New eco‑friendly DTG pre‑treatment formulations have reduced formaldehyde content by over 90% compared to conventional products, addressing health and environmental concerns. Traditional pre‑treatment solutions often contain formaldehyde‑based resins to help inks bond to cotton fibers. The new formulations use bio‑based crosslinkers that achieve comparable or better ink fixation without releasing formaldehyde during curing. Independent tests show that garments printed with the new pre‑treatment pass the strictest Oeko‑Tex Standard 100 limits.
For print shops using Xinflying DTG printers, switching to low‑formaldehyde pre‑treatment is straightforward, as the application and curing parameters are similar. The cost is about 15–20% higher, but many customers are willing to pay a premium for certified non‑toxic garments. Several major pre‑treatment suppliers have announced plans to phase out formaldehyde‑based products by the end of 2027, driven by regulatory pressure in the EU and California. Print shops that adopt eco‑friendly pre‑treatment early can market their garments as safer for sensitive skin, appealing to parents, healthcare workers, and eco‑conscious consumers.
