Environment Friendly Screen Printers

Due to the staggering amount of chemicals and ink required for the screen-printing process, it is extremely difficult to produce an exceptional quality product and at the same time, maintain a environment-friendly business. However, here at West Coast Prints, we have started to implement our new 'Go Green Program', which allows us to do precisely that.

West Coast Prints is Going Green!

Screen-Printing Process

At our screen-printing facility, we have began usage of a special EMI filter called Mega Power Saver. This device reduces the amount of power drawn from the power grid by capturing and storing any of the excessive, unconsumed voltages. During the device's off-peak hours, it recycles the same power back into the circuitry, resulting in less electricity usage and a 10% lower electricity bill.

In addition, we also use the NAZDAR NDS082 Textile Mist Pallet Spray Adhesive, which is used to stick the T-shirts to the screen-printing pallet. This special adhesive is CA VOC-approved (organic) and Hexane-free.

Packaging Materials

We package our shirts in unique, recyclable bags called GOLD Super Gloss Bags. These non-toxic, plastic bags are created from 25% recycled plastics and 100% recyclable.

We ship out our shirts in special, environment-friendly boxes called Globe Guard Corrugated RSC Boxes. These boxes are created from 100% Recycled PCW Content, which consists of solely recycled materials (paper, cardboard, etc).

Cleaning Process

Additionally, we have began usage of a Dip Tank, an environment-friendly method of cleaning screens. Instead of using a pressure water system, the most commonly-used method of cleaning dirty screens, we submerge our dirty screens in a tank of water multiple times until the ink and emulsion is removed. This cleaning process may take up to 10 minutes more than a pressure water system, but it reduces water usage by more than 55%.

We use a Camie 480 Screen Opener to open our ink-clogged screens. Unlike other screen openers, this environment-friendly screen opener contains no chlorofluorocarbons or other ozone layer depleting chemicals.

We also use the EasiSolv 500 Stencil Remover Concentrate to dissolve the emulsion (coating on screens). This emulsion remover is biodegradable and renewable.

Questions/Concerns?

Because we are fairly new to this 'Go Green Program' and are still implementing it, we may not yet be fully environment-friendly. If you have any suggestions for us, please feel free to contact us at westcoastprints@gmail.com or (408) 401-5175.