As part of a broader initiative to keep ahead of evolving global chemical regulations, Active Apparel Group (AAG), headquartered in Culver City, California, is now employing water-based Oeko-Tex 100 Class 1 printing inks at its printing operation in Ningbo, China.

Common and inexpensive inks used in the global manufacture of apparel can contain a wide range of toxic chemicals, including phthalates, petroleum-based co-solvents, PVC, and other volatile organic compounds. The use of Oeko-Tex approved, water-based inks creates benefits for factory workers and people living local to the factories, as well as consumers.

“Reducing toxic chemicals from the manufacturing process is the right thing to do,” says AAG CEO Daniel Hawker. “Moving away from toxins also allows us to keep ahead of increasingly stringent environmental regulations, allowing our customers to stay profitable in a quickly changing global marketplace.”

AAG offers a range of printing methods to address a variety of customer needs, including digital and screen printing, as well as heat transfers for on-garment logos and care instructions. Oeko-Tex certified water-based inks are used for all of its digital printing and for the majority of its screen printing.

AAG digitally prints around 25,000 metres of fabric and screen prints 60,000 garments per month.

www.activeapparelgroup.com