What makes a paint environmentally friendly?

All water-based paint contains V.O.C’s (Volatile Organic Compounds). These compounds are found in many products. They give off a vapour that has a nasty smell and can be harmful to our breathing, our eyes, cause nausea, headaches and in severe cases liver and kidney problems. According to the European standards, an environmentally friendly paint should contain less than 0.3g per litre V.O.C’s. Harlequin Paints is one of a few companies in South Africa who conform to these standards in their paint range and certain products in their varnish range.

Why bother?

• With Harlequin Paints you can be sure of no risk to your health when applying paint in your home, office or child’s room. Even hospitals are ideal places to use Harlequin Paints.
• You can move back into your room the same day as there are no smelly gasses to irritate or affect your health.
• At no extra cost you can have a quality paint to protect your surfaces and do your bit for the environment.
• It is a generally unknown fact that water based paints contain solvents. Most solvents contain 100% V.O.C.’s. Be aware of paint brands that say “low odour”. These paints may still contain a high level of V.O.C’s. The manufacturers have selected V.O.C’s that do not have a noticeable scent, yet are still hazardous.
• So, if you care about your family, and you care about the environment you live in, you now have a choice. Use it wisely.

Carbon Neutral

In 2008 we were assessed independently on our carbon emissions. Although our emissions were already fairly low we addressed a couple of areas that needed attention and reduced our emissions as much as we could. The balance we are off setting through food and trees for Africa .
This scheme plants trees in under developed areas on our behalf. These trees now balance out our remaining emissions.

We are proud to say we are the first carbon neutral paint factory in South Africa.

Click here to read the exciting announcement in Food & Trees for Africa's August 2010 Newsletter.

Recycle

At Harlequin Paints we recycle all our used paint cans and buckets. All our daily refuse is sorted accordingly into paper , plastic , tin and glass. We buy recycled paper for the office where possible and when used it is shredded and used for packaging.
Our factory is full of windows and so we only turn our lights on when absolutely necessary.
Any over runs of paint are given to local charities once a year.

We will continue to find ways to reduce our impact on the planet.

HARLEQUIN PAINTS,
Not just your average paint company