Go eco

As concern for our environment has grown, so too has the demand for eco-friendly paints, which are non-toxic alternatives that don’t contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Traditional paint products are often oil-based with a mixture of plasticisers, adhesives, hardeners, pigments, and drying accelerants, eco-friendly paints are non-toxic and often water-based, containing organic materials such as balsam, citrus, lay, and milk proteins.
Many paint companies offer sustainable coatings and paints, so that Kiwis do have an option to reduce the environmental impact of their painting projects. These include interior and exterior products.

Fast Facts
Eco-friendly paints are healthy to use in buildings and have little to no odour. This makes it safe for people with respiratory conditions or allergies.
They are manufactured in an environmentally-friendly manner, which minimises their carbon footprint.
They are microporous, meaning they allow your walls to breathe. This makes it a better option for improving air quality in hospitals, schools, or other buildings.
The natural components in eco-paint are biodegradable.

WATER-BASED: Has water as the foundation, and breaks down more easily than non-water-based paints. Biodegradable and non-toxic. Best suited to exterior painting.
PLANT-BASED: Known as ‘natural paints’, these are non-toxic and made using natural compounds and minerals such as beeswax, plant extracts, resins, and clay. Good for houses where people have skin irritations or allergies. Best suited to interiors, skirting boards, and timber architraves.
LOW VOC: Made using minimal volatile organic compounds. Fast drying, they’re best suited to outdoor or indoor facades and walls, but require a different application technique, so hiring an expert is vital.
ZERO VOC: Must have less than five grams of VOCs per litre, so check the list if ingredient, especially tints. Zero VOC products dry at different rates, so hire professionals to apply them.