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Paints, Coatings & Adhesives

Paints, Coatings & Adhesives

including varnish, grout, glue

Over time, many paints, varnishes, coatings, glues, grout and adhesives used by our industry have evolved to contain materials that enhance their function, performance, drying time and durability. Many of the chemicals commonly used in these products are now restricted or subject to authorisation under UK REACH, and subsequently require toxicity safety testing to protect human health, environment and biodiversity. By getting the colour, preparation, finish and durability specification and maintenance right these products serve well.

Facts

  • Pollutant levels can be 2–5 times higher indoors than outdoors  One of the pollutants are Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) which evaporate from solvents used in paints, coatings, adhesives, and sealants are a leading source of indoor air pollution. (SOURCE)
  • Households across the UK store an estimated 55 million litres of leftover paint, with approximately 50 million litres going to waste every single year. Up to 98% of this surplus paint gets sent to landfills or is incinerated, making proper disposal or donation essential (SOURCE).
  • Paint is the largest source of microplastic in the world’s oceans and waterways (SOURCE).
     

Key Points

Eco terms can be confusing   

Scrutinise paints described using loose unqualified  terms like ‘eco’ or ‘natural’. Has the product received any environmental accreditation such as an EU EcoLabel, Declare, Cradle to Cradle (C2C) certification, or Eurofin’s Indoor Air Comfort Gold? Does the company have an environmental management system in place? e.g. ISO 14001. Is the product free from petrochemicals?

Things you could ask

Some innovative brands are small and accreditation is cost prohibitive. Ask, where is the paint manufactured?  What is the composition? How are the ingredients and the finished product transported to the point of sale? How does the product impact indoor air quality?

Breathability

The paint formulation and plastic content determines whether water vapour can pass through the film of paint or not. Understanding the wall assembly where the paint will be used determines how moisture moves through. This has long-term implications for durability, indoor air quality, energy performance, and occupant health.

Use fully disclosed and assessed products

Does the product have an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)? While having an EPD doesn’t mean a product is necessarily environmentally good and healthier. But having the EPD means transparency and makes it easy to compare the life-cycle environmental impact of the product when compared to another.

Understand VOC content (Volatile Organic Compounds)

Content in various coatings and adhesives including sealants, caulks, paint ‘off gassing’ affects indoor air quality and may have negative health effects. The process of ‘off gassing’ continues well beyond the initial drying phase, resulting in a persistent unseen contamination that impacts the indoor environment.

VOC Globe logo

This is mandatory labelling which guides on VOC levels for paints, varnishes, coatings, stains, sealers, waxes, oils, thinners.  Look for the logo alongside each class - Trace, Minimal, Low, Medium, High, Very High.

VOC reduction

VOC is the UK and EU limit, however both the healthy and regenerative movements suggest specifying with a minimal ‘trace’ level. As it is not possible for any paint to be VOC free the ‘Trace’ logo indicates the lowest possible level. 

Cumulative impact 

The health impact of interior chemicals is cumulative. A room containing low-emission flooring, paint, and furniture may still exceed safe exposure limits if all materials off-gas simultaneously. This 'cocktail effect' is rarely addressed by single-product certifications.

Animal-derived content

Some more traditional paints and adhesives have animal-derived content, such as casein (derived from cow’s milk), glycerol, lanolin shellac or beeswax. This is not necessarily an issue for some clients/projects, but should be considered/explained particularly if the client has allergies or requires vegan finishes.

For vegan products

Trusted certifications are The Vegan Society's Vegan Trademark and PETA approved. 

Look for both ‘Vegan’ and ‘Cruelty Free’ 

‘Vegan’ assures there’s no animal derived ingredients. ‘Cruelty Free’ means no new animal-testing. Also use Naturewatch Foundation’s Compassionate Shopping Guide which includes some household products including paint and adhesives

Don’t forget

Animal hair and bristle can be used in brushes - and paint rollers are sometimes made from wool 

Animal testing

While animal tested end products are banned in the UK, that end product could be made from animal tested ingredients. Most formulations reuse historic animal testing data. Newer technologies and concepts may require animal testing (current) to be commissioned.  For clarification, ask if any of the ingredients have been subject to regulatory testing on animals, such as for UK REACH? If yes, is this historic or current? 

Ask suppliers

Do they have a dedicated policy or statement about animal testing they can share with you and, if so, how they monitor compliance with it throughout their supply chain?  

Petrochemical and plastic content 

These substances often end up in landfill or can contribute to microplastics in waterways and oceans, accumulating in wildlife (including marine). 

Other ingredients

Most paints use titanium dioxide as standard. While it helps give the white brightness, ensures coverage and helps cost, it is an energy intensive mined raw material - with reported environmental issues including ground water resource pollution and impact on forests cleared for mining. Alternative could be using recycled paint. Some clay paints don't use titanium dioxide.

Calculating accurately 

Overestimating or inaccurate calculations can lead to waste. Paint might be saved for years for ‘touch ups’ on a project and never used.

Ventilation is critical

Ensure adequate ventilation during and after installation to dissipate VOCs, reducing exposure for installers and future occupants.

Hazardous waste

Improper disposal of solvent-based paints, thinners, and adhesives can contaminate water supplies and contaminate soil. Many local councils will treat these products as hazardous waste and will need specialist paint disposal. Use the national GOV.UK service or check the local council’s website for details 

Cleaning brushes 

Avoid going straight to running water where the paint runs away into the drainage system. First scrape off excess paint, brush out on old newspaper and then soak in grey water.

Return/reuse leftover paint

Liquid paint is banned from landfill in the UK.  PaintCare and Community Repaint are UK schemes to increase the reuse of leftover paint.

Recycle empty paint pots after use (where possible)

Some household waste recycling sites take empty, metal paint pots (in the metal container).

RESOURCES

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