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Ethical brand ratings and accreditation since 2001

Ethical paint

Eco Paint & Low VOC Paint

See our Ethical Paint Ratings Table to compare brands

The importance of eco paint

Have you just moved house? Want to freshen up an old wall? Maybe your kids have had a little bit too much fun with the colouring pens… If you are re-decorating your home, paint is essential. Regularly re-painting your walls can keep them looking clean, but did you know enough about the ethical issues behind the paint you use and the companies you purchase it from? This article explores the ethical issues in the paint sector and shows you how to find eco paint from sustainable paint brands.

What is low VOC paint? 

One of the major concerns for both people and planet is the use of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). These are used to help paint dry quicker. Unfortunately, VOCs can easily become gases that pollute your home and the atmosphere with toxic fumes. 

Aside from the negative environmental impact of releasing toxic gases into the air, VOCs have also been associated with long-term health effects. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, VOCs can cause symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and dizziness, and have also been associated with respiratory issues and even liver and kidney damage! It is therefore important to choose low VOC paint, which is available from many eco paint brands. Please never risk your own health or the health of the planet. 

Which paint brands test on animals?

Animal Welfare is a big issue as many paint brands still needlessly test their products on animals. It can also be tricky to find vegan paint, as some paint brands use animal-derived ingredients such as casein, shellac, and beeswax. Check the ingredients list to ensure the paint is vegan and cruelty-free before you purchase it.

The paint brands we found to be involved in animal testing are Dulux, GoodHome (B&Q), Johnstone’s, and Leyland.

Fortunately, our Ethical Paint Ratings Table shows you the most ethical paint brands to choose from and which to avoid, saving you the time and effort of doing the research yourself. (We love a quick-fix!) The top paint brands in the green section of our table sell a range of sustainable options, such as eco paint, low VOC paint, and vegan paint. You can also look out for companies displaying our Ethical Accreditation logo, as these paint brands have received our stamp of approval for their ethical status. 

Our research: The ethics behind the UK’s leading paint brands

The Good Shopping Guide’s latest research into the paint sector reveals some of the unethical practices that many paint brands are currently involved in. Read on to find out which paint brands have been marked down in our research for controversial activities and avoid them when searching for eco paint

Shockingly, some paint brands are also involved in the nuclear power industry. Paint is often used for the coatings of nuclear power stations to protect them from damage, so some paint brands provide this service. 

Given the environmental devastation that a nuclear fallout could potentially cause, we believe it is unethical to operate within the nuclear power industry. We have therefore marked down several brands under our Nuclear criterion for their involvement in the industry. These brands are Crown, Dulux, Earthborn, Farrow & Ball, Johnstone’s, and Leyland

(It is important to note that this does not mean these brands are directly involved in the nuclear power industry. For instance, Johnstone’s and Leyland were marked down due to the activities of their parent company, PPG Industries.)

Ethical paint, nuclear power and paint industries

Our advice: Finding eco paint and low VOC paint

There are now more brands than ever offering you options for eco paint and low VOC paint, so you do not need to purchase unethical products. 

Low VOC paint is the best option for reducing the risk of polluting your home and the environment. Luckily, several brands on our list offer options for low VOC paint. For instance, Ty-Mawr and Osmo, which have both received our prestigious Ethical Accreditation, offer low VOC paint products.

There are many other paint brands in our Ethical Paint Ratings Table that offer eco paint. Eco paint is typically made from sustainable ingredients, such as clay, chalk, and natural solvents. For instance, Ty-Mawr uses lime to make its eco paint. Other eco paint options on our list include solvent-free paint, graphene paint, and other eco paint made with natural ingredients.

See our Ethical Paint Ratings Table to compare brands

Our independent researchers have written up in-depth and detailed articles on every brand that appears on The Good Shopping Guide’s Ethical Ratings Tables. Click on any brand name to find out more about its ethics, sustainability policies and environmental practices.

Osmo, Ty-Mawr, COAT, Edward Bulmer, Lakeland Paints, Victory Colours, Auro, Keim, Lick, Earthborn, Little Greene, Farrow & Ball, Fired Earth, Andrew Martin, Crown, GoodHome (B&Q), Wickes, Craig & Rose, Dulux, Homebase, Johnstone’s and Leyland.