When considering a home renovation or even just a refresh of your living space, one of the first elements many people turn to is paint. Colour has the power to completely change the feel of your home, define spaces, and enhance comfort. However, traditional paint products come with a hidden cost: a significant environmental impact and a host of potential health risks. This is where eco-friendly paint steps in as the ideal choice. Not only does it contribute to a healthier indoor environment, but it also supports sustainable living practices.

Understanding VOCs In Paint

The term “VOC” stands for volatile organic compounds. These are carbon-based chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature. VOCs are present in many household products, including traditional oil paint and acrylic paint. In paint, VOCs are found in the solvents that help bind the pigment and keep the paint in liquid form.

The problem with VOC emissions is that they contribute to indoor air pollution, especially in freshly painted rooms. High levels of VOCs can lead to chemical sensitivities, respiratory issues, and other health concerns. Paints with high VOC levels release toxic chemicals into the air, which degrade indoor air quality and pose dangers to human health. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air pollution can be significantly more polluted than outdoor air, primarily due to VOCs from paints and other household items.

What Is Eco-Friendly Paint Made From?

Eco-friendly paint, often referred to as natural paint or non-toxic paint, is formulated using natural materials instead of harmful synthetic chemicals. These paints typically contain natural ingredients like clay, chalk, milk protein (casein), lime, and plant-based oils. Mineral paint and milk paint are excellent examples of traditional, sustainable paint formulations that have been used for centuries.

Unlike conventional paints that rely on chemical pigments and oil-based formulas, natural paints use earth pigments and structural color derived from minerals and natural dyes. These friendly paints are water-based paints or latex paints that significantly reduce the environmental impact of your next project. Many of them come in powder form and require mixing with water, further extending their shelf life and reducing waste.

Benefits Of Eco-Friendly Paint

There are several key factors that make eco-friendly paint a smart and responsible choice:

1. Improved Indoor Air Quality: Low-VOC paints and zero-VOC paints dramatically reduce indoor air pollution, making your living space safer for everyone, especially children, the older generation, and those with allergies or asthma.
2. Low Odour: One of the most immediate benefits of eco-friendly paint is the low odour. Unlike conventional paints, which emit a strong odour for days, non-toxic paints are far less intrusive.
3. Healthier for Human Health: By avoiding harmful chemicals, eco-friendly paints minimise the risk of skin irritation, headaches, and respiratory problems.
4. Reduced Carbon Footprint: These paints are often made using sustainable production methods and natural ingredients, helping to reduce your overall environmental impact.
5. Biodegradable and Sustainable: Paint cans and leftover eco-friendly paints are easier to dispose of in an environmentally responsible way.
6. Compatibility with Friendly Practices: Many eco-friendly paint brands follow ethical sourcing, avoid animal products, and support green building supply chains.
7. Vivid Colours with Natural Pigments: Despite the natural composition, these paints do not compromise on aesthetic appeal. You can still enjoy beautiful colours and excellent coverage.

Types Of Eco-Friendly Paint

There are several types of eco-friendly paints to consider for both interior paint and exterior paints:

• Milk Paint: Made from milk protein, clay, and lime, this type of paint offers a vintage matte finish and is ideal for wood furniture and walls.
• Clay Paint: A thick, textured paint made with clay and earth pigments, providing natural breathability and insulation.
• Chalk Paint: While often considered a decorative paint, some chalk paints also meet eco-friendly standards depending on the brand.
• Mineral Paint: Typically used for masonry and exterior walls, mineral paint is water-based and extremely durable.
• Low-VOC and Zero-VOC Paint: These include both acrylic paint and latex-based paints reformulated to contain fewer grams of VOCs per litre.

11 Best Eco-Friendly Paint Brands Available In The UK

1. Earthborn: Certified with the EU Ecolabel, Earthborn paints are free from oil-based ingredients and offer a range of clay and eco-friendly paints.
2. Little Greene: Known for their traditional paint shades, they offer low-VOC and water-based paints with a luxurious finish.
3. Edward Bulmer Natural Paint: Made entirely from natural ingredients including linseed oil, chalk, and plant resins.
4. Graphenstone: A revolutionary brand offering mineral paints enhanced with graphene, known for strength and sustainability.
5. Victory Colours: Offers low-VOC paints that are durable, washable, and environmentally responsible.
6. Coat Paints: Modern brand with a focus on sustainability and low VOC paint, also offering a convenient peel-and-stick swatch system.
7. AURO: German-engineered natural paints made from sustainable raw materials, ideal for both interior and exterior projects.
8. Ecos Paints: US-based but available in the UK through green building supply retailers. They offer a wide variety of zero VOC paint options.
9. Clare Paint: Not UK-based but ships internationally. Offers GREENGUARD-certified, low-VOC, and non-toxic paint with vivid colours.
10. AFM Safecoat: Specialises in paints for people with severe chemical sensitivities. Their products are zero VOC and suitable for use throughout the entire room.
11. Farrow & Ball: An eco friendly, low VOC paint brand that specialises in low tox paint that’s durable, washable and more environmentally friendly.

Eco-Friendly Paint vs Traditional Paint

When comparing eco-friendly paint to conventional paints, the advantages are clear. Traditional oil-based paints and acrylic paints typically contain higher levels of VOCs and chemical pigments, which can off-gas for weeks or even months. These toxic chemicals not only affect your family’s health but also have long-term effects on the environment.

Eco-friendly paints, on the other hand, are made with a conscious effort to reduce harmful toxins and promote a healthier environment. They use water-based solvents and natural pigments, significantly lowering the VOC level and resulting in less air pollution.

Key Factors When Choosing Eco-Friendly Paint

When shopping for friendly paints, consider the following:

• VOC Content: Look for paints with the lowest grams of VOCs per litre. The best choice is zero VOC paint for the least impact on air quality.
• Certifications: Look for third-party labels like GREENGUARD, EU Ecolabel, or Environmental Protection Agency approval.
• Ingredients: Choose paints with natural materials and no animal products if you seek a vegan-friendly option.
• Durability and Finish: Eco-friendly doesn’t mean you compromise on quality. Many sustainable paint brands offer excellent coverage and beautiful finishes.
• Type of Paint: Consider whether you need interior paint, exterior paints, or specialty products like chalk paint or milk paint.

Reducing Your Environmental Impact

One gallon of paint can cover a large area, so be mindful of the amount of paint you purchase to avoid waste. Many brands now offer recyclable or returnable paint cans. Also, proper storage can extend the life of your paint, preventing spoilage and reducing the need for future purchases.

Friendly practices such as painting in well-ventilated areas, disposing of paint responsibly, and using tools made from sustainable materials all contribute to reducing your carbon footprint.

Final Thoughts

Switching to eco-friendly paint is not just a design decision, but a health and environmental one. Whether you’re painting the next room in your home or undertaking a full renovation, choosing low-VOC or zero-VOC paint is the best choice for a healthier indoor environment. With a wide variety of friendly paints now available—from milk paint and clay paint to low-VOC acrylic paint—there’s no need to compromise on colour, quality, or coverage.

By prioritising paint brands committed to sustainability and environmental protection, you contribute to a greener planet and a safer home for your family. Eco-friendly paint is more than just a trend; it’s a sustainable way forward in home improvement.