Lakeland Paints

Lakeland Paints: zero-VOC eco-friendly paints made in the UK

Lakeland Paints is a British company specialising in the manufacture of eco-friendly, natural paints free from volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The firm presents itself as a pioneer in this segment, with a history dating back to 1989, when it began developing handmade, environmentally friendly paints. Its current catalogue includes 372 colours, of which 108 are shades of white, and all are made to order for each customer, with no off-the-shelf stock.

Zero-VOC and toxin-free formulation

The company's distinguishing feature is its commitment to paints with a VOC content of 0.000%, which, according to the company itself, makes them 7,000 times purer than low-VOC paints. The formulas are free from solvents, heavy metals, vinyl chloride, phthalates, formaldehyde, APEOs, glycols, acrolein, pesticides and herbicides. They also contain no plasticisers or additives such as MI, MIT, CIT or BIT. The company states that its products are hypoallergenic, odourless and suitable for people with allergies, asthma or chemical sensitivities, and that they have obtained EN71/395 toy certification.

Product range and technical characteristics

Lakeland Paints offers 43 paint products, including matt enamels, wall and ceiling paints, matt varnishes, masonry paints and a corrective paint line. The formulations are water-based, microporous and breathable, with high covering power thanks to a pigment content of 24% compared to the usual 8%. The company indicates that, in most cases, a single coat can be applied over light or mid-tone colours, although it does not guarantee full coverage in intense shades such as acid yellows or lime greens. They do not require sanding or priming on clean surfaces, except on bare wood, MDF boards or untreated plaster, where it recommends the use of specific primers. Drying is fast and the product is optimised for use by DIY consumers.

Environmental commitment and certifications

The company maintains that its paints are vegan, not tested on animals and that its packaging is 100% recyclable. Manufacturing takes place in the UK using renewable and sustainable resources, and the firm holds ISO 14001 certification. Throughout its history it has received recognitions such as the UK Millennium Marque, the Glaxo Wellcome Responsible Business Award, the Ford Conservation Award, the Telegraph/NatWest Clean Technology Award and the UK Govt DTI SMART Award in 1989, 1992 and 1994. The company has also carried out public demonstrations of the safety of its products, including eating a tablespoon of its matt wall paint in front of bodies such as Lancashire and Cumbria Trading Standards, the ASA and the HSE.

Customers and presence

Lakeland Paints supplies its products both in the UK and internationally. Among its customers, the company mentions institutions such as the Tate Gallery, Greenpeace, the Tour de France and Westminster Abbey, as well as tens of thousands of families. The firm offers next-day delivery on orders placed through its online shop, with a stated success rate of 99%.