Eco T shirts – Different printing techniques
David Platt • 18 March 2025
Comparing Screen Printing, Direct-to-Garment (DTG), and Transfer Printing:
Having chosen an eco-friendly T shirt (or hoodie) – the next decision is decoration. Whilst we touched on this in a previous blog (https://www.pavilionearth.co.uk/which-decoration-method-for-promotional-products-is-best-for-the-environment) it is clear that a couple of the printing methods need a degree more explanation. This is because as well as eco credentials you to consider the design and, of course, costs.
So, this article explores the pros, cons, quality, cost, and durability of three major printing techniques: DTG, screen printing, and transfer printing.
Key Takeaways
• Choose DTG for small orders and intricate designs, perfect for photorealistic custom prints.
• Choose screen printing for bulk orders, as it excels in cost-effectiveness and durability.
• Choose transfer printing for versatility, allowing full-color designs on a wide range of materials with minimal setup.
• Quality and durability vary: screen printing is the most durable, DTG is great for detailed images, and transfer printing balances ease and longevity.
• Environmental impact: DTG is the most sustainable, while transfer printing can be eco-friendly with the right materials.
• Cost considerations: Screen printing is best for large orders, DTG is cost-effective for small runs, and transfer printing offers a middle-ground solution.
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What is Screen Printing?
Screen printing is a popular method that uses a mesh stencil to transfer ink onto fabric, creating vibrant and durable designs. Also known as silk screening, it requires creating a stencil for each color and pushing ink through the screen onto the garment.
Pros:
✔ Produces vibrant colours on light and dark fabrics.
✔ Extremely durable, lasting through many washes.
✔ Cost-effective for bulk orders.
✔ Suitable for high-intensity garments like sports uniforms.
Cons:
✖ Setup is labour-intensive and expensive for small orders.
✖ Each colour requires a new screen, increasing production time.
✖ Uses a lot of water and chemicals, making it less eco-friendly.
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What is Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing?
DTG printing uses a specialized inkjet printer to spray ink directly onto fabric, allowing it to soak in. This method works best on natural fibres like cotton and is ideal for complex, multicolour designs.
Pros:
✔ Great for detailed and photorealistic images.
✔ No minimum order quantity—ideal for POD and small runs.
✔ Uses water-based inks, making it more eco-friendly.
✔ No screen setup, making it fast for single-item orders.
Cons:
✖ Less durable than screen printing; withstands about 50 washes.
✖ Works best on light-coloured, natural fabrics.
✖ Slower production time compared to screen printing.
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What is Transfer Printing?
Transfer printing involves printing a design onto a special transfer paper or vinyl and then heat-pressing it onto the fabric. This method allows full-colour designs on various materials, including polyester and blends.
Pros:
✔ Works on a wide range of fabrics, including synthetic materials.
✔ No need for screens, making setup easy and cost-effective.
✔ Can print complex, full-color designs with minimal effort.
✔ Suitable for small batches and on-demand printing.
Cons:
✖ Not as durable as screen printing; designs may crack or fade over time.
✖ Can have a ‘plasticky’ feel, depending on the transfer material used.
✖ Some types of transfer printing require additional processing steps.
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Quality Considerations
Print quality is crucial for customer satisfaction.
• Screen printing produces the most vibrant and durable prints, ideal for bulk apparel.
• DTG printing excels in detail and colour precision but works best on natural fabrics.
• Transfer printing allows full-colour designs on various fabrics but can have a different texture.
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Durability
• Screen printing is the most durable, often lasting as long as the garment itself.
• DTG prints last for around 50 washes with proper care.
• Transfer prints vary in longevity, with high-quality transfers lasting for years, but cheaper versions may fade or crack sooner.
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Environmental Impact
Sustainability is increasingly important in the apparel industry.
• DTG printing is the most eco-friendly, using water-based inks and reducing waste by printing on demand.
• Screen printing often involves plastic-based inks and significant water usage.
• Transfer printing can be sustainable if using eco-friendly transfer materials.
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Production Time
• Screen printing takes longer to set up but is the fastest for bulk orders.
• DTG printing is slower but perfect for small orders.
• Transfer printing has a moderate speed, as designs need to be printed and heat-pressed.
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Cost Considerations
Choosing the most cost-effective method depends on order size.
• Screen printing is best for bulk orders due to its high setup costs.
• DTG printing is the most affordable for small batches.
• Transfer printing falls in between, offering low setup costs but variable durability.
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FAQs: Screen Printing, DTG, and Transfer Printing
Which is better: DTG, screen printing, or transfer printing?
It depends on your needs. DTG is best for small, detailed prints, screen printing is ideal for bulk durable prints, and transfer printing offers flexibility across materials.
What lasts longer, screen printing, DTG, or transfer printing?
Screen printing lasts the longest, followed by high-quality transfer prints, with DTG being the least durable.
Which is the most eco-friendly printing method?
DTG printing is the most sustainable, as it uses water-based inks and minimizes waste.
