When is paint considered more sustainable?
There is no simple answer to the question of what exactly constitutes sustainable paint. Is sustainability determined by the lifespan of the paintwork, the proportion of bio-based raw materials, the carbon footprint, or the environmental impact during production and use? In practice, all these factors play a role. Anyone wishing to compare different paints would therefore be well advised to consider several characteristics at once.
Sustainable paint is about more than just raw materials
An important characteristic of sustainable paint is its protective function. Paint not only creates an attractive finish, but also protects wood, metal and other surfaces against the elements, moisture and wear and tear. The longer a paint system retains its protective function, the less frequently maintenance is required. Less maintenance generally means lower material consumption, fewer transport journeys and less work required over the lifetime of a building. That is why paint manufacturers are constantly investing in the development of products that contribute to a longer maintenance cycle. However, a longer lifespan alone is not enough to consider paint more sustainable. The raw materials used and the impact of production, transport and processing also play a significant role.
The role of bio-based raw materials
There is a growing focus on paints containing bio-based raw materials. These are raw materials derived from renewable sources, such as vegetable oils. Historically, paint was in fact largely based on natural raw materials such as linseed oil and lime.
Modern paint systems have since undergone significant further development to deliver better performance in terms of application, coverage, drying time and durability. Today, the paint industry is increasingly focusing on bio-based raw materials that contribute to high-quality performance whilst reducing the use of fossil-based raw materials.
In this context, it is important to look beyond the bio-based content alone. The origin of the raw materials, land use, water consumption, CO₂ emissions and transport also influence the overall environmental impact. A high percentage of bio-based raw materials therefore does not automatically mean that a product is more sustainable. The entire supply chain must be taken into account in the assessment.
Why the carbon footprint is important
Another factor to consider with sustainable paint is the carbon footprint. This provides insight into the amount of greenhouse gas emissions associated with the extraction of raw materials, production, packaging and logistics. The carbon footprint helps to compare different products more effectively, as it takes into account not only the composition but also the impact of the production process and the raw materials used. For professionals, clients and consumers who wish to make informed choices, the carbon footprint can therefore be a valuable additional indicator alongside product lifespan and raw material usage.
Environmental impact goes beyond CO₂ emissions
Environmental impact also plays a role when assessing sustainable paint. This includes waste streams, emissions, raw material use and other effects that are not directly visible in a CO₂ calculation. As these aspects are more difficult to express in a single figure, independent certifications and assessment systems are often consulted. These assess organisations across multiple areas, such as the environment, transparency, social impact and business operations. For consumers and professionals, this provides additional insight when comparing products and manufacturers.
Sustainability also requires transparency
When assessing sustainable paint, more and more clients and consumers are looking not only at the product itself, but also at the organisation behind it. How does a company manage its raw materials, energy consumption, staff, social engagement and transparency?
One example of this is the international B Corp certification. This certification assesses companies across various areas, including environmental impact, social impact, governance and transparency. A B Corp certification does not mean that a specific paint product is automatically more sustainable than another product, but it does provide insight into how an organisation approaches sustainability and social responsibility.
Koninklijke Van Wijhe Verf, the manufacturer of Ralston Verf, became the first chemical company worldwide to achieve B Corp certification in 2016. In doing so, the company endorses the importance of transparency, continuous improvement and responsible business practices. When making a conscious choice for sustainable paint, it is therefore wise to look not only at product characteristics, but also at the information a manufacturer provides regarding raw materials, production processes, carbon footprint and business operations.
How can you recognise sustainable paint?
Anyone looking for sustainable paint should consider the following, amongst other things:
- the expected lifespan of the paint system;
- information on bio-based or renewable raw materials;
- available data on the carbon footprint;
- independent certifications;
- transparency regarding raw materials and production processes;
- the product’s suitability for long-term protection of the substrate.
By considering these factors in conjunction, a more complete picture of a paint product’s sustainability emerges.
Sustainable paint requires a comprehensive assessment
There is no single characteristic that, on its own, determines whether a paint is sustainable. A longer lifespan, the use of renewable raw materials, a lower CO₂ footprint and consideration of environmental impact can all contribute to a more sustainable choice.
It is therefore wise not to focus solely on a single sustainability claim, but to take various factors into account. This provides a more informed picture of which sustainable paint best suits your project and sustainability objectives.
