Ink Chemist (Plastisol & Water-Based Formulations)

Merritt Recruitment; East Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Assistance with travel costs

Job summary

We are seeking an experienced Ink Chemist to join a UK manufacturer specialising in plastisol and water-based inks for textile printing. This hands-on role focuses on formulation, lab testing, and scale-up to production, ensuring colour accuracy and product quality across garments.

Ideal candidates will have proven experience in textile inks and knowledge of industry standards, with a collaborative approach and the ability to work in a hybrid setup with Fridays home-based and travel-cost support.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Ink Formulation Chemist (essential).
• Demonstrable experience formulating plastisol and water-based inks specifically for textiles and T-shirts.
• Strong understanding of pigments, resins, solvents, and additives used in textile inks.
• Knowledge of screen printing processes and performance requirements.
• Experience in lab testing, quality control, and troubleshooting.
• Strong knowledge of raw materials sourcing.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Must have to right to work in the UK - sponsorship not available.

Responsibilities

• Develop, formulate, and optimise plastisol and water-based inks for textile and garment printing
• Ensure consistent colour accuracy, print performance, and product quality
• Conduct lab testing and production trials for new formulations
• Troubleshoot formulation and production issues, ensuring efficient resolution
• Work closely with production teams to scale formulations from lab to manufacturing
• Maintain detailed records of formulations, testing results, and improvements
• Stay up to date with industry trends, innovations, and regulatory requirements
• Ensure compliance with relevant safety, environmental, and quality standards

Skills

Ink formulation expertise

Textile ink formulation (plastisol &水)

Job description

Hybrid Working - Fridays Home Based

Assistance with travel costs

We are seeking an experienced Ink Chemist to join an innovative UK manufacturer, specialising in the formulation and development of plastisol and water-based inks for textile printing. This role is ideal for a hands-on professional with a strong background in screen printing inks / plastisol inks, particularly for T-shirts and other garment applications.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop, formulate, and optimise plastisol and water-based inks for textile and garment printing

• Ensure consistent colour accuracy, print performance, and product quality

• Conduct lab testing and production trials for new formulations

• Troubleshoot formulation and production issues, ensuring efficient resolution

• Work closely with production teams to scale formulations from lab to manufacturing

• Maintain detailed records of formulations, testing results, and improvements

• Stay up to date with industry trends, innovations, and regulatory requirements

• Ensure compliance with relevant safety, environmental, and quality standards

Candidate Requirements:

• Proven experience as an Ink Formulation Chemist (essential)

• Demonstrable experience formulating plastisol and water-based inks specifically for textiles and T-shirts

• Strong understanding of pigments, resins, solvents, and additives used in textile inks

• Knowledge of screen printing processes and performance requirements

• Experience in lab testing, quality control, and troubleshooting

• Strong knowledge of raw materials sourcing

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team

• Must have to right to work in the UK - sponsorship not available

Desirable Skills

• Experience with eco-friendly or sustainable ink systems

• Knowledge of industry standards (e.g., OEKO-TEX, REACH compliance)

• Experience scaling formulations into production environments

Our client is offering a competitive salary, assistance with travel costs and the opportunity to work with a growing and innovative team with a supportive and collaborative working environment.