PURE SCREENPRINTING 428 BINGHAM ST. PITTSBURGH, PA 15203 P.412.246.2048 F.412.246.2049 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2009.
HISTORY
Pure was founded in late 2007. The name and idea came from I, Henry Panza. With almost ten years experience with my own skateboard clothing company, I wanted to have my own factilty and promote a path of Eco friendly ways that I have been taking. Thus I partnered up with friend and photographer Chris Stadler, to be Pittsburgh's First Eco Print shop. We are not doing this as a trend, we truly believe there are better ways to help the environment and promote positive thinking.
WHY ARE WE ECO?
-We are actually working on a documentary about Eco printing. In the mean time here is a rough overview
on what Eco printing is, from the inks we use to our clean up. Also what we do at Pure to make us a more aware printshop than the rest.
INK TYPES
HYBRID SYSTEM-most eco friendly of all our inks, requires no heat to cure. Our top two used ink.
PVC/PHTHALATE FREE (thal ates)- traditional look of “plastisol” but without pvc and phthalates sometimes other heavy metals and solvents. Can have a built up look or a soft touch look. Our top two used ink.
PVC FREE- traditional “plastisol” look just with out the pvc.
PHTHALATE FREE- traditional “plastisol” look, just without phthalates- some countries have banned certain phthalates and now the USA passed legistlation on six phthalates that can no longer be used. http://www.cpsc.gov/ABOUT/Cpsia/faq/108faq.html
WATERBASED (WB)- huge misconception with this ink. Just because it says water does not mean it is “eco” friendly. Our WB ink is however very eco friendly in substance ex. no heavy metals, phthalates, apeo's. However, WB inks require alot of heat to cure, thus creating a larger carbon footprint. When there is a time to use WB we will, but sparingly.
DISCHARGE- discharge printing is just like waterbased however, there is a chemical reaction that eliminates the dye in the garment allowing for the ink to be very bright but with no feel to it. This is the softest and brightest outcome. Downfalls with most systems are “Formaldehyde” (a carcinogen). We use the only system known to date that does NOT use Formaldehyde.
SPECIALTY INKS- there are tons of specialty inks out there. Some of which are achievable with a low impact system ex. pvc/phalate free. Specialty inks include Puff, Emboss, High dense, Glitters, Metalics, Jelly prints, Foils and much more. A complete list will be added with samples.
CLEANING PROCESS- Most print shops are stuck in the old clean it with mineral spirits attitude, or with similar harmful cleaners. Pure uses water to clean up some inks with others we use a press wash that is virtually odorless free, contains no hazardous substances such as TLV's and PEL's, is non flammable and exceeds VOC requirements and is biodegradable. We also use old shirts for rags and continuously reuse rags to clean screens.
DAILY SUSTAINABILITY- Here at Pure we do more than just use Eco inks and cleaners. We also use emulsions that contain no Phthalates. We reclaim our screens with biodegradeable non-hazardous solutions. We do not use any aerosol spray adhesives, but rather a waterbased glue. When we tape our screens, we usually reuse the tape two or more times. We recycle any plastic, paper, cardboard, glass and cans. We also use energy saving bulbs in our lights. If there is a way to better the environment we are going to find it and pass it on to our customers.
