Check out the latest headlines from apparel-decoration equipment and material suppliers, inlcuding the anticipated comeback of a popular screen-printing ink, environmental accolades for direct-to-film components or the announcement of versatile three-dimensional stickers.

International Coatings Re-Releases Paramount White Ink

International Coatings has re-released its popular Paramount White 7041 screen-printing ink.

During the pandemic, International Coatings suspended production of its Paramount White screen-printing ink due to supply chain disruptions. Now, in response to overwhelming demand, the company says it’s re-releasing Paramount White 7041 – an ultra-low-bleed ink specifically designed to provide exceptional results on 50/50 fabric blends and 100% polyester substrates.

Paramount White is part of the company’s Flex Cure line of inks that allow printers to select a cure temperature between 275 degrees F and 325 degrees F.

“We are excited to reintroduce Paramount White to the screen-printing community,” said Mark Brouillard, product manager at International Coatings. “With its exceptional performance on 50/50 fabric blends and polyester, FlexCure capabilities, high pigment content, creamy viscosity and ease of use, Paramount White provides printers a game-changing solution that will elevate their craft.”

Roland DGA Receives ECO PASSPORT Certification for Printer Ink, Powder

Roland DGA has received an eco certification for its BN-20D direct-to-film ink and powder.

Roland DGA, a provider of wide-format inkjet printers, vinyl cutters and other digital imaging technology, says the ink and powder for its VersaSTUDIO BN-20D, a compact direct-to-film (DTF) transfer printer, have acquired OEKO-TEX ECO PASSPORT certification. This international standard guarantees the safety of textile products.

“We are constantly striving to develop safer and more environmentally friendly digital solutions, and the BN-20D direct-to-film system is just one example,” said Daniel Valade, Roland DGA’s product manager of digital print. “This innovative system makes enhancing garments with vibrant, detailed graphics quick and easy. Now, with the newly earned ECO PASSPORT certification, users can rest assured that the customized clothing they create is also safe for people of all ages to wear.”

OEKO-TEX consists of independent institutes in Europe and Japan, with offices around the globe, working to achieve high standards of safety and sustainable production. The ECO PASSPORT is an independent certification system for chemicals, colorants and auxiliaries used in the textile industry, verifying that each individual ingredient in chemical products meets the statutory requirements and isn’t harmful to health.

The BN-20D produces DTF transfers that can be used on cotton, polyester, cotton-polyester, denim, nylon and rayon products.

Big Frog Partners With Axiom America for DTF Printers

Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More has partnered with Axiom America to introduce Axiom’s Arcus DTF printers to nearly 100 Big Frog shops. The agreement enables Big Frog to add a full gamut of apparel printing in-house and bring the latest in garment printing technology to its customers, according to the decorated-apparel franchise.

“We continually seek to expand our printing capabilities and offer more deco options to our customers,” said Tina Bacon-DeFrece, co-founder, president and CEO of Big Frog. “DTF printing also creates less of an environmental impact, which aligns well with Big Frog’s commitment to green production processes.”

Big Frog shops have long offered direct-to-garment (DTG) printing, giving stores the ability to complete many custom garment orders while customers wait. The addition of DTF printing will allow stores to produce more orders without having to outsource to screen printers, according to Big Frog.

Brad Belk, a managing partner for Axiom, said this is the company’s first national exclusive relationship. “We look forward to working with Big Frog in the years to come,” he stated.

Stickers International Offers Domed Stickers

Stickers International provides three-dimensional domed stickers.

Stickers International, a division of Top 40 supplier World Emblem (asi/98264), offers three-dimensional domed stickers made with epoxy resin gel.

These full-color, high-resolution badges come in a range of metallic vinyl options and feature a durable polyurethane resin coating. They have strong adhesion to most flat, dry surfaces and are water- and scratch-resistant.

The company said they’re ideal for product labeling, selling as branded merchandise, as a loyalty gift or perk with purchase, for handing out at trade shows, as a swag-bag item for grand openings and events, and as signage for doors, walls and windows. They can also be used to brand or personalize a wide range of promotional products, including water bottles, coolers, portfolios and lunch boxes.