Eco Paint & Low VOC Paint
Which paint brands are the most ethical and sustainable? For the answer, see our Ethical Paint comparison table to compare brands’ ethical scores.
The importance of eco paint
Have you just moved house, or is it time to refresh a tired room? If you are re-decorating your home, paint is essential. Regularly re-painting your walls can keep them looking clean, but did you know enough about the ethical issues behind the paint you use and the companies you purchase it from? This article explores the ethical issues in the paint sector and shows you how to find natural paint, non-toxic paint and eco paint from sustainable paint brands. The GOOD Shopping Guide has been independently researching and rating brands on ethical criteria since 2001, making our comparison tables one of the most trusted resources for consumers seeking ethical home products.
The market for sustainable paint UK-wide has grown significantly in recent years. Consumer awareness of indoor air quality, toxic chemicals in the home, and the environmental cost of conventional paint production has driven a major shift towards zero VOC paint, organic paint, and breathable paint options. The demand for ethical paint brands UK consumers can trust has never been higher — and our Ethical Paint comparison table is one of the most comprehensive independent resources available to help you navigate the sector.
What is low VOC paint?
One of the major concerns for both people and planet is the use of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). These are used to help paint dry quicker. Unfortunately, VOCs can easily become gases that pollute your home and the atmosphere with toxic fumes.
Aside from the negative environmental impact of releasing toxic gases into the air, VOCs have also been associated with long-term health effects. The NHS advises that poor indoor air quality, including from VOC emissions, can have significant effects on respiratory health. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, VOCs can cause symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and dizziness, and have also been associated with respiratory issues and even liver and kidney damage! It is therefore important to choose zero VOC paint or low VOC paint, which is available from many eco paint brands. For a full breakdown of how we assess paint brands across environmental and health-related criteria, visit our How We Rate page.
Breathable paint is another important consideration, particularly for older properties. Breathable paints — typically made from clay, lime or mineral bases — allow moisture to pass through walls rather than trapping it, which can help prevent damp and mould. They are especially suitable for period homes with solid walls or lime plaster finishes. Several brands in our Ethical Paint comparison table, including Tŷ-Mawr and Earthborn, offer breathable paint ranges.
Which paint brands test on animals?
Animal Welfare is a big issue as many paint brands still needlessly test their products on animals. It can also be tricky to find vegan paint, as some paint brands use animal-derived ingredients such as casein, shellac, and beeswax. Check the ingredients list to ensure the paint is vegan and cruelty-free before you purchase it.
The paint brands we found to be involved in animal testing are Dulux, GoodHome (B&Q), Johnstone’s, and Leyland.
Fortunately, our Ethical Paint comparison table shows you the most ethical paint brands UK consumers can choose from and which to avoid, saving you the time and effort of doing the research yourself. The top paint brands in the green section of our table sell a range of sustainable options, such as eco paint, low VOC paint, and vegan paint. You can also look out for companies displaying our Ethical Accreditation logo, as these paint brands have received our stamp of approval for their ethical status. Find out more about the benefits of Ethical Accreditation.
Our research: The ethics behind the UK’s leading paint brands
The GOOD Shopping Guide’s latest research into the paint sector reveals some of the unethical practices that many paint brands are currently involved in. Read on to find out which paint brands have been marked down in our research for controversial activities and avoid them when searching for eco paint.
Some paint brands are also involved in the nuclear power industry. Paint is often used for the coatings of nuclear power stations to protect them from damage, so some paint brands provide this service.
Given the environmental devastation that a nuclear fallout could potentially cause, we believe it is unethical to operate within the nuclear power industry. We have therefore marked down several brands under our Nuclear criterion for their involvement in the industry. These brands are Crown, Dulux, Earthborn, Farrow & Ball, Johnstone’s, and Leyland.
(It is important to note that this does not mean these brands are directly involved in the nuclear power industry. For instance, Johnstone’s and Leyland were marked down due to the activities of their parent company, PPG Industries.)
Our advice: Finding eco paint and low VOC paint
There are now more brands than ever offering you options for sustainable paint UK consumers can trust — from eco paint and low VOC paint to fully natural and organic paint ranges, so you do not need to purchase unethical products.
Low VOC paint is the best option for reducing the risk of polluting your home and the environment. Luckily, several brands on our list offer options for low VOC paint. For instance, Tŷ-Mawr and Osmo, which have both received our prestigious Ethical Accreditation, offer low VOC paint products.
There are many other paint brands in our Ethical Paint comparison table that offer eco paint. Eco paint is typically made from sustainable ingredients, such as clay, chalk, and natural solvents. For instance, Tŷ-Mawr uses lime to make its eco paint. Other eco paint options on our list include solvent-free paint, graphene paint, and other eco paint made with natural ingredients. Many of these natural paint brands also publish detailed environmental reports, making it easier to verify their ethical credentials independently.
