Phytochromography—Screen Printing with Plants: Research into Alternative Ink Technology

Doubts about the true nature of recently introduced “water-based” screen-printing inks prompted research into the possibility of producing genuinely water-based inks in which both pigment and thickener are derived from vegetable sources. Literature suggests that not only is this possible but it might even be viable as an industrial process. The author’s research concentrates primarily on the development of a range of “process,” or “trichromatic,” screen-printing colors from plants, for which the author has coined the term, “Phytochromography.” To complement this work, the author describes the establishment of an “ink garden” capable of supplying quantities of plant material for further research. Issues relating to the environment, occupational health and sustainability are also touched upon. Initial results of this research show considerable cause for optimism, although some problems remain.