Microplastics, microbeads, and nanoparticles are an invisible but growing environmental and health concern. While much attention has been given to plastics in packaging and cosmetics, their presence in the majority of paint remains largely overlooked. The new Netflix documentary, The Plastic Detox explores how plastic finds its way into the human body. In this journal we go back to basics and address the question of microplastics and how they are prevalent in most household paints. Edward Bulmer believes far greater awareness of this issue is required and we can proudly state that our paints contain no microplastics or microbeads. Read on to discover what’s really in your paint…and why it matters. What are microplastics and microbeads? Microplastics are tiny plastic particles ranging from 0.006mm to 5mm in size Microbeads are a specific type of microplastic, often engineered for durability and abrasion Commonly made from polyethylene or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) Used widely in paints, cleaning products, toothpastes and cosmetics Why are microplastics a problem? Too small to be filtered by sewage systems Washed into drains → rivers → oceans Persist indefinitely in the environment Plastics in soil and water break down further into microplastics Paint: a major but overlooked source Paints may contribute up to 180,000 tonnes of ocean microplastic pollution annually That’s 6 times more than cosmetics Paint can contain up to 37% plastic on average Microbeads may make up as much as 8% of paint volume Why are they added? Improve durability Increase abrasion resistance Reduce gloss (for ultra-matt finishes) Enable “wipeable” or “scrubbable” claims A simple warning sign If a paint is: Extremely matt and highly washable it may contain microbeads Marketing terms such as ‘modern, intelligent and highly durable’ can sometimes indicate synthetic additives, but transparency is still lacking Campaigning for plastic free paint "We are not perfect but we are working constantly to find new solutions and we are calling on all those well known designer brands and house paint companies to join the campaign. This is not about promoting our own brand, we want the whole industry to ditch polluting, plastic paint." Edward Bulmer Environmental impact Microplastics from paint enter ecosystems through: Washing brushes down sinks Disposal of leftover paint Degradation of painted surfaces over time Sanding painted walls before redecoration They have been found in: Herring, cod, and mackerel Harbour porpoises Sea turtles Sea snails and plankton species Risks to wildlife and human health Marine animals ingest microplastics which causes digestive damage and death Toxins in plastics include harmful chemicals such as: Methyl methacrylate Industrial additives Microplastics attract persistent organic pollutants (POPs) A single microbead can be up to 1 million times more toxic than surrounding water Human health concerns: Microplastics have been detected in the human placenta They can be inhaled indoors May enter bloodstream via lungs Linked to: Inflammation Toxic exposure Potential long-term disease risks Why aren’t we being told? Disclosure of microplastics in products is not mandatory Regulations are limited and inconsistent Manufacturers rarely volunteer this information This leaves consumers to: Ask questions Read between the lines Make informed choices Clean walls vs clean oceans? It raises an important question: What matters more? Perfectly wipeable walls Or clean rivers, oceans, and air? At Edward Bulmer Natural Paint, we believe you shouldn’t have to compromise. Our mission is to rid the paint industry of these harmful and disruptive materials that are having long term and detrimental effects on the evolution of human kind. Embark on your colour conscious journey with a free colour chart. A natural alternative Traditional, plant-based paints can be: Durable Beautiful Maintainable without synthetic additives Marks can often be removed using: Natural plant-based soap No microplastics No harmful residues Our view Microplastics in paint are: A hidden pollutant A preventable problem A shared responsibility Even without regulation, we can: Choose better materials Ask better questions Protect ourselves, our homes and the natural world Final thought The most sustainable choice isn’t always the most heavily marketed one. Sometimes, it’s the simplest. Choose products with Fewer additives Natural ingredients Honest performance Click here, read and discover more about our pioneering paint, the ingredients and what we at Edward Bulmer Natural Paint believe is the safer future of paint. Freudian, from The Chatsworth Collection
Behind The Chatsworth Collection: 24 Exquisite New Paint Colours Learn the story behind The Chatsworth Collection, a range of 24 new paint colours inspired by the interiors, heritage, and landscapes of one of this country’s most significant country houses.
Discover the new ‘Forever Favourites Collection’ Create a scheme from one room to your whole house with soft colours that work together effortlessly ensuring tonal flow and harmony. Our 12 best loved shades together in one pack. Discover the power of natural paint today.
On the paint road at Manchester Art Gallery Paint has always ultimately been a backdrop to beautiful furniture, pictures and fabrics. This extends beyond the domestic space and into public spaces, so we are thrilled that we are now working with the Manchester Art Gallery as their official paint sponsors, it’s a joy to see our colours serve as backdrops to so much culture, history and beauty.
Embracing the Dark Side Dark colours have broken free from their historical confines, no longer relegated to niche styles or reserved solely for accent walls. Designers are harnessing the potential of deep, saturated tones to create environments that exude nuance and elegance.
In the Press with Edward Bulmer this week In the Press, see all of our latest press features and articles!
Petra Palumbo: Homeware in the Highlands Petra Palumbo creates gorgeous homeware products designed with the environment in mind, Petra’s signature carafe and tumbler set was created as a stylish plastic bottle alternative and her eponymous homeware company followed. Petra opened her first flagship store late last year, it truly is a haven for homeware.