It is also worth thinking about what happens to leftover paint. In the UK, paint is classified as hazardous waste and should never be poured down the drain or placed in general household rubbish. Community RePaint is a UK-wide network that collects and redistributes leftover paint to households and community groups in need — a practical and ethical way to reduce paint waste.
Choosing ethical paint sits within a broader set of sustainable home decisions. If you are also looking to make more ethical choices across other home products, see our Ethical Cleaning Products comparison table and our Sustainable Building article for further guidance on creating a healthier, more ethical home.
See our Ethical Paint comparison table to compare brands
Our independent researchers have written up in-depth and detailed articles on every brand that appears on The Good Shopping Guide’s Ethical Ratings Tables. Click on any brand name to find out more about its ethics, sustainability policies and environmental practices.
Osmo, Ty-Mawr, COAT, Edward Bulmer, Lakeland Paints, Victory Colours, Auro, Keim, Lick, Earthborn, Little Greene, Farrow & Ball, Fired Earth, Berger, Rust-Oleum, Crown, GoodHome (B&Q), Wickes, Craig & Rose, Dulux, Homebase, Johnstone’s and Leyland.
Why should I consider the ethics of the paint I buy?
Paint is a household staple, yet many consumers overlook its environmental and health implications. Some paints contain toxic chemicals that release harmful fumes, while others are produced by companies involved in unethical practices such as animal testing or controversial industries. Taking time to research the brands you buy from can make a meaningful difference to both your personal health and the broader environment.
What are VOCs and why do they matter when choosing paint?
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are chemicals added to paint to help it dry faster, but they can become toxic gases that pollute indoor air and the wider atmosphere. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has linked VOC exposure to headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and even liver and kidney damage. Choosing low VOC paint is therefore an important step for protecting both personal health and the environment.
Are paint brands involved in animal testing?
Yes, animal welfare is a notable concern in the paint sector. Some brands continue to test on animals and use animal-derived ingredients such as casein, shellac, and beeswax. The Good Shopping Guide’s research identified several brands involved in animal testing, including Dulux, GoodHome (B&Q), Johnstone’s, and Leyland. Consulting the Ethical Paint Ratings Table is a quick and straightforward way to identify cruelty-free paint options.
Are some paint brands involved in the nuclear power industry?
Surprisingly, yes. Paint is used to coat nuclear power stations, meaning some brands supply to this industry. The Good Shopping Guide flags involvement in nuclear power as an ethical concern, and has marked down Crown, Dulux, Earthborn, Farrow & Ball, Johnstone’s, and Leyland under this criterion. In some cases, this reflects the activities of their parent companies rather than the brand itself.
What makes a paint brand ethical?
An ethical paint brand typically avoids toxic chemicals, does not test on animals, publishes an environmental report, and steers clear of involvement in controversial industries such as nuclear power. The Good Shopping Guide independently assesses brands across all of these criteria. Brands holding Ethical Accreditation, such as Osmo and Tŷ-Mawr, have been formally verified as meeting the highest ethical and sustainable standards in the paint sector.
Where can I find eco paint and low VOC paint from ethical brands?
The Good Shopping Guide’s Ethical Paint Ratings Table is an invaluable resource for identifying eco paint and low VOC paint from responsible brands. Brands in the green section of the table, particularly those with Ethical Accreditation, are the most reliable choices. Both Osmo and Tŷ-Mawr offer low VOC products and hold Ethical Accreditation, confirming their standing as two of the most responsibly operated paint brands currently available.
Is Osmo an ethical Paint brand?
Osmo sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Paint Ethical Ratings Table, performing strongly across all assessed categories, including its Environmental Report, Toxic Chemicals Policy, Animal Welfare, and Fossil Fuels credentials. Holding Ethical Accreditation reflects the brand’s clear commitment to responsible and sustainable business practices, providing consumers with confidence that Osmo has been independently verified as meeting the highest ethical standards in the paint sector.
Is Tŷ-Mawr an ethical Paint brand?
Tŷ-Mawr sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Paint Ethical Ratings Table, earning top ratings across all assessed categories, including its Environmental Report, Toxic Chemicals Policy, Animal Welfare, and Fossil Fuels credentials. Its Ethical Accreditation demonstrates a genuine and verified commitment to ethical and sustainable business conduct, making Tŷ-Mawr one of the most responsibly operated paint brands currently available to consumers.
Is COAT an ethical Paint brand?
