Crown Paints: Leading the Way in Sustainable Decorating Solutions

We are delighted to announce that we have recently been honoured with the prestigious Marie Claire Sustainability Award 2024 for Eco-Friendly Decorating Brand of the Year. This accolade is not just a testament to our commitment to sustainable practices, but also a significant milestone that reflects our leadership in driving eco-conscious solutions in the industry. For trade professionals, this recognition underscores why Crown should be the go-to choice for projects where sustainability is paramount.

As part of the Hempel Group, a global coatings company dedicated to shaping a brighter future through sustainable solutions, Crown has long been at the forefront of integrating environmental responsibility into its operations. This industry recognition from Marie Claire highlights the brand’s comprehensive approach to sustainability, which spans the entire product lifecycle—from the careful selection of raw materials to the logistics network that delivers the finished product.

Leading with Innovation

Crown has consistently led the industry with its pioneering initiatives. We were the first UK paint manufacturer to introduce paint cans made entirely from recycled plastic. This move not only reduces the environmental impact of packaging but also sets a new standard for the industry. The introduction of fully recyclable paint swatch samples made from entirely recycled materials further exemplifies Crown’s commitment to sustainability at every level.

Crown was also the first to receive a trace VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) classification, highlighting our dedication to producing paints that are safer for both users and the environment. In addition, we secured Vegan Verification for our Walls & Ceilings range, ensuring that these products are free from animal-derived ingredients and cruelty-free. For decorators and contractors, these innovations mean they can offer clients the very best in eco-friendly products without compromising on quality.

Setting New Standards in Sustainability

Over the past year alone, we have made significant strides in sustainability.

• We have transitioned all our owned operations to run entirely on renewable energy sourced from certified providers.
• Through our Can Back scheme, we’ve successfully recycled over 1.3 million paint cans and have repurposed surplus paint by donating it to community groups, ensuring that no material goes to waste.
• Additionally, we introduced Crown Trade Clean Air, a highly durable paint that not only meets BREEAM and LEED standards but also features innovative air-purifying technology that absorbs formaldehyde, enhancing indoor air quality from the very first application. This makes it an ideal choice for health-conscious clients.

Project Possible: A Vision for the Future

In 2023, Crown launched Project Possible, an ambitious ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) strategy that aims to make a positive impact on both people and the planet.

As part of Project Possible, we have set ambitious targets that align with global sustainability goals, reflecting our commitment to long-term environmental stewardship. We are on track to achieve complete carbon neutrality across our operations by 2026, a significant step towards reducing our carbon footprint. Additionally, we aim to cut greenhouse gas emissions across our entire supply chain by 50% by 2030.

By 2026, we also plan to become a zero waste to landfill business, ensuring that all materials are reused, recycled, or responsibly disposed of. This is a critical goal for an industry that has traditionally relied heavily on non-renewable resources. Moreover, we are pushing the boundaries of packaging sustainability by committing to having 80% recycled content in all plastic packaging by 2025—well beyond the UK Plastic Packaging Tax threshold of 30%.

A Call to Action for the Industry

Katie McLean, Director UK and Ireland at Crown, summed it up perfectly: “Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword for us; it’s at the heart of everything we do.”

This recognition serves as a call to action for the entire industry to embrace more sustainable choices. By choosing Crown for your projects, you’re not just selecting high-quality products but also contributing to a brighter, more sustainable future for the industry and the planet.

For more information on our sustainability initiatives, visit Project Possible.