It’s odourless, vegan and organic – but is this paint brand eco-friendly?
What’s the story?
Lakeland Paints (not to be confused with the kitchenware brand) was founded by Ian West and John Ashworth in 1989 in Cumbria, offering the UK’s first odourless, vegan, organic paints and varnishes that are free of heavy metals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In Europe alone, decorative paints and varnishes emit about 580,000 tonnes of greenhouse gasses and solvents every year.
What’s the science?
Lakeland’s formulations are primarily composed of water and minerals, including clay and marble, combined with synthetic binders and preservative. Founder Ian West filmed a YouTube video of himself swallowing a tablespoon of the paint to demonstrate its safety. Every batch of paint (spanning 372 colours) is made to order in Lancashire and delivered in recyclable packaging.
What’s the truth?
No paint is completely impact-free. Lakeland Paint’s recipes still contain necessary manufactured binders, pigments and preservatives to ensure durability. So, although eco paint is a lot cleaner, it isn’t a sustainability silver bullet.
What’s the verdict?
Lakeland Paints makes a compelling case for eco-friendly decor. Its zero-VOC credentials place it among the cleanest paints available, and for allergy sufferers and families with young children, it is a very good choice. And with its extensive colour card, you can have style and sustainability.
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