With an estimated 50 million litres of the 320 million litres of paint sold in the UK going to waste each year, what we put onto our surfaces is undergoing intense scrutiny.
Harmful substances in paints, such as plastic, ethane and formaldehyde (known as volatile organic compounds, VOCs), have plagued the industry, not only affecting the environment but also the air quality in our homes. Now, thanks to a rise in awareness, there is a new wave of conscious decorators and homeowners looking for environmentally friendly alternatives.
With an abundance of brands jumping on to the sustainability bandwagon, it can be difficult to choose between those leading the charge in changing an industry laden with environmental challenges. While it may sound obvious, transparency is the first step, whether that is in listing ingredients or openly sharing production methods and processes. From natural raw materials to mindful packaging choices, it is encouraging to see the innovation that has taken place in recent years — and at price points to suit all budgets as well as tastes.
Here’s a guide to the pioneer paint brands leading us towards a sustainable future one tin at a time.
Auro Paint
Researching and developing its range for nearly 40 years, Auro operates from a purpose-built facility in Germany. The company is the only manufacturer to use natural “pigment pastes” to tint its paints, resulting in a selection of 96 colours inspired by nature and the environment. £26.99 for 2.5 litres of Classic emulsion, auropaint.co.uk
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Lakeland Paints
Lakeland Paints claims its paint is VOC and solvent-free, and is all handmade and colour-matched in the company’s north Lancashire factory. It offers 180 colours; the matt emulsion is £64.99 for 5 litres. lakelandpaints.co.uk
Victory Colours
This family business takes pride in producing a vegan paint that has a low environmental impact and is ethically produced. As an independent manufacturer, it controls each part of the process ensuring its paint is free from “nasties” and sources ingredients that haven’t been tested on animals. The Eco Emulsion starts at £34.95 for 2.5 litres, victorycolours.co.uk
Graphenstone
Awarded gold certification from the Cradle-to-Cradle Institute, which scores brands on how they make their processes safe and sustainable, Graphenstone is made using graphene, giving it increased strength and durability. Thanks to its natural lime base, the paint actively absorbs CO2 from its immediate environment, making it one of the most sustainable paints on the market. The interior wall paint is £74.84 for 4 litres, graphenstone-ecopaints.store
Earthborn
Earthborn was awarded the first UK licence for the EU Ecolabel for indoor paints. The Claypaint range is available in 72 shades and four finishes. From £47 for 2.5 litres, earthbornpaints.co.uk
Edward Bulmer
The difference between natural paint and acrylic paint lies in the binders and colourants used. Edward Bulmer Natural Paint offers a plastic-free alternative using natural and earth pigments with the emulsion containing less than 0.2 per cent VOCs. The emulsion starts at £51 per 2.5 litres, and comes in 127 hues derived from 12 natural pigments, edwardbulmerpaint.co.uk
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Francesca’s Paints
Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, Francesca’s Paints is an artisanal paint brand based in Battersea, south London. The studio’s eco emulsion and lime wash ranges are hand-mixed, plastic and solvent-free with a chalky, velvety finish. The Eco Emulsion is from £45.75 for 2.5 litres, francescaspaint.com
The Pickleson Paint Co
Describing what it does as “sexy paint made responsibly”, Pickleson has created a water-based paint with non-toxic additives and low VOC levels. The brand is also paying close attention to packaging, using recyclable materials and sustainably sourced soya ink. With 37 colours and four finishes in its range, the paint starts at £49 for 2.5 litres, picklesonpaint.com
Frenchic Furniture Paint
Frenchic Furniture Paint openly lists all of its ingredients, with minimal added VOCs, zero toxins and an EN: 71-3 certification, making it safe for children’s toys and furniture. The Lazy Range comes in 18 colours and starts from £18.95 for 750ml. frenchicpaint.co.uk
Cornish Milk Mineral Paint
Using a resin made from soya beans, Cornish Milk Mineral Paint is a water-based, non-toxic solution without the use of chemicals and is virtually VOC-free. Available in 23 Cornish-inspired colours and starting at £12.95 for 250ml, cornishmilkmineralpaint.co.uk
