Since its founding in the Netherlands in 1916, Ralston has always taken pride in being at the forefront of paint product innovation. In today’s environmentally aware landscape, it comes as no surprise that Ralston is taking a leading role in the development of truly sustainable paint solutions.
You might be wondering, what exactly are VOCs and what is their connection to paint? Virtually all paints contain organic chemical components that evaporate and release volatile organic compounds (or VOCs for short) into the air as the paint dries. These emissions are often recognised as the "new paint smell." Some VOCs are classified as greenhouse gases, contributing to global warming.
In recent years, VOC-free paints have emerged as a safer, greener option. These paints contain such a tiny quantity of VOCs that they are considered negligible. Nevertheless, while the base of the paint may be VOC-free, the tinting (colouring) process usually adds VOCs to the paint.
With the introduction of the revolutionary new Uni Plus tinting technology, Ralston has successfully eliminated these incremental VOCs in their bio-based paint range. Through this innovation, Ralston has unequivocally established their brand as the 100% VOC-free choice!
Paint typically consists of three elements:
1. Pigment to give the paint its colour and opacity
2. Binder i.e. polymers that hold the pigments together and help to form a dry film after application
3. A liquid to allow the paint to spread across the surface
Often, some additives are included for specific purposes such as anti-mould or fast-drying features. In Ralston’s bio-based range of paints, water is used instead of oil to carry the pigment and binders of the paint. More than this, however, the range contains raw materials that can grow back within the lifetime of the paint, are extracted from inexhaustible sources, are sourced responsibly, and are not detrimental to the food chain.
As the only paint manufacturer to hold B Corp certification (which is recognised as the highest standard for corporate social responsibility), Ralston is constantly exploring innovative and ethical avenues to minimise the environmental impact of all they do. To this end, they use premium raw materials derived, where possible, from renewable bio-based sources and are continuously finding new ways to curtail waste, water consumption, and CO2 emissions.
Central to Ralston’s mission is the belief that great quality and sustainability can go hand-in-hand. They are committed to making the world a more colourful and sustainable place, one paint tin at a time.
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Please Note: Paint colours on-screen may vary from actual paint. If unsure, we advise purchasing a colour tester to ensure you are happy with your choice. Our tinted products are made to order and are therefore non returnable.