Eco Paint vs Traditional Paint

    Eco paint and traditional paint differ in how they impact health, the environment and long-term resource use.
    While traditional paints often focus on short-term coverage and cost, eco paints are designed to reduce environmental impact through safer formulations, responsible materials and longer-lasting performance.

    On this page we have:

    What is traditional paint?

    Traditional paint is typically formulated using:

    • Virgin raw materials
    • Solvents that release VOCs during drying
    • Ingredients designed primarily for short-term performance

    While many traditional paints perform well initially, they may:

    • Release chemical emissions as they dry
    • Require more frequent repainting
    • Contribute to higher long-term material and waste use

    What is eco paint?

    Eco paint is designed to reduce environmental and health impact across its full lifecycle.

    High-quality eco paint focuses on:

    • Durability and longevity
    • Safer, VOC-free formulations
    • Responsible material sourcing
    • Reduced emissions during drying
    • Recyclable or compostable packaging

    Eco paint aims to use less paint over time, rather than simply appearing “green”.

    Key differences between eco paint and traditional paint

    Environmental impact over time

    Traditional paint often needs repainting more frequently, increasing:

    • Paint production
    • Packaging waste
    • Transport emissions

    Eco paint is designed to last longer, reducing total paint use and environmental impact over the life of a surface.

    VOCs and air quality

    Traditional paints may release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as they dry, contributing to:

    • Indoor air pollution
    • Odour and irritation
    • Environmental emissions

    Eco paints, including Thorndown paints, are VOC-free, supporting healthier indoor and outdoor environments.

    Drying and evaporation

    Many traditional paints release a mix of solvents and chemicals as they cure.

    Thorndown eco paints are designed so that, as much as possible, only water evaporates during drying, reducing emissions and environmental impact.

    This is a significant difference rarely explained clearly by paint brands.

    Materials and formulation

    Traditional paints commonly rely on virgin plastic resins.

    Thorndown eco paints use a recycled plastic resin as part of their formulation, reducing reliance on new raw materials while maintaining durability and performance.

    Packaging and waste

    Traditional paint packaging may be difficult to recycle or disposed of after use.

    Thorndown’s approach includes:

    • 100% infinitely recyclable paint tins
    • All packaging recyclable or compostable
    • FSC-approved cardboard

    This reduces waste and supports a circular materials economy.

    Manufacturing and energy use

    Paint manufacturing is energy-intensive.

    Thorndown uses 100% green energy supplied by Octopus Energy, reducing the carbon footprint associated with paint production — an area often overlooked in traditional paint manufacturing.

    Is eco paint as durable as traditional paint?

    High-quality eco paint is designed to match or exceed the durability of traditional paint while reducing environmental impact.

    Durability is essential to sustainability:

    • Longer-lasting paint means fewer repaints
    • Fewer repaints mean less paint used overall

    This is why performance and sustainability are closely linked.

    When eco paint is the better choice

    Eco paint is particularly well suited for:

    • Homes and living spaces
    • Schools and workplaces
    • Projects prioritising air quality
    • Long-term maintenance reduction
    • Environmentally responsible building and renovation

    For sustainability and environmental information on what makes a great eco paint see What Is Eco Paint?

    For more comparisons see comparing wall paint finishes

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the main difference between eco paint and traditional paint?

    Eco paint focuses on reducing environmental and health impact through durability, safer formulations and responsible materials, while traditional paint prioritises short-term performance.

    Is eco paint really better for the environment?

    Yes. When eco paint lasts longer and reduces repainting frequency, it lowers total material use, waste and emissions over time.

    Does eco paint perform as well as traditional paint?

    High-quality eco paint is designed to perform as well as, or better than, traditional paint in durability and coverage.

    What does VOC-free paint mean?

    VOC-free paint contains no volatile organic compounds, helping protect air quality and reduce environmental harm.

    Is eco paint more expensive in the long run?

    Although initial cost can vary, eco paint often reduces long-term costs by lasting longer and requiring fewer repaints.

    Shop The Eco Paint Range

    The Thorndown Eco Paint Shop