As a tattoo artist, you are probably already aware of the negative impact that the tattoo industry can have on the environment. Each new tattoo can generate a high amount of waste in the form of disposable tips, ink cups, covers and more. However, whilst it can be difficult to be eco-friendly when tattooing, there are still some measures you can take to make a difference. In this blog, we take a look at some of the eco-friendly alternatives we have available to make your studio just that bit greener this year.
Fortunately, there are growing numbers of new eco-friendly tattoo products available on the market. Plus, while some tattoo studios and newer artists just getting started may not always have the budget available to exclusively source eco-friendly tattoo products, many of these alternatives come in at affordable prices. By making a few simple switches to these products, you can help cut down on the use of unnecessary plastics and contribute to a more sustainable tattoo process.
MTS Paper Ink Cups
Ink cups are a daily necessity for all tattoo artists, with the majority being made from plastic. However, one easy switch you can make is to start using paper ink cups. Our very own MTS Paper Ink Cups come in bags of 200 in three different sizes and are made from thick paper pulp, which is capable of holding the tattoo ink for the duration of your tattoo session. They provide artists with a more eco-friendly alternative to single-use plastic ink cups, and perform just as well.
Eco-Friendly Covers
A number of brands are now producing eco-friendly tattoo covers for clip cords, machines and wash bottles. They provide the same level of protection and durability as their plastic counterparts, yet are made from materials that are not as damaging to the environment. For example, The Inked Army have a great line of eco-friendly bags and covers that are made from PLA (polylactic acid). This material is derived from corn and will degrade to carbon dioxide and water after a few months. They are a great way to protect your equipment while also helping to protect the environment! Plus, no corners have been cut with the packaging either as these products come in plastic-free packaging made from recycled paper.
ECOTAT also have a selection of covers that make great alternatives to single-use plastic. Made from plant-based and sustainable materials, ECOTAT products offer another solution to help minimise your environmental impact while tattooing.
Tattoo Film by Aloe Tattoo
Another product to have in the studio to cut down on your plastic use is Tattoo Film from Aloe Tattoo. This product creates a protective barrier on the skin and prevents the need to wrap new tattoos with plastic film. Just wash the area with green soap and water and pat dry, before massaging Tattoo Film onto the newly tattooed area. Once dried, it forms a protective layer on the skin and should be left to act for up to 12 hours before washing off with soap and water.
Biodegradable Razors
Disposable razors are widely used by tattoo artists to prepare the skin at the very start of the tattoo process. However, one quick and easy way to cut down on the environmental impact of this process is by opting for biodegradable paper products. Our razors feature 2 blades with handles made from wheat-straw, making them biodegradable, unlike their plastic counterparts. Available in boxes of 50, grab a box today!
We are also trying to do our bit to reduce our environmental impact. We use environmentally friendly packing nuts that are water soluble, which makes them very easy to dispose of. We also reuse our cardboard boxes wherever possible and make sure to pack your orders in correctly sized boxes to reduce unnecessary waste. Make a few of the above changes today and increase your usage of eco-friendly products to help to minimize your carbon footprint! Don't forget you can also browse our vegan range for some of the latest cruelty-free products.