OUR ECO-FRIENDLY TIPS
We know that personalization isn't the greenest industry. However, there are small steps we can take to limit our environmental impact. In this article, you'll find our tips and tricks for reducing your electricity consumption and carbon footprint.
Of course, this list is not exhaustive! Feel free to share your ideas in the comments at the bottom of this article so that we can create a greener.
Organization: the key to more responsible production
Print, cut, weed, press, print, cut, weed, press… You know the drill. These steps can be repeated dozens of times in a single production day.
Our first piece of advice: try to be organized ! First, do all your printing at once, then all your cutting, weeding, and finally all your pressing. This way, you'll only use your machines once, for a continuous hour, rather than a little bit throughout the day.
Similarly, optimize your printing and work in batches. Whether using dye-sublimation or DTF printing, you have the option of organizing your own artwork layouts. Take advantage of this to include as many visuals as possible. In addition to anticipating your future production runs, you'll be able to reduce your paper and film consumption.
Personalize and reduce your electricity consumption
The higher the temperature of your heat press, the more energy it consumes. For example, you need 35% more energy when using your press at 160°C rather than 130°C. Over an hour of production, this represents 50.2% more energy to maintain the press at 160°C instead of 130°C.
Fortunately for flocking professionals, there are Flex products that can be pressed quickly AND at low temperatures without loss of adhesion to the textile and for a high-quality result.
By pressing at a low temperature (130°C), you can drastically reduce your electricity consumption on a production day and gain both productivity and creativity. Indeed, these Flex Express machines allow you to create layers without risking damage to the first layer of Flex or the fabric itself.
Discover our Flex with express pressing: Poli-Flex Turbo, Premium'Flex andUniflex Nature.
Invest in greener equipment
If you have a sufficient budget, don't hesitate to invest in high-quality equipment and machinery that is more eco-friendly and/or primarily manufactured in Europe. While it's true that machines imported from Asia are more financially attractive, they have a much higher carbon footprint. They weren't necessarily designed with environmental responsibility in mind.
Fortunately, there are European brands that develop equipment with energy efficiency in mind. For example, SECABO has been offering new, more energy-efficient heat presses since the end of 2023. The new ENERGY SAVER range of heat presses can help you reduce your energy consumption by up to 60%.
Reuse the scraps for new visuals
Whether you're cutting Flex or Vinyl, you probably end up with a lot of scraps. These scraps can be a real goldmine for the most creative among us.
Above all, don't throw them away ! You might need to cut out a small detail from one of the colors of your scraps.
Our creative tip: use a cutting mat or a carrier sheet and arrange your scraps to create a patchwork effect. Then, cut your design as usual. This way, you can create unique designs combining different colors, effects, or textures.
Opt for more eco-friendly supports or materials
If you can, choose local ! Products made in France have a much lower carbon footprint than products imported from distant lands. By buying local products, you limit the greenhouse gas emissions produced by transporting these goods.
In addition to reducing your environmental impact, you are helping to support French expertise! Two good actions to highlight to your clients.
You also opt for products of better quality, more durable and above all with higher added value.
This topic is sometimes difficult in the current economic climate, where price sometimes takes precedence over quality. Nevertheless, it is also a crucial societal issue. That's why, since 2022, we have been striving to offer you more Made in France or organic products with this strong message: consume better!
In the Textiles, tote bags, bags , and pouches . These are 100% cotton, high-end, and more environmentally friendly products..
You can also personalize these materials with more eco-friendly products. Indeed, you'll find Uniflex Nature from the CFP brand on our website. In addition to its quick, low-temperature pressing properties, this flex material features a recyclable paper liner and is free of solvents, PVC, and plasticizers.
Sublimation printing is also available. Sublimation inks are water-based. Odorless and environmentally friendly, these inks are safe for both the end customer and the creator, as they do not release any harmful substances during the transfer process.
Some printable flex materials are also more environmentally friendly, such as UniprintClear Stretch or UniprintNature. Thanks to their water-based polyurethane, these printable flex materials guarantee less polluting production.
We hope this article will help you personalize and consume in a greener !
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See you soon,
The Créadhésif Team
