Pioneering manufacturer Mimaki has attained the OEKO-TEX accreditation for direct skin contact for its Sb300 series dye sublimation inks and Sb53 sublimation transfer inks. The OEKO-TEX criteria catalogue provides manufacturers in the textile and clothing industry with a scientifically-based standard benchmark for the evaluation of potentially harmful substances in textiles.
OEKO-TEX approved inks are suitable to finish skin-friendly clothing and other textiles such as underwear, bed linen, terry cloth items, shirts, blouses etc. This certificate therefore constitutes an important decision-making element when purchasing inks for textile production.
The independent testing and certification system for textile products from all stages of manufacture confirms the inks have met the human-ecological requirements of the standard for products with direct contact to skin. The certification shows the inks fulfil the requirements of Annex XVII of REACH as well as the American requirement regarding total content of lead in children's articles.
“We were already well aware of the business-winning value of the inks but are delighted that Nissenken Quality Evaluation Center has awarded them the OEKO-TEX Standard 100,” comments Mike Horsten, general manager marketing EMEA at Mimaki Europe. “Customers can now use the inks confidently and safe in the knowledge they are approved for direct skin contact.
“This has the potential to open up numerous market opportunities,” adds Horsten. “Our recent participation at Heimtextil showed an increasing interest in digital printing for textile applications.” Over 200 attendees joined Horsten’s presentation on ‘Why the home textile sector will switch to digital’, resulting in many constructive leads at the Mimaki stand throughout the show.
“Our digital textile printing capabilities have already hit a number of catwalks. This certification means even more designers can take a closer look at how printing can add creative value to their collections.”
The inks can be used on the following Mimaki systems: TS500-1800, TX500-1800DS, TX500-1800B, CJV150-107, 130 & 160, CJV300-130 & 160, JV150-130 & 160, JV300-130 & 160, JV5-320DS, TS3-1600, TS5-1600AMF, TS34-1800A and TPC-1000.
Horsten concludes: “After a very successful participation at Heimtextil in Germany, this industry seal of approval demonstrates just how far-reaching digital print can be. It is an endorsement of our continuous efforts to optimise our portfolio and more notably our digital print solutions.”