In line with our motto, ‘Consistently unconventional’, we do not produce anything that cannot be made using natural and renewable raw materials. Some of our mineral pigments are an exception to this rule. Although these are produced from natural rocks, they do not occur in nature in this form. We use them nonetheless because, unlike organic pigments, they are completely lightfast and are not produced using petrochemicals. Fortunately, however, much can be achieved by drawing on traditional recipes and experimenting with new ideas. As a result, our products are free from preservatives, synthetic solvents, plastic binders and softeners. In our wall paints and plasters, we also avoid the use of titanium white.
We are part of the In.Ve.Na. full declaration initiative. All the ingredients in our products are listed by their proper names on our packaging and in our product information. This enables people with allergies and MCS, in particular, to assess in advance whether a product is suitable for them. In doing so, we go beyond the legal requirements and provide our customers with the greatest possible transparency.
Our wall paints and plasters are always open to diffusion. This helps to ensure that the moisture-regulating properties of the respective substrates in rooms and buildings are preserved and not compromised. ‘Modern’ building materials and plastic-based paints can virtually seal surfaces, causing humidity to build up and mould to form. As we develop our paints based on traditional recipes, the building substance is able to absorb and release moisture. In this way, our products help to create a pleasant and balanced indoor climate.
We do not use water in most of our wall paints and plasters. This means that we and our customers not only save on transport costs, but also reduce plastic packaging and eliminate the need for preservatives. Our customers can easily add the required water at home, as our paints are simple to mix themselves. Furthermore, we develop and manufacture our products exclusively at our factory in Sehlem, Lower Saxony. This means that everything comes from a single source and is subject to our own quality control.
‘Swallow droppings on the packaging are no cause for complaint.’ That’s what we write on our delivery notes every summer. On the contrary – for us, it’s a cause for celebration! Our warehouses and production facilities provide a welcome nesting place for swallows. Our wildflower meadow is also teeming with insects, particularly bees. This is our way of saying thank you to nature.
Every year we receive visits from the 5th grade of the cooperative school in Gronau. Then the students learn how to paint, glaze and renovate and how paint is produced at all (Video). In addition, we support their art lessons by printing a comic booklet. Many school classes from all over Germany have visited us over the years for workshops on the topic of “Renovating for themselves” and visited our workshops.We heat our buildings using a wood chip heating system and use green electricity.