Eco Friendly and Sustainable Paints
Paint has a dual function; protection and decoration. Most paints are made from three basic components; pigment, binder and solvent. Pigment provides the colour and opacity, binder bonds the pigment to the painted surface and the solvent keeps it liquid for ease of application.
Either individually or in combination, these can have both direct and indirect impacts upon the environment and health. In fact unused paint is categorized as Hazardous Waste. The main environmental impacts associated with paint come from the manufacture of the components, rather than manufacture of the product.
Titanium Dioxide, for example, which is a rare raw material, has high embodied energy in its extraction and processing which causes the production of toxic emissions and involves number of derived waste streams including metal sulphates and spent acids.
Environmental impacts associated with pigments are various though not as intense in their effects as those for Titanium Dioxide. All paints are derived from natural materials so beware of claims regarding ‘eco-friendly’ and ‘natural’ products.
As a constituent of smog, Ozone is a pollutant produced as part of human activities. It is formed when nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) react in the atmosphere in the presence of sunlight. Codes and labeling are used to limit and control the use of VOCs in Paints.
In the UK the EU VOC regulation is the most important and has the greatest impact on the issue. A number of codes and standards are also published, but without legislative support.
Key references are:
Paint has a dual function; protection and decoration. Most paints are made from three basic components; pigment, binder and solvent. Pigment provides the colour and opacity, binder bonds the pigment to the painted surface and the solvent keeps it liquid for ease of application.
Either individually or in combination, these can have both direct and indirect impacts upon the environment and health. In fact unused paint is categorized as Hazardous Waste. The main environmental impacts associated with paint come from the manufacture of the components, rather than manufacture of the product.
Titanium Dioxide, for example, which is a rare raw material, has high embodied energy in its extraction and processing which causes the production of toxic emissions and involves number of derived waste streams including metal sulphates and spent acids.
Environmental impacts associated with pigments are various though not as intense in their effects as those for Titanium Dioxide. All paints are derived from natural materials so beware of claims regarding ‘eco-friendly’ and ‘natural’ products.
As a constituent of smog, Ozone is a pollutant produced as part of human activities. It is formed when nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) react in the atmosphere in the presence of sunlight. Codes and labeling are used to limit and control the use of VOCs in Paints.
In the UK the EU VOC regulation is the most important and has the greatest impact on the issue. A number of codes and standards are also published, but without legislative support.
Key references are:
- VOC 2010 Legislation
- The EU Eco-label for indoor and outdoor paints and varnishes
- Environmental Protection Agency (USA) limits for VOCs
- Green Seal (USA) Standard GS-11 for Low VOC paint
Where to buy sustainable paints
- The Little Greene Paint Company Ltd - Wood Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M11 2FB, 0845 880 5855