Sales on DIY and household goods have skyrocketed since the pandemic began last March as the UK invested more of their time and money into their homes. According to the Office for National Statistics, retail sales across the UK partly recovered in May driven by DIY stores and garden centres reopening. Sales were boosted by a 42% rise at household goods stores, such as hardware, furniture and paint shops.
As most of us have been staring at the same four walls for a considerable time, many homeowners have taken this time to give those walls a fresh lick of paint. Savvy consumers are not only on the look out for the perfect shade of paint, they are also opting for a greener way to redecorate as sustainable paints are on the rise.
Many conventional paints contain harmful chemicals, such as formaldehyde and plastics, which are released into the home environment. These carbon-based chemicals, called Volatile Organic Compounds, aka VOCs, are measured by the amount – or levels – emitted into the air, and the lower they are they better. Now we’re spending more time at home, it’s a good idea think more about our indoor climate as well as the outdoor one.
There are plenty of brands who offer sustainable solutions when freshening up your walls. Take a look at some of the best brands out there:
Edward Bulmer paint prides themselves as being the first natural paint to be as tough and durable as a synthetic ‘plastic’ paint. Proudly plastic-free, the paint is microporous which means walls and woodwork can breathe. It’s also one of the many reasons why Edward Bulmer Paint is a top choice in heritage and listed buildings.
Made from naturally occurring raw materials of plant origin, like linseed oil, or from mineral raw materials such as chalk, earth and mineral pigments, the brand list a handy A-Z of their paint ingredients so you know exactly what is in your pot.
eicó paints are manufactured in Iceland and Sweden to exacting environmental standards, using 100% geothermal or hydropower energy, making the production process carbon positive.
As eicó paints themselves have one of the lowest VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) ratings of any paint sold in the UK, it is ideal for any residential or commercial application as it has practically no odour.
Paint the Town Green was set up in 2007 by Phil Robinson after struggling to find eco paints with the colour choices he required. They offer a one-stop bespoke decorating service and a pioneering range of environmentally friendly paint.
Manufactured using hydro, wind and geothermal power from volcanoes in Iceland, it has a lower carbon footprint than traditional paints and is transported in containers returning to the UK that would otherwise be empty.
Nordfärg’s range of 30 calming shades are inspired by Nordic landscapes, with soft greys, mellow greens and cool blues. Nordfärg has been awarded the Nordic Swan – a highly regarded distinction for commitment to environmentally friendly manufacturing methods. Nordfärg pride themselves on pushing the boundaries of paint that, all too often, excel in one specific aspect only. The creation of a Nordfärg paint range is developed to be simultaneously very durable; tactile; beautiful and sustainable.
Earthborn was the first paint company in the UK to gain the EU Ecolabel licence. It produces acrylic- and oil-free clay paint and varnishes in beautiful shades of colours. Describing their paints as virtually VOC free, they don’t contain acrylics, oils or vinyls, aren’t tested on animals and the majority of their products are vegan-friendly. They also carry the Safety of Toys Standard, so are suitable for children’s rooms, toys and furniture.
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