10 of our favourite eco-friendly paint brands

Eco-friendly and sustainable paint brands are the future of the painting and decorating industry. With so many climate-positive brands in the market, making the right choice is easier than ever before. But what is the most eco-friendly paint? And what should you look out for? Find out as we guide you through the colourful world of ethical paints.

environmental credentials to look out for

So, what exactly makes eco-friendly paint brands good for the environment? Here are some environmentally friendly credentials to look out for.

vegan and cruelty free

The truth is that most paints on the market are not vegan-friendly. A common binding agent used is Casein, the primary protein in milk. Shellac, a resin secreted by the Lac bug, is used to add shine and durability and Ox gall, from cows and is used as a wetting agent. Some paint pigments contain animal bone and bone derivatives. 

water-based

When it comes to environmental impact, water-based paints compared to oil-based varieties are far more environmentally friendly as they boast many benefits from being more recyclable and having a lower VOC content.

B Corp Certification

Sustainability reaches far beyond organic and recyclable paint materials, or even carbon neutrality. It’s about climate justice and ethical practices. B Corp Certification works to guarantee these things via a legal framework of stakeholder governance – making ethics a legal requirement.

10 of the best eco-friendly paint brands

1. Little Greene

We love Little Greene! Proudly family-owned and independent, this British company has taken the paint and decorating market by storm. Little Greene paints provide beautiful and environmentally friendly paint finishes. Their water-based paints have practically zero VOCs and their oil-based paints are vegan, utilising sustainable vegetable oils, giving them one of the highest eco ratings in the market.

shop little greene

2. Farrow and Ball

We’re honoured to stock Farrow & Ball products. Renowned for their eco credentials, Farrow & Ball have reformulated their paints over the years to achieve finishes that are sustainable as they are long-lasting. You may recognise them for their classic heritage range, but they are also known for being the first brand in the industry to ditch oil-based paints across all lines. Committed to waste reduction and protecting the planet, F&B paints contain minimal VOCs with an entirely water-based range.

shop farrow & ball

3. Paint & Paper Library

Paint & Paper Library believe that with beauty comes duty. One of our firm favourites for creative responsibility and performance, their range of rich finishes are traditionally manufactured using sustainable ingredients. With 180 unique colours, they offer paints to suit any DIY need, all water-based and low in VOC levels.

shop paint & paper library

4. COAT

COAT know what it means to balance substance and style. As a B Corp, this eco-friendly paint brand sticks to powerful principles without compromising on quality. With only three product formulas, they make your life easier when it comes to selecting a finish. COAT paints are water-based, low VOC, cruelty free and completely vegan. What’s more their colours are deep and luxurious, promising smooth results.

5. Earthborn

Earthborn paints are designed with Mother Nature in mind – the first paints in the UK to carry the EU Ecolabel. Owing to their unshakeable climate-positive credentials, this sustainable paint brand is a popular choice for environmental enthusiasts. Breathable, non-toxic and odour-free, these paints not only boast a rich depth of colour but are planet-friendly too!

6. Lakeland Paints

Lakeland proudly proclaims they’ve been selling organic paint before it was even a thing. Designed with the utmost care for the health of people and the planet, Lakeland avoid VOCs, heavy metals and toxins – as you should! Harmless to ingest, it’s safe to say that this paint is a good option for families with young children and asthma sufferers.

7. Lick

Another trailblazing B-Corp, Lick is one of the new kids on the block. Since 2019, the sustainable paint brand has been working towards a greener future and ending unnecessary waste. All of their paint products are water-based, low VOC and packaged in recyclable materials. Behind it’s sleek and ‘instagrammable’ aesthetics, lies a powerful drive towards sustainability that has led them to give back to the community – planting over 9,000 trees!

8. Victory colours

Climate-positivity is incredibly important to Victory Colours. Thanks to a deep-rooted ecological ethos, its founders developed a paint formula with extremely low VOCs, odour and toxins. Victory Colours paints provide an eco-friendly, vegan alternative to traditional paints that guarantees an easy application and sumptuous finish.

9. Cornish Milk

As you might’ve already guessed, Cornish Milk is an independent eco paint brand based in Cornwall. Inspired by stunning seaside colour palettes and a love of upcycling, Cornish Milk was born from a desire to avoid the chemical solvents and toxins found in traditional paints. Using organic earth pigments, Cornish Milk paints are environmentally, child and pet friendly.

10. Graphenstone

Graphenstone combine the powers of tradition, innovation and technology with their paint formulas, finding the sustainable solution to traditional paint in natural, non-toxic graphene. The graphene infused into their products makes Graphenstone is one of the most breathable eco-friendly paint brands as their products are uniquely porous. Again, expect no VOCs or harmful chemicals here!

Feeling inspired?

If this article has left you inspired, why not check out the rest of our eco-friendly paint and decorating blog for more tips on how to paint responsibly.