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Searching for a branded gift or promotional product? Finding it hard to discover something new, something different? This post will give you a different way of finding what you are looking for by explaining how the industry works and why endless browsing may not be the right approach - or you can watch the video here 1. Understanding how the promotional products industry works a. Promotional Products Distributors The web sites you see on Google are numerous – indeed there are 2,873 distributors in the UK, each selling branded merchandise and each with a website. The web sites vary from the aesthetically pleasing to the overcrowded. BUT you will see the same products on many different web sites – why? b. Promotional Products Manufacturers The number of actual manufacturers is relatively small – a few hundred – each making a single product line, whether that be bags, notebooks, pens or clothing. But the vast majority of the manufacturers will only sell to the Trade – you will find it difficult to access them without the distributor. c. Merchandise Wholesalers In addition to the manufacturers, there an even smaller number of ‘wholesalers’. These Trade only suppliers will stock a huge range of products from many different sources and brand the product with your logo. They may also allow electronic feeds of their products to the distributor websites. d. Images of products So, as you search the myriad of websites presented by Google, you are looking at distributors with potentially the same product lines. ‘But they appear different’ – I hear you say. Yes, that is because each distributor, ourselves included, chooses what we believe to be the best promotional products for a particular price and quality, and the best images. Three problems We may have chosen the wrong products We may have chosen the wrong image The products constantly change so it is really tough to keep the website updated But, remember all the distributors buy from the same sources and virtually all could supply ANY of the products you see….. 2. I don’t know what I am looking for but will know it when I see it! This is true for 95% plus of everyone searching. You do however have some basic parameters: Rough cost per item Estimate of the quantity An understanding of who it’s for An understanding of your brand How the product will be used TIMING This last one is the ‘real kicker’ – you may find what you want but not be able to get it in time – in our experience this happens so often. 3. Alternative approach – a guide So, what is the alternative approach? Have the distributor do the work for you – for FREE We spend every day looking at products, attending industry exhibitions and meeting with manufacturers and wholesalers. We know what is available and when. We can help you clarify a brief and then present you with ideas. We can even quote on a product you have seen elsewhere. See us as your guide. OUR PROMISE – no pushy sales people – happy to chat by email or WhatsApp if you prefer.
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How can you tell which items genuinely meet environmental and ethical standards? How do you know your promotional merchandise is eco? One of the best ways is by looking for trusted third-party certifications. These certifications offer transparency, set rigorous criteria, and help ensure that your branded merchandise aligns with your sustainability values. Here's a quick guide to five of the most respected certifications to look out for when choosing eco-conscious products. 1. FSC – Forest Stewardship Council What it means: The FSC certification ensures that wood, paper, and other forest-based materials come from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits. Why it matters: If you're sourcing promotional items made from wood or paper—like notebooks, packaging, or wooden gifts—FSC certification guarantees that the materials are sustainably harvested. Look for: Products marked with the FSC logo; and check the certificate number on the FSC Certificate Search. Visit FSC official site 2. GOTS – Global Organic Textile Standard What it means: GOTS is a globally recognized certification for organic textiles. It ensures that fabrics like cotton are grown without harmful chemicals and processed in socially and environmentally responsible ways. Why it matters: Many promotional products, like tote bags, T-shirts, and towels, are textile-based. GOTS certification means these items are organic, safe, and ethically produced from farm to finish. Look for: A GOTS-certified label and supplier. You can verify through the GOTS Public Database. Visit GOTS official site What it means: Fairtrade certification supports better prices, decent working conditions, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in developing countries. Why it matters: Products like cotton bags, chocolate bars, or coffee mugs with Fairtrade-certified contents ensure ethical treatment of producers and sustainable farming practices. Look for: The blue and green Fairtrade logo on packaging or labels. Visit Fairtrade Foundation (UK) 4. OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 What it means: This certification verifies that textiles are tested for harmful substances and are safe for human use. Why it matters: Even "natural" fabrics can be treated with dyes or chemicals. OEKO-TEX® ensures that every component of the product—from threads to prints—is free from harmful levels of over 100 substances. Look for: The STANDARD 100 label and certification number for verification via the OEKO-TEX® Label Check. Visit OEKO-TEX® official site 5. Cradle to Cradle Certified® What it means: Cradle to Cradle certification assesses products for environmental and social performance across five categories: material health, circularity, clean air & climate protection, water & soil stewardship, and social fairness. Why it matters: This is especially valuable for innovative and multi-material products. It focuses on the entire lifecycle, not just sourcing or disposal. Look for: The Cradle to Cradle Certified® mark and specific level (Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum). Visit Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute Why Certifications Matter for Your Brand Choosing certified eco-friendly promotional products isn’t just about ticking a box—it shows your customers, staff, and stakeholders that you care about ethical sourcing, sustainable production, and long-term environmental impact. These certifications offer peace of mind and add real value to your brand story. At Pavilion Earth, we’re proud to work with suppliers who prioritise sustainability and transparency. Want help finding the right certified products for your campaign? Get in touch with us — we’d love to help.