COAT sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Paint Ethical Ratings Table, performing well across all assessed areas, including its Environmental Report, Toxic Chemicals Policy, Animal Welfare, and Fossil Fuels credentials. As a brand without Ethical Accreditation, applying for it could provide a meaningful and recognised way to formally demonstrate its commitment to ethical and sustainable practices within the paint industry.
Is Edward Bulmer an ethical Paint brand?
Edward Bulmer sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Paint Ethical Ratings Table, achieving strong ratings across all assessed categories, including its Environmental Report, Toxic Chemicals Policy, Animal Welfare, and Fossil Fuels credentials. As a brand without Ethical Accreditation, pursuing it would offer Edward Bulmer a valuable opportunity to formally validate its dedication to responsible and sustainable paint production.
Is Lakeland Paints an ethical Paint brand?
Lakeland Paints sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Paint Ethical Ratings Table, receiving top ratings across all assessed areas, including its Environmental Report, Toxic Chemicals Policy, Animal Welfare, and Fossil Fuels credentials. As a brand without Ethical Accreditation, applying for it would provide a recognised means of further demonstrating Lakeland Paints’ commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices.
Is Lick an ethical Paint brand?
Lick sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Paint Ethical Ratings Table, performing well across all assessed categories, including its Environmental Report, Toxic Chemicals Policy, Animal Welfare, and Fossil Fuels credentials. Without Ethical Accreditation, obtaining it would allow Lick to formally demonstrate its commitment to ethical and sustainable business conduct, providing consumers with additional assurance of its responsible practices.
Is Victory Colours an ethical Paint brand?
Victory Colours sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Paint Ethical Ratings Table, earning positive ratings across all assessed areas, including its Environmental Report, Toxic Chemicals Policy, Animal Welfare, and Fossil Fuels credentials. As a brand without Ethical Accreditation, applying for it would provide Victory Colours with a recognised means of formally validating its commitment to responsible and sustainable paint production.
Is Auro an ethical Paint brand?
Auro sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Paint Ethical Ratings Table, performing well in areas such as its Environmental Report, Toxic Chemicals Policy, and Fossil Fuels credentials, though it falls short in its Animal Welfare rating. As a brand without Ethical Accreditation, applying for it could offer Auro a meaningful way to formally demonstrate its wider commitment to ethical and sustainable business.
Is Keim an ethical Paint brand?
Keim sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Paint Ethical Ratings Table, performing well in areas such as its Environmental Report, Toxic Chemicals Policy, and Fossil Fuels credentials, though it falls short in its Animal Welfare rating. Without Ethical Accreditation, obtaining it would allow Keim to formally recognise its commitment to responsible and sustainable practices within the paint sector.
Is Little Greene an ethical Paint brand?
Little Greene sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Paint Ethical Ratings Table, performing well in areas such as its Animal Welfare and Fossil Fuels credentials, though it falls short in its Environmental Report and Toxic Chemicals Policy. As a brand without Ethical Accreditation, applying for it could provide a recognised way to further demonstrate Little Greene’s commitment to ethical and sustainable business.
Is Fired Earth an ethical Paint brand?
Fired Earth sits at the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Paint Ethical Ratings Table, performing well in areas such as its Toxic Chemicals Policy and Fossil Fuels credentials, though it falls short in its Environmental Report and Animal Welfare. As a brand without Ethical Accreditation, applying for it could allow Fired Earth to more formally demonstrate its commitment to responsible and sustainable practices.
Is Earthborn an ethical Paint brand?
Earthborn falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Paint Ethical Ratings Table. The brand performs well in areas such as its Toxic Chemicals Policy and Animal Welfare, though it falls short in its Environmental Report and Fossil Fuels credentials. Consumers looking for paint brands that do reach the ethical benchmark can consult The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Paint Ethical Ratings Table for more responsible options.
Is Farrow & Ball an ethical Paint brand?
Farrow & Ball falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Paint Ethical Ratings Table. The brand performs well in areas such as its Environmental Report, Toxic Chemicals Policy, and Animal Welfare, though it falls short in its Fossil Fuels credentials and Armaments rating. Shoppers seeking paint brands that do reach the ethical benchmark can explore The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Paint Ethical Ratings Table for more responsible alternatives.
Is Berger an ethical Paint brand?
Berger falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Paint Ethical Ratings Table. The brand performs well in its Environmental Report, though it falls short in its Toxic Chemicals Policy, Fossil Fuels credentials, and Animal Welfare. Consumers seeking paint brands that do reach the ethical benchmark can consult The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Paint Ethical Ratings Table to find more responsible and sustainable alternatives.
Is Crown an ethical Paint brand?
