Why sustainably matters

In this informative and timely article, Sharon Donovich, product marketing manager, Kornit Digital, explores the concept of sustainability and why it matters.

A 2015 Forbes article identified the garment industry as the largest polluter in the world next to oil, as it accounts for 10% of global carbon emissions.

The industry also consumes nearly 80 billion cubic metres of fresh water and produces more greenhouse gas emissions than aerial and maritime transport combined.

As a leader in the apparel and fashion industry, Kornit considers sustainability to be a core company value and focuses its best efforts and resources on minimising the company’s environmental footprint

As such, it operates in a sustainable, responsible manner by developing digital printing solutions that are inherently more environmentally friendly than both traditional and other digital printing methods in the industry.

Its systems meet the highest sustainability standards with zero wastewater and a low carbon footprint, enabling on-demand printing that fits today’s consumer culture.

They also help adherence to regulations and standards that are in place to support sustainable practice, such as:

• Oeko-Tex comprising 18 independent institutes in Europe and Japan that develop test methods and limit values for textiles.
• ZDHC dedicated to eliminating hazardous chemicals and implementing sustainable chemicals in the leather, textile, and synthetics sectors.
• Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) evaluating environmental, social, and economic negative impacts and benefits in decision-making processes towards more sustainable products throughout their life cycle.

Kornit also works hard to embrace the latest innovations in order to improve continuously the sustainability levels of its solutions, as well as to empower its employees and the community.

It believes offering a digital solution, with a small carbon footprint, low energy consumption, zero water consumption, and the ability to print only what is being sold with zero waste is the best approach to sustainability.

This is something on which brands are placing increasing importance. They are all building on their commitment to sustainability and are looking to improve their operations and supply chains wherever possible.

So, too, are Kornit’s customers. Kornit is already working with many that will not look at a solution unless it demonstrates a clear commitment to sustainability. For them, it is crucial and one of the reasons they choose Kornit solutions above others.

Everything is sustainable

Catarina Lopes, founder and CEO of the CALVI brand’s eco-conscious NÜWA division, explains: “This company started with my grandfather, and then my father started running the business by himself. I started NÜWA, which has two pillars: Everything is sustainable, and we are inspired by people. We are sustainable; we don’t have to create more water waste or use more resources. Our products are made from recycled cotton, recycled polyester, and organic cotton. We only use digital printing because it’s water inks; we don’t have to use chemicals in our products.”

As part of that approach, Kornit has developed its water-based NeoPigment inks. Free of heavy metals, formaldehyde, and Alkylphenol Ethoxylates (APE), they are non-hazardous, non-toxic, and eco-friendly.

Its waterless printing system, combined with the NeoPigment inks and energy-saving process, places Kornit as the best choice for sustainable printing. The inks are Oeko-Tex, CPSIA, GOTS compliant, and will soon have LCA.

Improving the approach to sustainability will not only help benefit the planet, but it will also impact the global economy. It will help reshape the way consumerism is working (buy only what you really intend to wear, not because it is cheap), the way brands and manufacturers make decisions, and the way people behave in general.

We have only one world, only one planet. We need to keep it green and keep it clean for the next generation.

Sustainability isn’t a passing trend but a mindset – one Kornit puts into practice every step of the way.

That is why we all should continuously strive to do better and achieve more, for our business and for the planet.