Environmental & Sustainability Policy

Print Clan are committed to having the lowest possible impact on the environment, and strive to create a sustainable, ethically-focussed business model. 


Printing Processes

  • FF Binder is our most used and most affordable binder, which we use in courses and sell to members. FF is a solvent free, water-based textile printing medium. 

  • We use Magnaprint ECO Pigments, which meet several EU and International requirements, including the OK-TEX Standard 100 Criteria.

  • We acknowledge that some of our specialist binders contain toxins, and are looking into replacing them with suitable, non-toxic alternatives.

  • Our paper printing medium and inks are fully water based.

  • We supply screen printing emulsion to our members at minimal profit, to encourage members to use ours instead of purchasing their own and potentially creating waste. 

  • We use aluminium frame screens and metal handle squeegees which have a longer shelf life than wooden alternatives. All of our screens are re-stretched in Glasgow by a local supplier. 

  • Our backing cloths are made from recycled fabric. We wash and reuse these to make them last as long as possible.

  • We order fabric remnants from Contrado for workshops and courses which would otherwise go to waste. We recycle and reuse all leftover printed fabric and scraps, and keep a stock of these in the studio available for members to use when colour testing, sampling etc. We accept donations of fabric and source larger pieces secondhand whenever possible.

  • We recommend sustainable, ethical garment options for all customers using our Merchandise Printing Service.


Waste & Recycling

  • We keep any inks leftover by Members and use them on courses and workshops. All of our inks are mixed and kept in recycled pots, which we wash and reuse. 

  • The studio has dry mixed recycling, where we recycle paper towels, all waste paper, and excess cardboard. We store cardboard, bags for life and other packaging materials from orders and deliveries to reuse when sending or transporting goods. We offer paper bags for customers collecting any items sold through our shop.

  • Screen printing inevitably produces a lot of water waste, which we are looking to minimise as much as possible. We have invested in a new washout booth which will contribute to this, and are looking into further reducing water waste as part of our long term plan.

  • We provide towels in both the toilet and the print studio to minimise paper towel usage. These are taken home to be washed by the technicians at regular intervals.


Transport and Location

  • The majority of our team cycle to the studio, and make local deliveries on foot or by bike.

  • We have recently purchased a company car for our core team to car-share with. This vehicle meets the requirements set out by Glasgow City Council’s Low Emission Zone (LEZ).

  • Thanks to the studio’s city centre location, most of our members either cycle or use public transport to reach the studio. We have space to store bikes in the studio entrance.


Heating & Electricity

  • The studio currently has no central heating system, so we use one plug-in oil filled radiator and one heat lamp for drying fabric. These are not used at all through the Summer months.

  • Our electricity provider is Octopus, who supply 100% renewable electricity from solar, wind and hydro sources.


This policy was written in November 2020 and was last reviewed in April 2023.