Building a sustainable future: environmental innovations in decorative coatings

At a time where sustainability is paramount, environmentally aware product solutions are more crucial than ever when it comes to designing for the built environment. All design decisions, including the choice of coatings, can impact the sustainability credentials of a building. As the industry evolves, so too do the materials and methods available to those who work to create spaces that are both beautiful and environmentally responsible.

The latest advancements in coating technologies offer ATs a range of options that contribute to sustainable design in meaningful ways. The right coatings can reduce the amount of carbon, improve indoor air quality, and even extend the life cycle of a structure.

The development of water-based coatings has been a considerable step forward in reducing the environmental impact of paint products. These are manufactured with significantly lower volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are known contributors to indoor air pollution. By opting for low-VOC coatings, architects can help create healthier indoor environments and reduce the broader environmental impact of their projects.

Crown Paints provides a wide range of low VOC options that are ideal for projects where indoor air quality is a top priority. These products are designed to minimise the release of chemicals during and after application, making them perfect for residential, commercial, and educational environments where occupant health is paramount. For projects that need to meet high sustainability standards, choosing coatings that are certified by programmes like BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is essential. These certifications ensure that the products have been rigorously tested for their environmental impact, contributing to the overall sustainability credentials of a building.

Last year, we introduced Crown Trade Clean Extreme Clean Air, a new low VOC product which has been certified as meeting BREEAM and LEED regulations, demonstrating our commitment to producing paints that align with the highest standards in the industry. It is also equipped with innovative technology, which actively contributes to purifying the air within enclosed spaces. By absorbing harmful chemicals like formaldehyde from the surrounding environment, the paint not only provides aesthetic enhancements but also contributes to a healthier indoor atmosphere from the very first coat.

Specifying products that last can also be a route to supporting a more sustainable maintenance cycle for the building. Durable coatings that stand the test of time reduce the need for frequent repaints and maintenance, lessening waste and the need for additional materials.

Beyond product innovation, the manufacturing process plays a huge role in the sustainability of the construction industry. As we move towards Industry 4.0, which will see the next phase of digitisation within the sector, many architects and designers will be searching for manufacturers who are driving this forward. While 2050 might feel a long way off, it’s vital that manufacturers of all size begin acting today to reduce their emissions in line with net zero targets. We started this journey a few years back and at the end of 2021 opened a new materials and packaging warehouse, alongside installing new machinery and technology into our existing factory – including the installation of more than 500 solar panels.

Generating our own green energy through this has enabled us to optimise flows within the factory, which makes us more efficient and reduces our overall carbon footprint. Since 2022, 100% of our owned operations also run-on renewable energy from certified sources – and we’re not stopping there. We have set ourselves goals to achieve complete carbon neutrality across our own operations by 2026 and reduce greenhouse gas emissions across our entire supply chain by 50% by 2030. By 2026, we aim to become a zero waste to landfill business, and all our plastic packaging will contain 80% recycled content by 2025. That is well beyond the UK Plastic Packaging Tax threshold of at least 30%. The construction industry is increasingly adopting practices that support a circular economy, ensuring that materials made use of during development are reused or recycled rather than ending up in landfills. One such initiative is our CanBack scheme: through this, empty plastic and metal paint cans from any brand can be returned to Crown Decorating Centres free of charge, to be responsibly recycled. Integrating responsible practices like this into the design and build process by giving contractors additional sustainability options when working on site can make a significant difference in the overall sustainability of a project.

We believe the journey towards a more sustainable future in architecture and design is one of collaboration, and our experts are on hand to work closely with suppliers early in the design process to ensure that sustainability goals are met with the best possible materials and solutions.

This article appears in the AT Journal Summer 2025 Issue 154 as "Building a sustainable future: environmental innovations in decorative coatings" written by Kathryn Tormay, Head of Product, Crown Paints.

--CIAT

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