What does it mean to print with purpose? For Joe Grennan of Biota Mfg in Reno, Nevada, it means looking at every supply in the shop and asking how it can be improved for the environment. In a recent collaboration for Earth Month, Joe shared how easy it is to make a high-impact switch by simply changing your black ink.
Joe runs a studio deeply rooted in the outdoors. As an avid climber, his environment is his primary inspiration. This connection to nature drives his business model of conservation first: he prints shirts to help protect the wild spaces that inspire his art.
The Power of Algae Ink
The screen printing industry provides many eco-friendly supplies today. The most exciting advancement for Biota Mfg has been the development of Algae Ink by Living Ink Technologies. This ink is a water-based solution that uses waste from algae farms to create a carbon-negative pigment. Joe uses this ink whenever he prints black because it performs well while being better for the planet. As Joe puts it, "I can't imagine coming up with a cooler product than what these guys have going on".
Why Screen Printers are Making the Switch
- Carbon Negative: By using a pigment made from renewable algae waste, you are actually removing carbon from the atmosphere.
- Drop-In Replacement: You don't need to modify your process or setup because it operates exactly the same as your standard water-based inks.
- Superior Quality: Algae Ink prints great, has a soft hand feel, and lasts just as long or longer than other black inks.
RELATED: HOW TO SCREEN PRINT WITH LIVING INK ALGAE INK™
Easy Integration for Your Shop
Transitioning to more sustainable practices happens one step at a time. You can start by swapping out your most-used color. Whether you are printing on a Riley Hopkins 360 like Joe or a large automatic setup, Algae Ink fits right into your existing workflow.
If you are already using Water-Based Inks, you will find that Modern Black Screen ALGAE INK or Vintage Black Screen ALGAE INK provides that deep, jet-black opacity your customers love with a unique story they will love to tell others about.
Tips for Success with Algae Ink
To get the best results when you drop in Screen ALGAE INK, keep these technical tips in mind:
- Mesh Selection: Joe recommends higher mesh counts for detail, such as 150 to 240 T/inch, though Algae Ink works beautifully across most standard ranges.
- Ink Curing: Ensure you have proper ink curing for water-based products. A forced-air flash dryer like a Riley Flash & forced air conveyor is ideal for consistent results.
- Additives: If you are printing on athletic or high-stretch apparel, you can use Warp Drive to lower your cure temperature and prevent dye migration.
RELATED: HOW GOING GREEN PUTS GREEN BACK INTO YOUR SCREEN PRINTING SHOP
Printing for a Better Future
Joe Grennan’s mission at Biota Mfg is a reminder that as screen printers, we have a choice in the supplies we use. By choosing products like Screen ALGAE INK, we can create high-quality apparel that supports the planet.