
high water use, chemical pollution, and carbon emissions.
• Traditional printing methods, such as rotary screen and heat transfer printing, are
resource-intensive and produce toxic wastewater and air pollution.
• To address these issues, the industry is shifting towards sustainable design,
emphasizing eco-materials and energy efficiency.
• Eco-friendly printing methods like digital printing, waterless dyeing, and natural dyes
are being adopted, which use less water and chemicals.
• This research explores the benefits of sustainable textile printing, the challenges in
mass production, and future improvements needed.
• It also discusses various eco-friendly printing technologies and how regulation,
BRSI 2 Rebuilding Resilient Global Societies in the Context of ES
consumer behavior, and technology impact sustainable textile production.
G and Disruptive Technologies
Research Gap
Current Problems in Textile Printing:
• Traditional fabric printing consumes excessive water & chemicals (50-60 liters per meter).
• Synthetic dyes release toxic pollutants (heavy metals, AZO dyes, VOCs).
• Eco-friendly alternatives (digital printing, natural dyes) exist but have limitations:
• Color - fastness & durability issues.
• High cost & scalability concerns.
• Limited fabric compatibility (e.g., natural dyes don’t work well on synthetic fabrics).
Identified Gaps:
• Limited research on fully sustainable, non-toxic, and scalable printing solutions.
• Lack of innovations in bio-based, water-free printing techniques.
• Need for energy-efficient, closed-loop systems to eliminate waste.
BRSI 2 Rebuilding Resilient Global Societies in the Context of ES
G and Disruptive Technologies
Research Methodology
• Qualitative Data Analysis: Used thematic analysis to identify and categorize key
themes and insights related to sustainable printing technologies and their
environmental impact.
BRSI 2 Rebuilding Resilient Global Societies in the Context of ES
G and Disruptive Technologies
Data Analysis and Interpretation
• Literature Review: Studied existing research on eco-friendly fabric printing
(waterless, non-toxic methods).
• Data Collection: Gathered data from online sources (journals, industry reports,
case studies) on sustainable printing technologies.
• Method: Used thematic analysis to categorize data into key themes: technologies,
consumer behavior, environmental impact.
• Interpretation: Analyzed the gathered data to assess trends, challenges, and the
feasibility of implementing eco-friendly fabric printing solutions.
BRSI 2 Rebuilding Resilient Global Societies in the Context of ES
G and Disruptive Technologies
Findings
• Emerging Trends: Increased adoption of waterless printing techniques due to
their low water usage. Growing interest in natural dyes, but challenges with
colorfastness and limited fabric compatibility.
• Challenges Identified: High costs associated with implementing eco-friendly
printing technologies, especially for small and medium-sized businesses. Energy
consumption remains a concern in technologies like digital printing despite water
savings.
• Opportunities for Improvement: Research on bio-based inks and improving dye
formulations for better performance in eco-friendly fabrics. Focus on cost-
efficiency to make sustainable printing solutions more accessible to the broader
fashion industry.
BRSI 2 Rebuilding Resilient Global Societies in the Context of ES
G and Disruptive Technologies
Digital Printing:
A Water-Efficient
Solution
BRSI 2 Rebuilding Resilient Global Societies in the Context of ES
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Reduced Water Usage
Digital printing uses minimal water, significantly reducing water consumption compared to
traditional methods.
Lower Chemical Use
Digital printers utilize water-based inks that are less harmful to the environment compared to
conventional dyes.
Energy Efficiency
The process eliminates the need for screens and extensive setup, leading to lower energy
consumption.
Waste Minimization
Digital printing allows for precise application of designs, reducing fabric waste and excess inventory.
BRSI 2 Rebuilding Resilient Global Societies in the Context of ES
G and Disruptive Technologies
Sublimation Printing: A Heat-Based Transfer Technique
BRSI 2 Rebuilding Resilient Global Societies in the Context of ES
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Eco-Friendly Process
Sublimation printing requires less water usage and does not produce excess ink
waste.
Soft and Breathable Prints
The sublimation process dyes the fabric's fibers, preserving its
natural softness and breathability.
Photo-Realistic and Detailed Designs
Sublimation printing can reproduce photo-realistic images and
intricate details with exceptional clarity.
