EB LiftingLid VIS - Flipbook - Page 10
Saying NO to PLASTIC
The problem with paint
Small changes for the better
Modern paints, including all those
designer brands we love, usually contain
around 40% plastic. Most plastic paint
also contains added microbeads.
It's simple, paint doesn't need
to be made with plastic.
Paints are a major contributor to
marine pollution in the form of plastic
microparticles abraded from coated
surfaces and the disposal of unused paint.
Particles of paint account for 58% of
the microplastics that end up in the
world's watercourses and oceans every
year, outweighing tyres and textiles.
This is approx 1.9 million tonnes
of plastic waste. Flakes of paint could
be one of the most abundant types
of microplastics in the world's waters
concluded the University of Plymouth.
Microbeads may physically damage organs
and leach hazardous chemicals. They can
pass through sewage treatment works,
resulting in billions of tiny beads entering
our water courses. They do not biodegrade
and accumulate on land and sea.
Many plastic paints also have
harmful VOC's, health compromising
chemicals and poor breathability.
Consumers don't need to use paint made
from plastic as there are alternatives.
Let’s start by banning the use of
damaging microbeads next year.
Beyond this we are on a campaign
to rid ALL plastic from paint by 2030.
Next time you buy paint ask how
it is made and what it is made
from, so you have the chance to
make an informed choice.
Natural binders have no harmful
VOC's and give high breathability
which is crucial for good air quality.
We know that plastic has some
tremendous life-changing applications,
we just don't like hidden plastic or the
use of it when it is not necessary. Paint
is a prime culprit. In whatever form
plastic is plastic and it will outlive us all.
Pushing for innovation is challenging
and demanding, but also stimulating
and rewarding and there is nothing
better than a genuine solution.
Plastic is everywhere in the paint
industry, primarily the paint itself, plus
plastic handles on tins, plastic buckets,
packaging materials, peel and stick
swatches, paint brushes and paint trays.
#COMECLEANABOUTPAINT
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