August 23, 2024
The truth is the world of ink needed disrupting. And as much as we talk about sustainability with regards to fabric, ink is still a huge component of the finished product being true to our mission.
Carbon black has riddled the printing world since its inception and as time goes on it only becomes more important that we continue to look for ways to get away from the old and outdated AF printing practices of yester-year.
Carbon black is a petroleum-derived pigment made from mining and burning non-renewable oils and tars. As a toxic material, it is listed as a 2B human carcinogen as classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). This is “science speak” for…it’s really bad for humans and where we live (on planet Earth).
As if that wasn’t enough, carbon black is listed under California's Proposition 65, which requires those anxiety-inducing warning labels on products containing chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. You know the ones that make you pause and wonder what in the world you just bought?
After 150 years of 0% innovation in production of carbon black, it was time for another look at the pigment used in the production of ink.
Since ink is in our name, and an incredibly important part of screen printing, when Living Ink came on the scene we stood up and took notice.
What are they doing so different? Well, for starters….EVERYTHING.
Since the lightbulb moment that brought Scott Fulbright and Steve Albers together while studying algae in the Molecular Biology PhD Program at Colorado State University, they’ve been looking for a way to change the world.
With Algae Black they did just that.
Algae Black is a bio-based and carbon-negative black pigment and dispersion is made from renewable algae waste sources.
Essentially what starts as biomass waste (fermentation, food, or algae) is diverted from landfills. Then, it’s put through a proprietary process that transforms waste into a pigment that eventually is mixed with water or soy to become Algae Ink™.
Scott Fulbright and Steve Albers didn’t just dream of changing the world—they made it happen.
You’ve probably heard the term “carbon footprint” tossed around, like it’s something we’re all just supposed to get. At Superior Ink, we believe it’s on all of us—both brands and consumers—to understand and take action. That’s why we’re shaking things up in the apparel industry, committed to cutting our carbon footprint and setting a new standard for what it means to print responsibly.
But what exactly is a carbon footprint anyway?
Picture this: Every time you do pretty much anything – drive your car, crank up the AC, or even just chow down on a burger – you're leaving behind a trail of invisible greenhouse gases, mainly carbon dioxide. That's your carbon footprint, basically your personal impact on the planet's climate.
It's like you're walking around in muddy shoes, except instead of mud, you're tracking carbon dioxide all over the place. The bigger your footprint, the more you're contributing to climate change – it's that simple.
Now, let's zoom in on carbon black – used in everything from tires to inks. Brace yourself, because its carbon footprint is no joke:
But it’s not all bad news: Innovations like Algae Black are flipping the script, turning carbon footprints into carbon handstands.
Living Ink’s production of Algae Black pigment is a carbon negative process, with means compared to carbon black, Algae Black:
Overall, the choice is clear that for any printer interested in the health and longevity of our ecosystem, Living Ink is on the cutting edge of what we need to make a difference in the print world.
Our goal is to inform not just the general public, but also to inspire other screen print professionals to start using things that don’t harm the planet, or people on it in their production or use.
But we know that every good printer wants a killer outcome and a consistent product. Read on for our top tips in using Algae Ink for screen printing.
Living Ink's Algae Ink is a game-changer for screen printers who prioritize both quality and sustainability. This innovative ink line combines their carbon-negative Algae Black pigment with eco-friendly bases like water or soy, resulting in a liquid ink that adheres beautifully to various surfaces.
There are no harmful chemicals such as plastisol, PVC, and phthalates, so it is safe for workers, end-users and the planet.
Algae Ink sets a new standard in the industry. Ideal for a wide range of applications, including screen printing, Algae Ink™ delivers a deep, high-performance black that’s perfect for everything from textiles and apparel to packaging and even footwear.
Living Ink has crafted a product that empowers printers to create bold, vibrant designs while supporting a greener future.
The development team at Living Ink must have hit the “genius mode” button when they developed the formulas for Algae Ink. It is just what the eco-friendly screen printer’s doctor ordered (please consult your doctor for actual medical advise regarding the use of awesomeness in such concentration).
Everything about Algae Ink makes the screen print process seamless (there’s a pun there, but we’ll ignore it for now).
Algae Ink matches, if not surpasses, the performance of traditional petroleum-based inks, with the added benefit of easy storage and screen cleaning, just like you're used to.
Want to print on 100% cotton? Go for it! Using the famous Allmade tri-blend? Yep, it’ll print on that too. Even if you are going for performance printing on a synthetic fabric, you’ll be able to achieve a crisp print with Algae Ink.It’s also highly fade-resistant, so those sustainable prints can be washed and rewashed without looking shabby.
Color is always a consideration, and Algae Black, as you may have guessed, is black pigment we use as a sustainable alternative to carbon black.
Living Ink is also on course to release a future color expansion of at least 4 amazing colors ready for your next print project.
Better yet, Algae Ink is a hassle-free, drop-in replacement that works seamlessly with your existing machinery and printers, making it easy to switch to a more sustainable ink without any extra effort.
As we wrap up our deep dive into the next generation of ink, it's clear that the future of printing isn't just about making a mark—it's about making a difference. The collaboration between Superior Ink and Living Ink is more than a partnership; it's a revolution in how we think about sustainability in the printing industry. With Algae Ink, we're not just reducing our carbon footprint—we're flipping it on its head.
Living Ink has turned the impossible into reality, offering a solution that’s not just environmentally friendly but also produced with uncompromising quality. By choosing Algae Ink, we’re choosing to be part of a movement that’s bigger than any one of us. It’s a commitment to innovation, to the health of our planet, and to the future of printing.
As screen printers, designers, and conscious consumers, we have the power to shape the apparel industry and influence change. The technology has arrived, the benefits are undeniable, and the choice is ours to make each and every day.
Let’s step boldly into this new era, where our creativity leaves behind a legacy of sustainability, not pollution. The ink of tomorrow is here today—let’s start printing a brighter, better future together.