Crown falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Paint Ethical Ratings Table. The brand performs well in areas such as its Environmental Report and Animal Welfare, though it falls short in its Toxic Chemicals Policy, Fossil Fuels credentials, and Armaments rating. The Paint Ethical Ratings Table can help consumers find paint brands that do meet the ethical benchmark for more responsible purchasing decisions.
Is GoodHome (B&Q) an ethical Paint brand?
GoodHome (B&Q) falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Paint Ethical Ratings Table. The brand performs well in its Environmental Report and Fossil Fuels credentials, though it falls short in its Toxic Chemicals Policy and Animal Welfare. Consumers looking for paint brands that do reach the ethical benchmark can refer to The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Paint Ethical Ratings Table for more responsible options.
Is Homebase an ethical Paint brand?
Homebase falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Paint Ethical Ratings Table. The brand performs well in its Fossil Fuels credentials, though it falls short across several areas, including its Environmental Report, Toxic Chemicals Policy, and Animal Welfare. Those seeking paint brands that do meet the ethical benchmark are encouraged to explore The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Paint Ethical Ratings Table for more responsible alternatives.
Is Wickes an ethical Paint brand?
Wickes falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Paint Ethical Ratings Table. The brand falls short across several areas, including its Environmental Report, Toxic Chemicals Policy, Animal Welfare, and Public Record Criticisms. Consumers seeking paint brands that do reach the ethical benchmark can consult The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Paint Ethical Ratings Table to identify more responsible and sustainable options.
Is Craig & Rose an ethical Paint brand?
Craig & Rose falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Paint Ethical Ratings Table. The brand performs well in its Environmental Report, though it falls short in its Toxic Chemicals Policy, Fossil Fuels credentials, Animal Welfare, and Public Record Criticisms. The Paint Ethical Ratings Table is a useful resource for consumers seeking brands that do meet the ethical benchmark.
Is Rust-Oleum an ethical Paint brand?
Rust-Oleum falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Paint Ethical Ratings Table. The brand falls short across several key areas, including its Fossil Fuels credentials, Animal Welfare, Political Donations, and Public Record Criticisms. Consumers looking for paint brands that do meet the ethical benchmark can consult The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Paint Ethical Ratings Table for more responsible and sustainable alternatives.
Is Dulux an ethical Paint brand?
Dulux falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Paint Ethical Ratings Table. While the brand performs well in its Environmental Report, it falls short across numerous areas, including its Fossil Fuels credentials, Animal Welfare, Armaments rating, and Public Record Criticisms. Consumers seeking more responsible alternatives can turn to The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Paint Ethical Ratings Table to find paint brands that do meet the ethical benchmark.
Is Johnstone’s an ethical Paint brand?
Johnstone’s falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Paint Ethical Ratings Table. While the brand performs well in its Environmental Report, it falls short across several key areas, including its Fossil Fuels credentials, Animal Welfare, Armaments rating, Political Donations, and Public Record Criticisms. The Paint Ethical Ratings Table can guide consumers toward more responsible paint brands that do meet the ethical benchmark.
Is Leyland an ethical Paint brand?
Leyland falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Paint Ethical Ratings Table. While the brand performs well in its Environmental Report, it falls short across multiple key areas, including its Fossil Fuels credentials, Animal Welfare, Armaments rating, Political Donations, and Public Record Criticisms. Consumers seeking more ethical paint options can consult The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Paint Ethical Ratings Table for better-rated alternatives.
How does The GOOD Shopping Guide's Ethical Accreditation complement other accreditations?
The GOOD Shopping Guide doesn’t replace existing certifications, it ensures your ethical credentials are clearly recognised so they are trusted by consumers. By appearing in our comparison tables, your brand reaches an audience that is actively seeking genuinely ethical options, while also being referenced by Google and AI search tools to enhance credibility and discoverability.
How is The GOOD Shopping Guide's Ethical Accreditation different from other accreditations?
Unlike many accreditations that focus mainly on compliance or internal audits, The GOOD Shopping Guide provides scored, research-led assessments across environment, people and animals. Our tables are consumer-facing and freely accessible, making it easy for shoppers and AI tools to compare brands based on verified performance, not just promises.
How does The GOOD Shopping Guide choose who is eligible for accreditation?
The GOOD Shopping Guide audits brands for their ethical impact across a variety of criteria in the human, animal and environment categories. We research the records of brands and their parent companies, and rate them across those criteria. If they are found to be above our benchmark, they are eligible to apply for Ethical Accreditation.
How can I apply for Ethical Accreditation?
You can apply for Ethical Accreditation if your brand is assessed as above our benchmark. Click on this link to fill out our online form, and our researchers will assess your brand’s viability for Ethical Accreditation.