Developing Eco printing: Paramatex Collaborates with Keliki Eco Hub for an Eco Friendly Fashion World

Eco Printing is a technique that combines the words “eco,” derived from “ecosystem,” and “print,” meaning to imprint or press. This method involves using natural materials like leaves, flowers, bark, and plant roots to create patterns or colors on fabric or other materials. The process is often environmentally friendly as it relies on organic materials and avoids chemical dyes. This was the inspiration behind Vika from Keliki Eco Hub’s initiative to develop and introduce eco printing activities. Vika has been promoting eco printing in Keliki Tourism Village, Payangan, Ubud, but she also organizes workshops in various locations to make it accessible to interested tourists who might find Keliki too far to visit.

Eco Printing Event with Keliki Eco Hub

From June 15 to July 15, 2024, Vika hosted an eco printing event at Pumpkin Village on Jalan Raya Mas, Ubud. The event featured a daily Eco Printing Showcase from 9 AM to 6 PM with free entry, and Eco Printing Workshops using the steam technique every Thursday, Friday, and Monday with two sessions: 11 AM – 2 PM or 1 PM – 4 PM. Each workshop session accommodates a maximum of two participants and costs 450,000 IDR, which includes materials, equipment, and snacks. Additionally, a Clothes Swap was held every Monday from 1 PM to 4 PM, provided that the clothes exchanged were in good condition.

This eco printing event is a creative journey that invites participants to experience the magic of nature firsthand. Alongside Vika, participants uncover nature’s secrets in each print, revealing stunning colors and unique patterns. Each brushstroke turns the eco printing event into not just an artistic experience, but a celebration of natural beauty and local wisdom that deserves preservation.

Participants are enthusiastic because eco printed products have unique patterns depending on the types and shapes of the plants used, as well as the creativity and preferences of the participants. Additionally, eco printing can reflect local cultural values as it uses plants available in the surrounding area. The natural motifs produced can represent the beauty of the local environment.

The Eco Printing Process

The event is particularly appealing because the process is relatively simple and quick. The steps to create eco-printed fabric are as follows:

1. Prepare and lay out the fabric to be used.
2. Place leaves and flowers on the fabric according to your design. While all leaves and flowers can be used, favorites include castor leaves, teak leaves, hibiscus leaves, roses, and marigolds for their attractive shapes and colors.
3. Cover the fabric with plastic and roll it up slowly, then tie it tightly.
4. Steam the rolled and tied fabric for about 1.5 hours.
5. After steaming, remove and dry the fabric.

Besides the steam method, participants can also create eco-printed fabric using the pounding technique. In this method, leaves or flowers are placed on the fabric, covered with plastic, and then hammered until they adhere to the fabric. Once the leaves or flowers are securely attached, carefully remove the plastic and leaves. Then, let the fabric dry.

However, according to Vika, not all fabrics are suitable for eco printing. For the best and most durable results, she recommends using natural fabrics because the combination of natural materials will produce beautiful and long-lasting eco prints.

Participant Reactions

Most of the participants at the event were foreign tourists. One of them, Nira from Australia, joined the event on July 15, 2024. Nira was very satisfied and happy because the eco printing she made turned out beautifully. When she saw the result, she already imagined making shorts from the eco-printed fabric. There were also tourists who came just to buy eco-printed products like pouches, clothes, or fabric.

Pumpkin Village

This time, the event was held at Pumpkin Village, an eco-friendly laundry and workspace. The laundry here is different from typical laundromats. Customers can choose to do their laundry themselves or with staff assistance. The washing machines used are commercial machines that use less water than regular ones and use organic, eco-friendly detergent and softener. The packaging used by Pumpkin Village is also environmentally friendly. Klara, the owner of Pumpkin Village, mentioned that her goal in creating this eco-friendly laundry was to help reduce plastic waste and soapy water pollution that can harm the environment.

Support from Paramatex

Interest in natural and sustainable fabrics, as well as eco-friendly fashion care, is currently on the rise, driven by growing environmental awareness. Seeing this opportunity, Paramatex offers high-quality natural and sustainable fabrics. Paramatex also supports this Eco Printing Event to help promote an eco-friendly fashion industry.