Not only in Germany, but also internationally, more and more people are called up to take active steps to protect the environment and the climate. From recycling waste and saving energy to reducing one’s ecological footprint: there are opportunities to take the initiative almost everywhere. When it comes to colours, varnishes and dyes, too, there are effective possibilities to protect the health of ecosystems and people.
Closed-loop systems: The cradle-to-cradle principle is about a waste-free circular economy in which, ideally, all raw materials are recycled. Water-based colours offer the advantage that they contain no environmentally harmful substances. They can be returned to the material cycle. You can read more about the Cradle-to-Cradle principle here.
Conventional colours may contain microplastics, solvents or even allergenic fragrances, which only load the soil, water and air with pollutants, but also pose a risk to human health.
In 2010, Farrow & Ball set itself the task of converting its entire range to water-based products and reducing the harmful VOC content of its colours to a minimum. VOCs are volatile organic compounds that are released into indoor air by all manner of products and materials. In the worst cases, they can affect the nervous system and produce allergies. Furthermore, Farrow & Ball does not carry out any animal testing whatsoever.
Blue Angel
You’ve no doubt seen the eco-label before. The Blue Angel is an eco-label that was launched by the Federal Ministry for the Environment in the year 1978. It is awarded to products or companies that offer particularly environmentally friendly goods and services. Certified companies can label their products with the Blue Angel on a voluntary basis.
You can find out here what products bearing the Blue Angel label are capable of.
The ‘Naturell’ product range from Schöner Wohnen carries precisely this certification. What makes it special is its silicate-based formula! Silicate is a natural product containing a mineral binder. This means the colours are without harmful solvents, plasticisers or preservatives. Silicate paints are also suitable for people with allergies, regulate humidity and minimise the risk of mould growth. As a result, the product range has earned both the Blue Angel and ECARF (European Centre for Allergy Research Foundation) certifications.
A brand with a long tradition: Alpina Farben offers a product range called ‘Farbenfreunde’, which has been specially designed for newborns and toddlers. These colours are also certified with the Blue Angel label. Conventional colours often contain solvents and preservatives that affect the sense of touch, taste and smell. Thanks to their natural formulation, the wall paints in the ‘Farbenfreunde’ range are completely safe for children.
Products that are safe for your health
GARANT products carry the eco-INSTITUT certificate. This is because they have been tested in the laboratory for emissions and substances that may be harmful to health. Our doors therefore help to create a healthy indoor environment.