Volatile Organic Compounds, known as VOCs, are carbon based chemical compounds found in most paints. VOCs are harmful to health, the environment and contribute to global warming. It is a legal requirement for paint labelling to state the VOC content of the product.
The VOC content in Earthborn paints is negligible so that’s why we label our paints as virtually VOC. Although our paints do not contain any intentionally added VOCs, there are certain processes during manufacture (for example, when washing the clay) that are, unfortunately, beyond our control and could contain trace levels of VOCs.
Any paint that claims to be 100% VOC free is misleading and contravenes the UK Government’s guidance on green claims.
It is important to remember that the VOC content is one of many criteria determining whether or not a paint is an eco paint. Not all paints declaring low or zero VOC content are the same and that unlike Earthborn paints, other paints can (and normally do) contain other ‘nasties’ such as ammonia or formaldehydes.