What makes a paint eco-friendly? Is it enough for it to be water-based, low in VOCs or packaged in a recyclable tin? With so many environmental claims appearing on paint labels, knowing what you’re actually buying isn’t always straightforward. The truth is that paints can be made from very different ingredients, even when they’re described in similar ways. From the binder that holds everything together to the pigments that give paint its colour, each component plays a part in its environmental impact. At Edward Bulmer Natural Paint, we believe choosing paint should begin with understanding what’s inside the tin. Here’s what to look for, and why it matters. Bench painted in Helleborus 1. Look beyond the words ‘water-based’ Water-based paint is often presented as an environmentally friendly choice. And while water-based formulations can offer advantages over traditional solvent-heavy paints, the term alone tells us surprisingly little about their environmental impact. Water acts as a carrier, helping the paint spread before evaporating as it dries. But what remains on the wall depends on the other ingredients, particularly the binder. Many conventional water-based paints use acrylic or vinyl binders derived from petrochemicals. So although a paint may be water-based, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s free from fossil-derived materials. The important question isn’t simply whether a paint contains water, but what else is in it? 2. Understand what holds your paint together The binder is one of the most important ingredients in any paint. It holds the pigments and other components together, helps the paint adhere to a surface and contributes to the durability of the finished coating. Conventional acrylic and vinyl paints use synthetic polymer binders, commonly derived from fossil-based raw materials. Our natural emulsion takes a different approach, using a plant-based binder made from renewable agricultural materials, including wheat and maize straw. It allows us to make a durable decorative paint without relying on conventional fossil-derived acrylic or vinyl binders. It’s an important distinction because a paint’s environmental credentials depend on far more than the ingredients that evaporate during drying. The materials left behind matter too. Creating Cuisse de Nymphe Emue the natural way 3. Consider where the colour comes from Colour is another part of paint formulation that deserves attention. Many modern paints achieve their extensive colour ranges using manufactured organic colourants. At Edward Bulmer Natural Paint, we work with a carefully selected palette of just 13 earth and mineral pigments, combining them to create our colours. These pigments are central to our approach to colour. Their individual characteristics and the way they interact with light give our palette its distinctive appearance. We believe that knowing how colour is made is just as important as knowing how a paint performs. That’s why we share the pigments and ingredients behind our formulations. Discover the pigments behind our colours. 4. Know what VOC claims actually mean VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, are substances that can evaporate into the air. Some contribute to indoor air pollution, which is why VOC content is an important consideration when choosing paint. However, terms such as ‘low VOC’ and ‘zero VOC’ don’t tell the whole story. Different VOCs have different properties, and the amount present in a tin doesn’t necessarily describe everything that may be emitted as a coating dries. Nor does a low-VOC claim tell you whether the paint contains plastic binders or other fossil-derived ingredients. It’s worth looking for clear product information rather than relying on a single claim. Technical data sheets and ingredient disclosures can help you understand what a paint contains and how it should be used. Invisible Green children's room by Sarah Brown. Photography: Anna Batchelor 5. Think about plastic in paint, not just packaging When we think about reducing plastic, packaging is often the first thing that comes to mind. But plastic can also be an important part of the product inside. Acrylic and vinyl binders are synthetic polymers that form the film left on a painted surface. As coatings weather, wear or are removed, particles of paint can enter the environment. This has raised important questions about the contribution of paints to microplastic pollution. It’s one reason we believe the choice of binder deserves greater attention. Our natural emulsion uses a plant-based alternative to conventional acrylic and vinyl binders, reflecting our commitment to reducing reliance on fossil-derived materials wherever possible. Read more about plastic and microplastics in paint. Bedroom painted in Cuisse de Nymphe Emue by @quineandlooncottage 6. Consider the packaging and the paint’s lifespan Packaging matters, but it shouldn’t be the only measure of a paint’s environmental impact. We use metal tins for our paint, a material with established recycling routes. As with any packaging, appropriate disposal depends on local recycling guidance and whether the container contains residual paint. It’s also worth thinking about how much paint you’ll need, how well it performs and how long the finished surface is likely to last. Choosing the right finish, preparing the surface properly and following the recommended application instructions can all help avoid unnecessary waste and premature repainting. 7. Ask for the ingredients Perhaps the most useful thing you can do when comparing paints is ask the manufacturer to explain what’s in them. A few questions can make a real difference: What type of binder does the paint use? Are any ingredients derived from fossil fuels? What pigments or colourants create the colour? What information is available about VOC content and emissions? How should leftover paint and packaging be disposed of? What evidence supports the manufacturer’s environmental claims? Clear answers are more valuable than broad descriptions such as ‘green’, ‘natural’ or ‘eco-friendly’. Choosing paint with confidence No manufactured product is without environmental impact, and paint is no exception. But understanding its ingredients makes it easier to distinguish meaningful differences between products and make informed choices. For us, creating natural paint begins with transparency: knowing what goes into every tin, choosing our materials carefully and continually looking for ways to reduce our environmental impact. Because when it comes to eco-friendly paint, what’s inside matters just as much as what’s written on the outside. Explore our honest ingredients.
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