At PRINTING United Expo, Apparelist’s Content Director Cassie Green led a practical discussion on sustainability with panelists Sara Osorio, environmental, health, and safety affairs coordinator at PRINTING United Alliance; Milissa Gibson, director of sales at Lane Seven Apparel; and Eric Henry, president of TS Designs. Together, they broke down what sustainability truly means for apparel decorators, and why action can’t wait. 

While sustainability can often feel overwhelming to tackle or “nice to have,” the panel emphasized that it’s quickly becoming essential for decorators’ long-term success.  

As Henry put it, sustainability is a “journey, not a destination.” And in today’s shifting global economy, he added, decorators must stay aware of their environmental and social impact: “It’s important for us, not only as a business but for people on this planet, to realize every day you have a choice — the food you eat, the clothes you wear, the energy you use.” 

Why Sustainability Matters More Than Ever 

Economic, regulatory, and consumer pressures are converging. Manufacturers worldwide are shifting to more sustainable materials because they reduce cost and risk over time. Decorators, who sit at the end of the supply chain, play a crucial role in whether those investments pay off. “You can make the most sustainable thing, but if someone doesn’t ever wear it more than once, it’s pointless,” Gibson noted.  

Osorio added that sustainability isn’t just about products. It’s about systems. “Everything is interconnected, and whatever changes you make upstream, they’re going to affect your downstream. So, I think it’s really important to approach sustainability in that way where you’re including all parties,” she advised. This includes packaging, waste, energy use, worker safety, and more. 

Legislation You Can’t Ignore 

Incoming regulations will directly affect apparel decorators. The California textile EPR law, called the Responsible Textile Recovery Act, which passed in 2024, is expected to reach other states. It charges producers fees to cover the end-of-life impact of apparel and textiles, and in some cases, puts them in charge of textile collections. 

PFAs restrictions are also tightening nationwide. Even with slower federal movement, state regulations are accelerating, and enforcement will continue, according to Osorio. “PFAs are pretty common in the apparel world,” she adds. “So definitely pay attention to [them].” 

She also emphasized OSHA as part of sustainability — looking at people, planet, and profit, and how to take care of your employees and your communities.  “Looking at OSHA regulations, that’s maybe not considered to be in the sustainability world, but it very much is,” Osorio stressed.  

Actionable Steps Decorators Can Take Now 

The panel shared the low-hanging fruit that can be addressed immediately: 

  • Retrofit lighting to LED and use task-specific lighting to reduce energy. TS Designs cut lighting energy use by 75% by doing this alone. 
  • Evaluate utilities (electricity, gas, water) and identify waste. 
  • Install low-flow toilets.  
  • Research third-party standards and certifications based on your goals (e.g., recycled content, chemical safety, worker welfare). 
  • Source sustainable blanks, considering not only how the shirt is made but how it’s shipped.  

Gibson added that more and more brands, especially high-end ones, are pushing the sustainability conversation and looking at the ethics of how cotton is grown, sewn, and knit, so it’s not something to be ignored.  

Final Advice for Hesitant Shops 

For decorators still resisting sustainability, the panelists didn’t hesitate to offer some encouragement. 

“Don’t look at it as an expensive overhaul,” Osorio said. “Look at it as a slow-and-steady renovation. Make small changes. Go for the low-hanging fruit. Change those fluorescent lights; put in those low-flow toilets.” 

Both Gibson and Henry agreed that to stay in business, sustainability needs to be a top-line priority. If you’re not making changes and evolving, you’re putting yourself out of business, Henry added.  

Shops that will thrive tomorrow are the ones making meaningful moves today.