Current Tattoo Industry
While more social acceptance of tattoos has been increasing, so has the industry as a whole. There are now magazines, conventions, and even televison shows all dedicated to tattoos and body modifications. The tattoo industry has been rapidly growing in the past few years and is projected to continue. According to Global Newswire, in 2022 the tattoo industry was valued at 1.89 billion dollars. In 2029, that number is expected to grow to 3.55 billion dollars. This increase has been attributed to an increase in tattoo parlors opening and more artist joining the industry. The tattoo industry now also includes more cosmetic tattoos such as permanent makeup and scar cover ups. With the industry growing, it is crucial to look at the massive amount of waste being produced.
“I would say that my shop, Echelon Tattoo probably generates 1300 bags of trash every year, and fills six sharps containers. Since we are an all disposable shop, the sharps container contains probably 80-90 percent plastic (cartridges, disposable tubes and needles, razors), and our trash bags are probably about 40 percent (gloves, rinse cups, ink caps, blue medical bib backing, equipment barriers, and the trash bag itself). That’s a lot of plastic but most of the waste I would say is a serious mountain of paper towels and gloves.”
-Ashley Thomas owner of Echelon Tattoo