Sustainable customization for promotional gifts at trade fairs and summer events

The color of your values: how water-based inks are transforming eco-friendly merchandising

Eco-friendly printing has shattered myths. Today, design, color, and visual impact are no longer at odds with sustainability. On the contrary, creativity and environmental commitment merge in techniques like water-based ink printing, a clean alternative to traditional screen printing that avoids toxic solvents, PVC, and phthalates. By 2025, this technique will be a standard for those who want to convey their brand identity responsibly.

As manufacturing sectors shift towards lower-impact materials, eco-friendly personalization is advancing with solutions that reduce carbon footprints and allow for personalized gifts with a purpose. If you're considering eco-friendly merchandise for trade shows, corporate events, or summer campaigns, this article is for you.

What to consider when printing on eco-friendly textiles at summer trade fairs?

Summer trade shows require comfortable, durable, visually appealing, and, of course, sustainable products. If you're going to personalize clothing or accessories for these types of events, keep the following in mind:

• Fabric type: organic cotton or recycled polyester (rPET) are ideal for their absorbency and natural finish.
  

• Intended use: T-shirts for trade shows, caps for outdoor events, or bags for informational materials have different printing needs.
  

• Size and placement of design: centered designs, with good contrast and proportion, ensure visibility without losing aesthetics.
  

• Background color and inks: intentionally coordinated. Water-based inks offer great definition and allow for smooth application of pastel or intense tones on natural cotton.
  
  

Did you know that not everything goes in eco-friendly printing? Choosing the right technique will make all the difference.

Main eco-friendly printing techniques with sustainable inks

In 2025, the following techniques are the most effective for customizing eco-friendly merchandising products:

Direct printing with water-based inks (eco-friendly DTG)

Ideal for short runs and natural fabrics like organic cotton. It allows for a wide variety of colors and gradients, with soft and breathable results. Requires compatible printers and certified inks.

Screen printing with water-based inks

Perfect for high-volume printing. Offers excellent value for money. Water-based inks penetrate the fabric without plasticizing it and do not generate toxic waste. Widely used in t-shirts and eco-friendly bags.

Sublimation (recycled synthetic fabrics only)

Suitable for white rPET, such as technical caps. Uses heat to fix the design, without generating liquid waste. Ideal for colorful designs and outdoor use.

Each technique has advantages depending on the product and end use. At CO2Gifts and FirstGreen, we help you choose the most suitable one.

Featured Corporate Products: Eco-friendly customization for summer 2025

1. Guim Eco T-shirt – FirstGreen 2025

Part of the FirstGreen 2025 Organic Textile Collection, ideal for sustainable events. Soft, lightweight fabric that's easy to print on. Perfect for trade show teams, summer campaigns, or responsible marketing.