Eco-Friendly Products FAQ

What’s an eco-friendly product?

Our eco-friendly product collection consists of items made of at least 70% organic or recycled materials, or such material blends. Currently, that includes, but is not limited to, organic cotton, recycled cotton, recycled polyester, recycled nylon, and organic cotton/recycled polyester fabric blends.

 

What type of ink do you use?

DTG products

For DTG products, we use Kornit Water-based and NeoPigment inks that are Oeko-Tex™ certified, which means they are safe to print on children’s clothing and reduce environmental waste. These inks provide a high washing colorfast AATCC rating of 4.

Sublimation products

We use Mimaki Dye Sublimation Ink Sb411 and Sawgrass SubliJet HD ink for sublimation products. Both of these inks are Oeko-Tex™ certified. For some sublimation products, we also use MYSUBLI-E Sublimation Transfer Ink.

Phone cases

We use Mimaki UV Inkjet Ink Lus 120 ink for phone cases. This ink is GREENGUARD Gold certified, which means the ink meets the gold certification for building materials, finishes, and furnishings.

Posters

For posters, we use Epson UltraChrome GS3 ink. This ink is also GREENGUARD Gold certified.

Other non-apparel products

For mugs, we use Sawgrass SubliJet HD ink. For selected non-apparel products, stickers, and canvas, we use EPSON SC80610/80600 ink.

 

Are your products vegan?

All items in our catalog are free of animal products. All Stanley/Stella products and a few other items from the eco-friendly collection are also PETA-Approved Vegan. If the product carries a PETA-Approved Vegan certificate, it’s mentioned in the product description.

 

What happens to damaged products, unclaimed returns, and fabric scraps?

In 2020, we partnered up with waste management service providers Geocycle and Martex to take care of fabric waste in our Tijuana and Charlotte facilities. In total, we sent 206,737 lb. (93,774 kg) of fabric waste to recycling within the first year.

In 2022, we found recycling solutions for our Los Angeles, Barcelona, and Riga facilities, which has enabled us to recycle a total of 649,298 lb. (131,665 kg) in 2021.

Whenever possible, we also donate damaged and returned products to local charities, like the Red Cross, the American Kidney Fund, and Goodwill.

How do you ensure organic or recycled material content in your eco-friendly products?

Our eco-friendly product collection consists of items made of at least 70% organic or recycled materials, or such material blends. Currently, that includes, but is not limited to, organic cotton, recycled cotton, recycled polyester, recycled nylon, and organic cotton/recycled polyester fabric blends.

To verify material content, we collect valid certificates from our suppliers. As proof of the product’s organic composition, we accept either GOTS or OCS certificates. As proof of the product’s recycled composition, we accept either GRS or RCS certificates.

 

GLOBAL ORGANIC TEXTILE STANDARD (GOTS)

The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the worldwide leading textile processing standard for organic fibres, including ecological and social criteria, backed up by independent third-party certification of the entire textile supply chain. This standard also sets limitations on other fibers that can be blended with organic fibers.

 

Organic Content Standard (OCS)

The Organic Content Standard (OCS) is a certification for non-food goods that confirms the organic material presence in the final product. It also follows the supply chain from its source to the final product.

 

Global Recycled Standard (GRS) and Recycled Claim Standard (RCS)

The Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) and Global Recycled Standard (GRS) are international, voluntary standards that set requirements for third-party certification of recycled content and supply chain. The shared goal of the standards is to increase the use of recycled materials. The GRS includes additional criteria for social and environmental processing requirements and chemical restrictions.

 

Are your products OEKO-TEX certified?

OEKO-TEX® certification is one of the world’s leading labels for textile safety, and it proves that the certified products are free from hazardous chemicals. We’ve listed the label in the product description of the products that hold this certification. We also use OEKO-TEX® certified inks and thread for embroidery designs.

 

Are your products shipped sustainably?

Around 81% of Printful orders are delivered within the same region they’re fulfilled in. Having fulfillment centers close to our customers is good for both the business and the planet. Strategically located fulfillment centers allow for faster shipping times and lower shipping costs, and it also helps with reducing CO₂ emissions produced when transporting orders.

Products available in the same region are shipped together whenever possible. This helps our customers save money and is much better for the environment.