When it comes to printing regulations, Washington State isn’t backing down. Once again, lawmakers are pushing forward with a printing inks ban, targeting certain chemicals in inks used across multiple industries—including garment decoration, t-shirt printing, and branded merchandise. If passed, this move could shake up the entire apparel printing industry, forcing businesses to rethink their ink choices, production methods, and compliance strategies.
But how did we get here? This isn’t Washington’s first attempt to regulate printing inks. The state has been refining its environmental policies for years, previously restricting inks containing PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) under its Safer Products Program. Now, new proposals aim to widen the scope, raising concerns among print shops, decorators, and suppliers who rely on tried-and-true ink formulas for their production.
So, what exactly is happening, and how will it impact your shop? Let’s break it down.
What’s In Washington’s Latest Printing Inks Ban?
Washington is no stranger to environmental regulations, and now, they’re back with another printing inks ban proposal aimed at eliminating certain chemicals from commercial inks. The latest move builds on previous restrictions against PCB-containing inks, expanding the list of regulated substances that could affect garment decoration, screen printing, and apparel printing businesses.
The Washington State Department of Ecology has identified chemicals like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), phthalates, and certain heavy metals as potential targets for removal under the Safer Products Program. If enacted, these restrictions could reshape ink formulations for DTG, screen printing, and sublimation shops, forcing manufacturers to reformulate products to meet compliance standards.
So, what does this mean for print shops? While the exact list of banned chemicals is still under discussion, inks commonly used in t-shirt printing, direct-to-film (DTF) transfers, and UV printing may be affected. If your shop relies on specialty inks for vibrant colors, durability, or stretchability, this ban could shake things up.
How Will This Impact The Apparel Printing Industry?
If Washington’s printing inks ban moves forward, garment decorators may face limited ink options, increased costs, and potential supply chain disruptions. The apparel printing industry is already navigating challenges like rising material costs and labor shortages—adding ink reformulation to the mix could create a ripple effect that hits businesses at every level.
Here’s what decorators and print shop owners need to keep an eye on:
- Increased Costs – Reformulated inks often come with a higher price tag, especially when manufacturers must adjust their production processes to comply with regulations. Expect price hikes on certain ink types, especially plastisol, UV, and solvent-based inks.
- Color and Performance Changes – Ink formulations that comply with Washington’s environmental guidelines may behave differently on fabrics, affecting print quality, wash durability, and adhesion. This could be a learning curve for decorators who rely on specific ink properties for high-quality results.
- Supply Chain Uncertainty – As ink manufacturers rush to meet new standards, there could be delays in production and distribution. Shops that depend on bulk ink orders or imported specialty inks might experience longer lead times or restricted availability of their go-to products.
While the goal of reducing environmental impact is important, print shops must also adapt quickly to stay competitive. The good news? Industry leaders are already pushing back, calling for a more balanced approach that allows time for research and proper implementation.
The Industry Pushback – What’s Being Done?
Printing industry groups, including Printing United Alliance, have been vocal about Washington’s ink regulations, arguing that a one-size-fits-all approach could disrupt the industry without clear scientific backing. Their stance? Regulators need to collaborate with industry experts before making broad decisions that could negatively impact small businesses and independent print shops.
Here’s what’s happening behind the scenes:
- Advocacy Efforts – Organizations are lobbying against sweeping ink bans, urging Washington lawmakers to consider alternative solutions like phased-out timelines, voluntary reformulations, or incentives for greener ink innovations.
- Research & Testing – Manufacturers are already testing new ink formulas, but the process takes time. The industry is pushing for data-driven regulations rather than blanket bans that force companies into costly, unproven solutions.
- Legal Challenges – If Washington moves forward aggressively, legal pushback is likely. Similar regulations in other states have faced delays and amendments due to strong opposition from industry stakeholders.
For garment decorators and apparel print shop owners, the key takeaway is this: Stay informed, be prepared for changes, and explore alternative ink options if necessary. While regulations might be shifting, the demand for high-quality printed merchandise isn’t going anywhere.
Navigating Washington’s Printing Inks Ban
Washington’s printing inks ban isn’t just another regulation—it’s a shift that could reshape the way print shops operate. Whether you’re running a screen printing business, a DTG shop, or a sublimation setup, staying ahead of these changes is critical. While the state’s environmental goals are clear, the lack of industry collaboration and the potential for supply chain disruptions leave a lot of unanswered questions for decorators, suppliers, and manufacturers.
For print shops, now is the time to assess ink alternatives, stay in touch with suppliers, and follow industry updates closely. Some manufacturers are already working on compliant ink solutions, but it’s unclear how those formulas will compare in cost, durability, and vibrancy. If Washington moves forward aggressively with its restrictions, expect other states to consider similar regulations, potentially making this a nationwide issue in the future.
Industry groups aren’t backing down, and discussions are ongoing about more practical, phased approaches rather than blanket bans. Advocacy efforts could lead to delays, revisions, or exemptions, but there’s no guarantee. Shops that rely on specialty inks should start having conversations with suppliers about contingency plans.
With the industry evolving, many decorators are looking for ways to streamline their business operations and stay ahead of compliance changes. That’s where DecoNetwork can help. From managing online stores to automating workflows, DecoNetwork’s all-in-one platform allows print shops to focus on production efficiency rather than getting bogged down in supply chain uncertainty. The future of apparel printing is still bright—just be ready to pivot when necessary.
