Plant based paint replaces petrochemicals and plastics with alternative ingredients sourced from eco friendly plant sources.
In plant based paint, the ingredients that are synthetic or petrochemical in conventional paint are replaced with renewable plant derived raw materials.
This is especially important in the binder, which helps the paint stick to the surface and form a durable film. Plant oils, resins, waxes, cellulose, surfactants and some solvents can also help the paint spread, flow, stabilise and perform properly without relying on harsh chemicals which emit high levels of VOCs into your home.
What this Means for Paint Formulations
"Plant based" usually describes the raw material approach behind the formulation. It means important parts of the paint may be made from renewable plant derived ingredients, such as the binder, cellulose, plant oils, resins, waxes, surfactants or solvents.
A wall paint still needs an effective formulation to provide good coverage, bind to the surface, offer good durability, and stay stable in the tin long enough to be applied to your walls. This means plant based paints can also include water, minerals, eco friendly pigments and other sustainable ingredients.
Our sustainable paint guide explains more about what sustainability in paints really means.
How Natural Ingredients Help Paint Perform
Plant based ingredients are a vital part of the paint formulation. In genuinely natural paints, they're not just added as a token ingredient. A key part of all paints is the binder, this is the part of the paint that grips to the surface, forms a stable film and holds the pigments and fillers together.
In conventional paints, the binder is synthetic or petrochemical based. The wider formulation will also rely on solvents and additives that release VOCs and create fumes as the paint dries. This process is known as off gassing, and can release harsh chemicals into your home for weeks or even months. In a plant based paint system, this part of the formulation can instead be made from plant derived chemistry.
Read more about how natural our paints are in our guide to composting and biodegradability of leftover paint.
Auro's Replebin Paint Binder
Auro's Replebin binder is a good example of a plant based binder. It is a biogenic binding agent made from plant alcohol ester with organic acids. It's derived from renewable sources like maize and wheat residues.
German paint brand Auro conducted many years of intense research and development to produce this key ingredient. It's an incredibly effective plant based alternative to non renewable petrochemical ingredients.
Replebin is used as a vital part of their natural paint's performance system. The durability and ease of application it offers is comparable to conventional paint, and allows many of Auro's products to achieve high abrasion resistance - Class 1 Scrubbability. This creates a paint that is suitable for the demands of modern living whilst meeting strict ecological criteria.
A Note About MIT, BIT and Thiazoles
Brands like Auro try to avoid preservatives where they can, but some paints still need a very small amount to remain stable in the tin so they can offer an adequate shelf life. Brands like Auro, Graphenstone, and Earthborn all try to minimise the use of preservatives.
This does not undermine the use of renewable, mineral or plant derived ingredients, but it does mean "natural" or "plant based" should not be read as "preservative free". If you are sensitive to MIT, BIT or similar preservatives, always check the current ingredient declaration before choosing a paint.
Read more in our explainer on MIT in paint. You can also browse our MIT / BIT free paint ranges if you are sensitive to these chemicals.
Is Plant Based Paint the Same as Natural Paint?
Not exactly. Natural paint is a broader term and can include paints made with plant derived ingredients, but also clay, lime, silicate and other mineral based paints.
Auro's Replebin is a great example of plant derived binder technology. Earthborn and Graphenstone are natural paints too, but they are better understood as mineral based: Earthborn is clay led, while Graphenstone is lime and mineral led. Still offering strong eco credentials, but with a different formulation driving coverage and durability.
So plant based paint can be natural paint, but natural paint is not always plant based.
Is Plant Based Paint Vegan?
Not always! Some natural paints may contain animal derived ingredients like casein (milk protein) or beeswax.
So it is better to check product by product rather than assuming the whole brand is vegan. From our own ranges, Graphenstone paint is entirely vegan and cruelty free. Auro has some vegan paints, but does use casein in many formulations. Earthborn also has some vegan paints, but not all of their range can be verified as such.
Are any Paints Entirely Plant Based?
For modern wall paints, probably not in the literal sense.
A wall paint normally needs a balanced formulation. Even a strongly plant based paint will usually contain water, mineral fillers, pigments and functional additives. Some wood oils, waxes or traditional finishes may come closer to being entirely plant derived, but interior wall paint is usually a mixed formulation.
See also: Sustainable paint guide - a look at what sustainability in paint really means.
Choosing Eco Friendly Paint Starts with the Ingredients
Plant based paint is really about looking more closely at what your paint is made from, and whether the ingredients used to make it work come from renewable, lower impact sources.
For wall paint, the binder is one of the most meaningful places to make that change. Auro's Replebin is a good example of how plant derived chemistry can be used in a modern paint that is still breathable, durable and practical for everyday decorating.
The right choice will always depend on the room, the surface and the finish you need. But if you want to move away from conventional synthetic emulsion and choose a paint with a more natural formulation, a plant based binder is a good place to start. Need help understanding our range of eco paints? Contact us for help and tailored advice!
