Screen Printing on Textiles Wholesale from India

Screen printing (silk screen) remains the standard for high-volume textile printing. Cost-effective at scale, colour-vibrant, versatile. A guide to what buyers should understand.

Screen Print Types

Plastisol — Standard commercial. Vibrant colours, durable, sits on fabric surface.
Water-based — Softer hand-feel, absorbs into fabric. Preferred for premium brands.
Discharge — Removes dye then re-prints. Ultra-soft finish. For dark cotton bases.
Puff — Additive that puffs up when heated. Dimensional effect.
Metallic — Gold, silver, copper accents.
Glow-in-dark — Novelty market.

Colour Count

1 colour: cheapest, most common
2–3 colours: standard mid-market
4–6 colours: complex print, higher cost
7+ colours: usually better done via sublimation or digital print

MOQs & Pricing (FOB India)

Basic t-shirt with 1-colour print — 500 pcs, $3.20–4.50 per piece
2-colour print add-on — +$0.15–0.30 per colour per piece
Puff print — +$0.40 per piece
Water-based print — +$0.25–0.40 per piece (premium)

Lead Times

Sampling: 2 weeks
Bulk production: 25–35 days

Frequently Asked Questions

What quality documentation should I demand for scrap shipments from India?

Mandatory: radioactivity screening certificate, pre-shipment inspection report (SGS, CIQ, or Alex Stewart), assay/composition certificate, container photos before loading and after sealing, MSDS. For metal scrap, an ISRI grade certification. For copper/brass, LME-linked pricing documentation. Any missing document creates customs delays at destination.

How is scrap metal pricing determined?

Base pricing follows the London Metal Exchange (LME) daily settlement plus or minus a specific discount/premium reflecting quality grade, purity, and market conditions. For example, HMS 1&2 steel scrap trades at Turkish scrap import index minus $30–50. Copper scrap trades at LME copper minus 20–40 cents per pound depending on grade.

What is the minimum order for scrap metal export from India?

Standard MOQ is one full 20-foot container (~20 metric tonnes). Some smaller quantities may be available via LCL (less than container load) at meaningfully higher per-tonne cost. For repeat buyers, ongoing supply contracts of 200+ MT per month are structured with weekly or bi-weekly container releases.

Do I need import permits for scrap material imports?

Most destinations require importer registration with local customs and environmental agencies for scrap metal imports. Lead battery scrap requires additional Basel Convention permits. Radioactive-contaminated scrap requires specific quarantine handling. Verify import permit requirements with your customs broker before booking bulk shipment.

About Blueridge Trade LLP

Blueridge Trade LLP operates a dual business model. Our textile division is a direct manufacturer — we own and operate the production of our cashmere, Merino wool, silk, organic cotton, and blended fabric programmes, controlling quality from fibre sourcing through finishing. This vertical integration is what allows us to guarantee Grade A specifications and offer competitive private-label terms to international brands.

Beyond textiles, we operate as a trading and sourcing partner for industrial commodities (copper, aluminium, zinc, tin, tungsten scrap, activated carbon), botanicals and spices, export-grade packaging, and consumables. In these categories we leverage a vetted network of Indian producers rather than manufacturing in-house — giving international buyers a single consolidated point of contact for both textile manufacturing and broader Indian sourcing requirements.

Screen Printing on Textiles: Wholesale from India