The Italy-based inks manufacturer has called the new range, which consists of a plastisol with no PVC or phthalates, “Free” and will market it under its Manoukian-Argon brand.

"Free inks combine the productivity of conventional plastisols with the eco-friendliness of water-based inks, offering both printers and brand owners the ultimate solution they have been looking for," said Frank Jellinek, sales and marketing director, Kiian Specialty Inks.

"This is a truly universal ink that can be used with natural and synthetic textiles, enabling printers to reduce stockholding while meeting their environmental requirements, as well as those of their customers."

According to Kiian, good adhesion properties mean the inks are ideal for use on sports and swimwear, while special effects ranging from 3D transparent inks to glitter and metallic powder can be used to add value to clothing.

The full range will include transparent inks, process colours, standard colours, high opacity colours, fluorescents, anti-bleeding grey, 3D transparent and transfer base inks.

Base and semi-opaque Free inks are available now, with the complete product range scheduled to be released over the next few months.

The inks are said to be fast-drying, can be printed wet-on-wet with no restrictions, and yet will not dry on the screen at room temperature, eliminating the need for clean-ups after production stops.

The inks are supplied ready-to-use and require no mixing, additives, special storage or handling procedures. Free has received Oeko-Tex Standard 1001 and GOTS2 certification and has been independently tested for compliance with Nike’s restricted substances list.

Kiian's Manoukian-Argon range is distributed in the UK by Sabur Inks System. Pricing for the Free inks range was unavailable at the time of writing.