BRSI 2 Rebuilding Resilient Global Societies in the Context of
ESG and Disruptive Technologies
Natural Dye Printing: A Traditional and
Sustainable Approach
BRSI 2 Rebuilding Resilient Global Societies in the Context of ES
G and Disruptive Technologies
Direct Application
• Placing leaves, flowers, and other plant materials onto fabric and
applying heat to transfer pigments, resulting in unique, nature-
inspired designs.
Sustainability
• This method reduces reliance on synthetic chemicals and promotes
the use of renewable resources.
BRSI 2 Rebuilding Resilient Global Societies in the Context of ES
G and Disruptive Technologies
Waterless Printing Technologies
BRSI 2 Rebuilding Resilient Global Societies in the Context of ES
G and Disruptive Technologies
The way that waterless techniques have been introduced to the world of fabric
printing by means of latex and UV printing technologies has seen some changes in
this area:
Latex Printing : Thus far waterless technology has been introduced through the
latex printing process which uses a water-based latex ink that does not involve
harmful chemicals. Latex printing not only easily offers bright colors and
durability but also helps to save water because it is not water-based.
• UV Printing : When the waterless printing technique is realized, the ultraviolet
lamp makes the ink dry immediately and so water becomes unnecessary and
energy lowers
BRSI 2 Rebuilding Resilient Global Societies in the Context of ES
G and Disruptive Technologies
Rubber Printing
BRSI 2 Rebuilding Resilient Global Societies in the Context of ES
G and Disruptive Technologies
Benefits of Eco-Friendly Fabric Printing: Fabrics produced by using eco-friendly
printing techniques are environmentally viable and they offer a variety of benefits:
Environmental Conservation: Reducing water and chemical consumption creates
less pollution and protects the environment.
Health Benefits: One of the main advantages of using the non-toxic, natural dyes
method is minimizing health hazards for the people who manufacture the dyes and
consumers who use the clothes.
Economic Efficiency: There are sustainable policies that can be the answer to
financial problems by cutting down the resource consumption and waste.
BRSI 2 Rebuilding Resilient Global Societies in the Context of ES
G and Disruptive Technologies
Conclusion
Towards a Sustainable Textile Future
• Eco-friendly fabric printing is a vital step towards a more sustainable and ethical
textile industry.
• While challenges exist, ongoing research and technological advancements are
driving significant progress.
• By integrating traditional methods with modern innovations, the textile industry
can reduce its environmental impact and meet the growing demand for
sustainable fashion.
BRSI 2 Rebuilding Resilient Global Societies in the Context of ES
G and Disruptive Technologies
Suggestions/Recommendations
• Cost Efficiency: Make eco-friendly printing technologies affordable for SMEs
through cost-effective solutions and government incentives.
• Energy Efficiency: Improve energy-efficient systems for waterless and digital
printing to reduce environmental impact.
• Natural Dyes: Enhance color fastness and fabric compatibility of natural dyes for
broader use.
• Consumer Awareness: Educate consumers on the benefits of sustainable fabrics
with clear labels and educational campaigns.
• Circular Economy: Implement closed-loop systems for fabric recycling and reuse
to minimize textile waste.
BRSI 2 Rebuilding Resilient Global Societies in the Context of ES
G and Disruptive Technologies
References
• Braungart, M., & McDonough, W. ( (2002). Cradle to cradle: Remaking the way we make things. North Point
Press.
• Allwood, J. M., Laursen, S. E., de Rodriguez, C. M., & Bocken, N. M. P. (2006). Well dressed? The present
and future sustainability of clothing and textiles in the United Kingdom. University of Cambridge, Institute for
Manufacturing.
• Grose, L. (2007). Sustainable fashion and textiles: Design journeys. Crafts Magazine, (207), 48–49.
• Fletcher, K. (2008). Sustainable fashion and textiles: Design journeys. Earthscan Publications, Ltd.
• Oakes, S. R. (2008). Style, naturally: The savvy shopping guide to sustainable fashion and beauty. Chronicle
Books.
BRSI 2 Rebuilding Resilient Global Societies in the Context of ES
• Blackburn, R. S. (Ed.). (2009).
G and Sustainable textiles: Life cycle and environmental
Disruptive Technologies impact. Woodhead
Thank You…
BRSI 2 Rebuilding Resilient Global Societies in the Context of ES
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