ImagesMagUK_June_2021

www.images-magazine.com 06 images JUNE 2021 Published by: 360 Communications Ltd images magazine, 360 Communications Ltd, 58a Livingstone Road, Hove, BN3 3WL, UK 01273 748482 | www.images-magazine.com Advertising: advertising@images-magazine.com Editorial: editorial@images-magazine.com Subscriptions: subscriptions@images-magazine.com | Images is available free of charge to UK subscribers Subscribe online: imagesmag.uk/register | Update your subscription/contact details online: imagesmag.uk/subs-update Publisher/advertising: Jonathan Vince | jonathan@images-magazine.com Features editor: Rachael Glazier | rachael@images-magazine.com Features writer: Mark Ludmon | mark@images-magazine.com Publishing assistant: Gaby Bowring | gaby@images-magazine.com Design/Production: ATG Media | production@atgraphicsuk.com Printing: Stephens & George Ltd | Goat Mill Road,Dowlais, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 3TD ( issn 0966 7512) Opinions expressed by contributors in this magazine are not necessarily shared by the Publisher. Editorial contributions are invited, on the understanding that the Publisher has the right to alter or abridge all such material as he sees fit. While the greatest care has been taken to ensure accuracy, the Publisher accepts no liability for either errors or omissions. JUNE 2021 | VOL.30 NO.6 EDITORIAL W hether it’s building supplies, bicycles, or brandable garments, global supply challenges – precipitated by the perfect storm of the global pandemic, Brexit red tape, and the closure of the Suez Canal in March – are affecting all sectors of the UK economy. One sector of the garment decoration industry experiencing especially pressing supply problems is organic cotton apparel. Prama Bhardwaj of Mantis World outlines the many reasons for the shortages in ‘Cottoning on to the organic journey’, and offers a solution: in-conversion cotton. Find out more on page 34. As part of this issue’s organic focus, we also showcase the current crop of organic cotton garment styles (page 36), take a ‘First Look’ at the Just Hoods by AWDis Organic range (page 2), and talk to David Stuart of Colormaker Industries about the development of the Soil Association-certified Permatone screen printing inks range (page 44). The interview with David leads directly on to our annual Print & Embroidery Consumables showcase The Domino’s effect (page 46), which emphasises the many more eco- friendly alternatives that are now available to garment decorators, including Dae Ha UK’s heat transfer vinyls, all of which now use Control Union-certified recycled blended polyesters. A recent pizza delivery was notable not only for the tastiness of the food but also for the new delivery driver recruitment flyers stuck to the lid of each of the Domino’s boxes. Likewise, while stuck in traffic recently, I noticed that both the Ocado and the Asda delivery trucks in the queue ahead carried similar recruitment messages emblazoned across their tailgates. The boom in online retail that has accompanied the pandemic has seen a corresponding growth in home deliveries – everything from food to clothing and DIY materials (when you can get them - see above!). That, in turn, has led to this widespread recruitment drive for new delivery drivers, along with new warehouse and distribution centre staff. We reflect these emerging trends (and sales opportunities for Images readers) in our review of uniform styles for the transport and logistics sector – ‘Delivering in style’ – on page 52. With the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions, pubs, restaurants and live entertainment venues reopening, and weather watchers forecasting a two-week heatwave, let’s hope June goes down in history as a month to remember for the UK’s garment decoration industry, and for all the right reasons. As always, be safe, keep well and stay busy. Jonathan Vince With the summer BBQ season finally upon us, Aussie print shop Black Dog Ink shares the recipe for its gloriously colourful print in this issue’s ‘Anatomy of a screen print’ featur e (page 30) REGISTER Subscribe now to receive your own free monthly copy of Images: imagesmag.uk/subscribe UPDATE YOUR CONTACT DETAILS Working from home? Moved to new premises? Update your details online: imagesmag.uk/subs-update Check out this issue’s Gildan Hammer postcard insert