GRAJF - Our partnership with Shirtigo explained

SUSTAINABLE PRINT-ON-DEMAND WITH SHIRTIGO

Shirtigo opts for a Print-on-Demand strategy, ensuring production aligns with actual demand. This method eliminates excess production that could lead to resource wastage. Additionally, direct shipping to end customers minimizes transportation distances, thereby reducing CO2 emissions. Thus, Print-on-Demand stands as the optimal approach for Shirtigo to imprint sustainable textiles.

What does Print-on-Demand mean?

Print-on-Demand (POD), also known as "print on request" or "demand printing," refers to the printing of a product only after an order is placed. This manufacturing method relies on digital printing and, in contrast to traditional printing processes, allows for the production of small batches and individual copies. POD service providers not only offer printing services but also handle logistics, including product storage, packaging, and shipping.

Predecessor: Book-on-Demand (BoD)

History:
The ignition of the Print-on-Demand process occurred through digital printing in the 1990s, expanding the publishing process in book printing. The precursor to POD, known as Book-on-Demand (BoD) or Publishing-on-Demand, enabled cost-effective production of small and individual print runs of books through digital print templates.

Applications:
BoD revolutionized the book industry, allowing authors to self-publish and reducing inventory and financing costs. It found application in self-cost publishing, self-publishing platforms, and was also utilized by major publishers and libraries.

Print-on-Demand in Textile Printing

Evolution in Textile Printing:
Parallel to BoD, digital textile direct printing (DTG) evolved in textile printing. The increasing print quality of this method led to its widespread use in the Print-on-Demand sector, particularly in textile printing.

Applications:
POD in textile printing allows for the printing of textiles in small batches and individual copies. Service providers take care of the entire fulfillment process, from production to packaging and shipping. This is often utilized in conjunction with business models like dropshipping and print fulfillment.

Environmentally friendly printing machines and inks

In its pursuit of environmental friendliness, Shirtigo relies on printing machines and inks that set ecological standards. Compared to conventional printing methods, our DTG printing machines at Shirtigo boast impressive environmental advantages:

Reduced Water Consumption: Shirtigo's DTG printing machines cut water usage by up to 95%, contributing to the conservation of one of our most precious resources and promoting more efficient water utilization.
Lower Energy Consumption: Our DTG printing machines reduce energy consumption by 60% compared to traditional printing methods. This enhanced energy efficiency plays a crucial role in reducing our ecological footprint.

Shirtigo utilizes specially developed NeoPigment inks by Kornit, ensuring not only high-quality prints but also alignment with our environmental standards:

Water-Based: Shirtigo's inks are water-based, minimizing environmental impact and contributing to a clean printing process.
Biodegradable: The inks employed are biodegradable, meaning they naturally decompose without leaving long-term environmental effects.
Toxin-Free: Shirtigo's inks do not contain harmful or toxic substances. This ensures the safety of those in contact with the printed textiles and minimizes potential environmental impacts.
Vegan: Shirtigo's inks are free from animal-derived ingredients, making them vegan. This underscores Shirtigo's commitment to ethical and sustainable printing practices.

By employing environmentally friendly printing machines and inks, Shirtigo takes a step towards resource-efficient production, helping to minimize the environmental impact of printing processes.

Participation in packaging recycling

Shirtigo actively participates in packaging recycling to contribute to the environmental sustainability of its products. Here is some information on this:

Green Dot Licensing: All transport packaging used by Shirtigo is licensed under the Green Dot. This licensing signifies Shirtigo's commitment to environmentally friendly disposal and recycling of packaging materials.
Compliance with Regulations: When customers ship an order through Shirtigo, they fulfill their obligations under the Packaging Act's system participation. This means they actively contribute to the financing and participation in packaging recycling.

Shirtigo's measures in packaging recycling aim to ensure that environmental impacts are minimized, and the company advocates for a sustainable approach to handling packaging materials. For any further questions or additional details, Shirtigo is available to provide assistance.

Dealing with misprints and returns

In cases of misprints and returns that cannot be resold due to individual customization, Shirtigo prioritizes sustainability. Instead of disposing of the textiles, regular donations are made to various recipients to keep the clothing within the textile cycle. Two main beneficiaries are:

Creative Upcycling Fashion Label: Hehlerei
The Hehlerei in Cologne-Ehrenfeld is a streetwear label that creatively revamps non-resalable textiles through upcycling techniques. Hehlerei contributes to combating the fast-fashion trend and promoting sustainability in the fashion industry.
German Red Cross (DRK)
The DRK carefully assesses the textiles and channels them to the clothing chamber of the DRK, where those in need receive free clothing. The Red Cross Shop in Cologne provides people with low incomes the opportunity to purchase clothing at affordable prices. Proceeds contribute to social DRK projects.

In the third quarter of 2020, Shirtigo donated over 100 clothing boxes to the German Red Cross to support the charitable projects of the DRK.

Find out more about the print-on-demand process and Shirtigo’s printing colors here:

Sustainability at Shirtigo