Today is World Environment Day - a good moment to talk about what actually goes into the paint on your walls. The brands we stock have been leading on sustainability for years, and we think that's worth celebrating. Here's what that looks like in practice and why buying a wonky tin might be the most environmentally friendly thing you do today.
What's in the tin matters more than you think
Most people assume paint fumes are just an inconvenience - something to air out for a day or two after decorating. The reality is more significant. Conventional paints contain VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) chemical solvents that evaporate into the air not just while you're painting, but for years afterwards. Long-term exposure has been linked to headaches, respiratory issues, and poor air quality in the home.
All paint we stock is low VOC, which means virtually none of that off-gassing. For those who prefer an oil-based finish, Little Greene's oil-based range is formulated using sustainable vegetable oils. Better for the people painting. Better for the people living in the room afterwards.
Photo Credit: Little Greene; Colours Used: Hicks' Blue, Loft White
Made in Britain & mixed to order
and why that matters
All our paints are manufactured in Britain, which means no long-haul shipping, no unnecessary transport emissions, and a significantly smaller carbon footprint before the tin even reaches you.
Each tin is mixed to order for a truly bespoke service that further reduces waste. There's a common misconception that mixing to order implies lower quality or inconsistency. It doesn't. The paint is exactly the same formula every time: manufactured bases and tints supplied directly by the brand, mixed precisely to their specification.
The colour is accurate, the quality is identical, and the process is fully traceable. Because we only mix what's been ordered, there's no sitting stock going off, no surplus to dispose of, and no overproduction.
Photo Credit: Farrow & Ball; Colour Used:Faded Terracotta (CC8)Self-priming paint
Less is more and never more so than with self-priming paint. Fewer coats means less product, less packaging, and less waste without any compromise on the finish. Paint & Paper Library's Architects' range and Little Greene's Intelligent range are both self-priming, which means no separate primer required. One less product to buy. One less thing to throw away.
Photo Credit: Paint & Paper Library; Colour Used: Euphorbia (545)The tin itself
The tins themselves are part of the story. Metal, made from recycled content, and infinitely recyclable - a deliberate choice over plastic that reflects how seriously these brands take their environmental commitments across the whole process, not just the formula inside.
Photo Credit: Little Greene; Colour Used: Roman PlasterNot quite perfect. Still brilliant.
Our wonky tins outlet exists for one reason: perfectly good paint that didn't quite make it out the door in perfect condition. Dented tins. Colours mixed in error. The paint inside is exactly the same - same formula, same quality, same finish - just at a significant discount. Buying a wonky tin keeps usable paint out of waste and gives you a chance to try a colour you might not have committed to at full price. Worth a look before you next order.
Explore Our Wonky Tin Outlet
