Fujifilm is the first company to have products approved under the Soil Association Certification’s new ‘Approved Inputs for Textiles Scheme’. This new scheme will help organic textile and garment manufacturers to source low-impact textile processing chemicals.

Georgina Thomas, Soil Association Certification textile specialist, said: “We are excited to announce that Fujifilm is the first company to offer Soil Association approved inputs for organic textiles. These inks meet strict criteria on toxicity and biodegradability according to GOTS, the international gold standard for organic textile processing. Look out for our Approved symbol on products.”

Jon Harper-Smith, marketing manager, Fujifilm Graphic Systems Europe comments: “We are delighted to have achieved this approval from the Soil Association Certification that demonstrates Fujifilm’s commitment to sustainability. We are thrilled that it is now even easier for our customers to print certified organic textiles. With this comprehensive range of Soil Association approved screen printing inks there is virtually no limit to the range of colours and effects that can now be printed onto organic certified textiles.”

Fujifilm has undertaken an extensive research and development programme focused on developing inks with performance characteristics that meet the Soil Association Certification guidelines. The research involved carefully balancing print performance characteristics with the toxicological and ecological requirements that were necessary to meet the approval criteria. The products approved are from three of the Sericol screen printing textile ink ranges: Texiscreen Aqua AJ – a water based ink for direct printing, Texcharge TC – a water based discharge ink for printing dark garments, Pioneer Ultra YC – an opaque PVC-free and phthalate-free plastisol ink for printing line and process colours together with a range of special effects including high build, puff and suede.

The Soil Association has been working in organic textiles for over 10 years, and played a leading role in the development of GOTS, a standard which the Soil Association Certification now certifies to. The Soil Association textile licensees saw 35% sales growth in 2010. Francis Blake, Soil Association policy advisor and member of the GOTS International Working Group, said: “The increasing range of approved chemical inputs available to almost 3000 GOTS certified textile and garment businesses worldwide demonstrates that certified organic textiles represent an exciting and buoyant market sector. It is increasingly clear that it is possible to produce modern, fashionable textiles in a way that is kinder, cleaner and better for people and the planet.”