Uses OEKO-TEX 100 Certified Water-Based Inks

Uses OEKO-TEX 100 Certified Water-Based Inks For Apparel Printing

Common and inexpensive inks used in the global manufacture of apparel contain a wide range of toxic chemicals,

including phthalates, petroleum-based co-solvents, PVC, and other volatile organic compounds. AAG’s initiative

to use OEKO-TEX approved, water-based inks creates benefits for factory workers, people living local to these

factories, consumers, and everyone downstream. The benefits of water-based inks are numerous.

“Reducing toxic chemicals from the manufacturing process is the right thing to do for our employees, for people

living close to our manufacturing facilities, and for anyone buying the apparel that we manufacture,” said

Daniel Hawker, CEO of AAG. “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.”

Making a sizable environmental impact, the printing service of AAG’s business is significant. Digital printing

averages 25,000 meters per month with screen printing averaging 60,000 garments per month.

The use of water-based inks requires a skilled production team and training of employees is ongoing. AAG

currently employs 30 people at its printing operations in Ningbo, China.

OEKO-TEX 100 Class 1 Standard Printing Inks are a specialized category of printing inks (typically used in

textiles and fabrics) that comply with the stringent OEKO-TEX 100 certification, ensuring they contain no

harmful substances and are safe, even for the most sensitive skin. Compared to industry standards, these inks

offer substantial environmental benefits by significantly reducing the risk of allergens and harmful chemicals

leaching into the environment.