Recycled Eggshells Find New Life as Healthy Paint
Building and Architecture Interior DesignPublished October 27, 2011 at 8:02 pm No Comments
There are more paint products on the market than ever before, and many paint manufacturers are starting to offer healthier paints with fewer harmful chemicals. Still, there are only a handful of companies that offer paint that is truly zero-VOC (volatile organic compounds) and healthy to use during and after application. There is one paint brand that is zero-VOC, made from real eggshells and actually makes the air healthier once used. The brand name is ECOtrend. ECOtrend paint is the first natural paint to be certified for children and schools by GREENGUARD®, a non-profit organization that establishes acceptable air standards for indoor products, environments and buildings. It has also received the highest LEED interior paint rating.
How do they make paint from eggshells?
ECOtrend is a collagen-based paint, which is one of the reasons it is so healthy to use and live with. The company has come up with an innovative way to make healthy paint that seems to come straight out of a science fiction movie. The collagen is extracted from eggshells sourced from food processing centers after the yolks and whites have been used. The eggshells are normally sent to landfills, but have found a new purpose through this inspired recycling effort. This process enables them to provide a binding agent for ECOtrend’s paints. At ECOtrend’s facilities, eggshells are cleaned, dried and ground into a fine powder that is then placed in a centrifuge machine where the eggshell particles are separated from the eggshell membrane, which contains the collagen.
Why is ECOtrend paint better for inside air quality?
Most traditional paints are formulated from a cocktail of chemicals that are harmful to breathe in, and even release fumes and harmful compounds into the air after they’ve been applied to a surface. ECOtrend’s collagen base allows the paint to work as well (and in some cases even better than) traditional paints despite the fact that it contains no:
- Formaldehyde
- Fungicides, mildewcides or biocides
- Organic solvents, environmental hormones or heavy metals
- Volatile organic compounds
- Preservatives
In fact, in addition to not containing any of the above harmful ingredients, ECOtrend paint has added minerals that actually add negative ions to the air, making it healthier to breathe!
Does a collagen-based paint match traditional paints in quality?
Since ECOtrend paints are made using recycled eggshells, it is natural to wonder if the paint will hold up compared to traditional paints. Many people are surprised to find that in addition to actually improving indoor air quality, ECOtrend paints perform as well as traditional paints. The secret is again in those eggshells, which have a high binding energy that help the paint adhere to surfaces, while also being highly durable, washable and fast drying. ECOtrend paints have a two-hour drying time, with paint being dry to the touch after only thirty minutes, making application of the paint easy and quick. The paint also has powdered silver and aluminum oxide added, which provide natural resistance to mold and mildew. This feature classifies the paint as anti-bacterial and is highly recommended for use in damp places such as bathrooms and basements. Another benefit of ECOtrend is that it won’t be hard to find the perfect color for any room in your house, since ECOtrend comes in 120 stock colors, with available custom color mixing.
ECOtrend paint is the only paint that can truly call itself an “eggshell” finish. (Available ECOtrend finishes do include flat, eggshell, and semi gloss.) It is also the only paint that creates healthier air once it is applied. Your walls and your lungs will thank you.
