Image of heat press and recycle logo with headline "How to Be Sustainable in Heat Printing"

Sustainable Apparel Decoration & Heat Printing: A How-To Guide

Making your heat printing business more sustainable is a not only a great way to save money, you’ll also reduce waste, do your part to protect the environment, and appeal to eco-friendly customers. New apparel decorating technology is becoming more environmentally aware than previous methods. With the ability to print on demand, along with more sustainable apparel options, becoming a more conscious decorator is easier than ever!


Eco-Conscious Transfers:

Eco-conscious transfers play a vital role in sustainable apparel decoration. By using eco-friendly materials, decorators can minimize their economic impact.

  • Water-based inks are a greener alternative to traditional plastisol inks, as they are free from harmful chemicals.
  • UltraColor® MAX direct-to-film transfers utilize water-based inks and are OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified for sustainable and responsible manufacturing practices.
sustainable apparel decoration with UltraColor MAX "Reduce Reuse Recycle" design on green T-shirt
Design made using UltraColor® MAX, your go-to transfer for sustainable apparel decoration

Reducing Waste through On-Demand Printing:

Traditional mass production often leads to excessive waste. Sustainable apparel decorators can address this by adopting a print-on-demand model.

  • Printing designs only when orders are received reduces excess inventory and eliminates the need for overproduction.
  • This approach not only minimizes waste but also allows for greater design customization.
  • Decorators can cater to individual preferences and create unique, personalized garments without the need for large production runs.

🔥Pro-Tip: UltraColor® MAX transfers have no order minimum and ship next business day, making them your go-to transfer for a print on demand model. For on-demand names or numbers, check out our pre-cut letters & numbers.

Using Sustainably Sourced Apparel:

A crucial aspect of sustainable apparel decoration is the use of ethically and sustainably sourced garments. Opting for garments made from recycled materials or sustainably grown cotton is a great way to minimize the impact associated with conventional fabrics. Be sure to avoid fast fashion or cheap trends to help reduce the amount of blanks that end up in landfills.


As the demand for sustainable fashion grows, apparel decorators have an opportunity to make a positive impact. By using sustainably sourced apparel, implementing a print-on-demand model, and utilizing eco-conscious transfers, decorators contribute to a greener future. These practices not only benefit the environment but also resonate with eco-conscious consumers. Let us embrace sustainable apparel decoration as the new standard, celebrating creativity, style, and a deep commitment to the well-being of our planet.


Learn more about sustainable apparel choices and eco-conscious transfers with Jenna in the video below!

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