Product of the month: Resene plant-based paints

The shift toward renewable materials 

The world of eco-friendly paints can be daunting, with terms like ‘low-VOC’,‘bio-based’,‘renewable’ and ‘plant-based’ often leading to confusion. Resene simplifies this by offering products that meet Eco Choice Aotearoa standards, providing a clear guarantee that the paint has undergone independent verification for sustainability. This certification ensures that the paints you specify are genuinely eco-friendly. 

The plant-based range, particularly those using hybrid waterborne alkyds, marks the next step in the evolution of eco-friendly paint technologies. 

The latest breakthrough 

Hybrid waterborne alkyds are leading the wayfor plant-based paints.  

“Hybrid waterborne alkyds, made with plant oils like linseed and castor, can contain 60% to 95% renewable content, depending on the required properties,” says Greg Percival, a senior chemist on the Resene Technical Team. “Research is ongoing to improve their performance, aiming to match or outperform traditional fossil-based polymers. As production volumes grow, costs will decrease, offering benefits like improved air quality and sustainable farming opportunities.” 

Resene’s range of hybrid waterborne alkyd paints includes popular products such as Resene Room Velvet (low sheen), Resene Waterborne Lusta-Glo (semi-gloss) and Resene Woodsman Decking Oil Stain, as well as the newly launched Resene Waterborne Super Gloss. Choosing a plant-based paintreduces the reliance on fossil hydrocarbons by replacing it with renewable, organic materials, thus supporting a more sustainable, closed-loop system. 

Sustainability without compromise 

Choosing plant-based paints isn’tjust about environmental impact – it’s also about quality and performance. These plant-based paints are designed to be as durable and long-lasting as their conventional counterparts, ensuring that your projects will stand the test of time. 

As a starting guide, here’s a selection to help you choose Resene plant-based paints for your next project: 

Interior wall paint and ceilings:Resene Room Velvet low sheen hybrid waterborne alkyd 

Door, trim and joinery paint:Resene Waterborne Lusta-Glo semi-gloss hybrid waterborne alkyd, and Resene Waterborne Super Gloss full gloss hybrid waterborne alkyd  

Decking:Resene Woodsman Decking Oil Stain hybrid waterborne alkyd 

Resene Room Velvet and Resene WaterborneLusta-Glo provide a smooth, durable finish with reduced yellowing over time – issues often associated with traditional solventborne enamels. Their low-VOC formulations also improve indoor air quality, making them an ideal choice for both residential and commercial spaces. For those applying the paint, the longer open time of Resene plant-based paints compared to a waterborne enamel, means more time to get a sleek, smooth finish. 

“Compared with normal solvented alkyd-based paints, hybrids offer advantages, including less yellowing, better durability characteristics and faster drying,” says Mike Clowes, Resene Group Technical Manager. “The alkyd component ensures excellent application and flow, just like its solvented counterpart.” 

Meeting client demands for vegan-friendly options