Bagnalls is supporting customers in “Painting a Greener Future” by looking at options in more environmentally friendly paints. The range however is diverse with a number of companies specialising in the production of eco friendly paints that are natural and Zero VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) and other companies offering eco options as well as their standard range of paint products.

From January 1st 2010, the latest set of EU regulations governing the amount of VOC content in paint was implemented. However, paint manufacturers had already been preparing for this as previous reductions in VOC (volatile organic compound) levels were introduced in 2007 and Bagnalls was involved in trials from the start. VOCs are carbon based chemical compounds found in most paints.

Volatile organic compounds are emitted into the atmosphere from a number of different sources, these include vehicle exhausts, aircraft, cleaning agents, fabric softeners and paints containing solvent such as white spirit. VOCs from the coatings and inks industry account for less than 1% of the total amount emitted in the UK.

VOCs contribute to atmospheric pollution so it is now a legal requirement for paint labelling to state the VOC content on the product. Although, EU legislation restricts VOC content of paints it does not prohibit their use, therefore solvent based paints, particularly glosses, will normally have a higher VOC content than water born paints, which are often low or zero VOC.

Suppliers

There are many different paint products available in the market. To ensure that you have products specified to meet your particular environmental and performance requirements, we work with our supply chain to offer you the best technical and environmental solution. Due to the changes in manufacturing processes there are now more environmentally friendly paints for all interior and exterior requirements such as Dulux Ecosure, Dulux Light & Space, Johnstone’s Self cleaning masonry paint and Crown Trade Next Generation undercoat and gloss.

There are also specialist companies like Earthborn who have a wide range of natural, eco-friendly products for residential and commercial finishes.