At Riot of Colour, we are deeply committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility. Our mission is to provide high-quality print products while minimising our impact on the planet. This commitment is reflected in every aspect of our printing process, from the choice of inks and materials to our efforts to reduce waste and promote recycling. Here’s an in-depth look at how we ensure our printing processes and materials are as sustainable as possible.

Inks: Moving Away from Solvents

One of the most significant steps we’ve taken towards sustainability is the elimination of solvent inks throughout our supply chain. Solvent inks contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be harmful to both the environment and human health. At Riot of Colour, we have chosen to use only neo pigment, water-based inks, and eco-solvent inks for our print-on-demand products.

Neo Pigment, Water-Based Inks:

• 100% non-hazardous and toxin-free
• Meet the strictest industry standards as defined by Oeko-Tex 100 safety applications for infant wear, Global Organic Textiles (GTOTS-3V) and Residues Standard List (RSL)

Neo pigment, water-based inks are a cornerstone of our sustainable printing process. These inks are completely non-hazardous and toxin-free, ensuring that they are safe for both our customers and the environment. They meet the highest industry standards, including those set by Oeko-Tex 100 for infant wear, the Global Organic Textiles Standard (GOTS), and the Residues Standard List (RSL). Additionally, these inks are recognised by the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists, further affirming their safety and quality.

Eco-Solvent Inks:

• Derived from ether extracts taken from refined mineral oil
• Lower VOC content than standard solvent inks
• Significantly less hazardous

Eco-solvent inks are another sustainable option we use in our printing process. These inks are derived from ether extracts taken from refined mineral oil. While they still contain some solvents, their VOC content is much lower than that of standard solvent inks, making them significantly less hazardous. By choosing eco-solvent inks, we are able to maintain high-quality print products while reducing our environmental footprint.

Materials: Sourcing Responsibly

In addition to using sustainable inks, we are also committed to sourcing our materials responsibly. This includes the paper and wood pulp used in our printing process, as well as the packaging materials we use to deliver our products to customers.

Paper and Wood:

• Sourced from sustainably managed forests
• Support the needs of wildlife while providing ecosystem services
• Include carbon storage and flood risk mitigation

All of the wood and pulp we use is sourced from sustainably managed forests. These forests are carefully managed to meet the needs of wildlife while also supporting the livelihoods of local communities. Additionally, sustainably managed forests provide essential ecosystem services, such as carbon storage and flood risk mitigation. By sourcing our paper and wood from these forests, we are able to produce high-quality print products while supporting environmental sustainability.

Plastics: Minimising Usage and Promoting Recycling

We recognize the environmental impact of plastics and are committed to minimizing their use in our products wherever possible. Due to the long time it takes for plastics to biodegrade, we avoid using them in our products wherever practicable. When the use of plastics is unavoidable, we aim to use environmentally friendly options, such as biodegradable OPP bags and recyclable plastic packaging.

Biodegradable Plastics:

• Biodegradable OPP bags
• Plastic bags and bubble wrap that can be recycled at special collection points

Biodegradable OPP bags are one of the environmentally friendly plastic options we use. These bags break down more quickly than traditional plastics, reducing their impact on the environment. Additionally, we use plastic bags and bubble wrap that can be recycled at special collection points, ensuring that these materials are properly disposed of and reused.

Our Ongoing Commitment

At Riot of Colour, our commitment to sustainability goes beyond our current practices. We are continually seeking new ways to improve our processes and reduce our environmental impact. This includes researching and adopting new technologies, collaborating with sustainable suppliers, and engaging with our customers to promote environmental responsibility.

We believe that sustainability is a journey, not a destination. By staying informed and proactive, we can continue to make positive changes that benefit both our business and the planet.

Collaboration with Sustainable Suppliers

One of the ways we uphold our commitment to sustainability is by collaborating with suppliers who share our values. We work closely with partners who prioritise environmental responsibility and adhere to sustainable practices. This collaboration ensures that our entire supply chain is aligned with our sustainability goals.

Research and Innovation

Innovation is key to our sustainability efforts. We are constantly researching new technologies and materials that can help us reduce our environmental footprint. This includes exploring alternative inks, developing more efficient printing processes, and finding new ways to reduce waste. By staying at the forefront of industry developments, we can continue to improve our sustainability practices.

Customer Engagement

We believe that our customers play a vital role in our sustainability journey. By educating our customers about our sustainable practices and encouraging them to make environmentally responsible choices, we can amplify our positive impact. We provide information about our sustainable printing process and materials on our website and through our marketing materials. Additionally, we offer tips and resources for customers who want to reduce their own environmental impact.

Reducing Waste

Reducing waste is a central focus of our sustainability efforts. We have implemented several initiatives to minimise waste throughout our printing process, including recycling programs, efficient production methods, and the use of digital printing technology.

Recycling Programs:

• Comprehensive recycling programs for paper, plastic, and other materials
• Encouraging customers to recycle packaging materials

We have established comprehensive recycling programs for paper, plastic, and other materials used in our printing process. These programs ensure that waste is properly sorted and recycled, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills. Additionally, we encourage our customers to recycle packaging materials by providing information and resources on our website.

Efficient Production Methods:

• Digital printing technology to reduce waste
• Print-on-demand model to minimize overproduction

Digital printing technology allows us to produce high-quality prints with minimal waste. Unlike traditional printing methods, digital printing does not require the use of plates, reducing the amount of waste generated during the printing process. Additionally, our print-on-demand model allows us to produce only the quantities needed, minimizing overproduction and waste.

At Riot of Colour, we are dedicated to providing high-quality print products while prioritising sustainability and environmental responsibility. From our choice of inks and materials to our efforts to reduce waste and promote recycling, every aspect of our printing process is designed with sustainability in mind. By continually seeking new ways to improve and engaging with our customers, we can make a positive impact on the planet and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Thank you for supporting our commitment to sustainability.