Smarter Surfaces believe that a comprehensive approach should be taken towards sustainability. We aim to manufacture products that are more sustainable, safer for the user and better for the environment. We achieve this in a number of areas.
Modern Materials
Over the years we have constantly innovated and evolved our products with environmental performance a core criteria. We do not produce products using isocyanates, which are highly volatile and only suitable for professional use. In 2013 we developed a safer formula, removing the need for isocyanates. The removal of these hazardous materials means our customers can apply our paints without the risk of respiratory issues.
Low VOCs
All of our paint products contain very low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are solvents that get released into the air as the paint dries. They are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids and include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short and long term adverse health effects. We’ve worked to reduce our paints’ VOCs down to only one tenth of European limits. This means our paints are 90% below EU standards. You can view our VOC certificates here.
Water Based
We formulate using responsibly sourced water based raw materials. This focus has resulted in virtually all our products being water based.
Our range of whiteboard paints are formulated using ultra high solids resins. This has resulted in VOC levels lower than those found in most DIY paints.
Isocyanate Free
Our products are completely isocyanate free. This is a hazardous material used in some DIY whiteboard paints and industrial coatings. Exposure to its vapour can cause long term health issues.
Packaging
We work hard to ensure our packaging is as sustainable as possible. Smarter Surfaces’ packaging now uses 80% recycled paper, sustainably sourced.
Creating Products That Last
Designing for longevity means focusing on using quality components and ingredients. Over the past few years we have developed and adapted older products further. We consistently update formulas to deliver products that will last longer and use more sustainable raw materials.
Our products are also used to give old, worn out blackboards and whiteboards a new lease of life. Paint or adhesive products can be used to refurbish products that would otherwise be thrown out.
Supply Chain Responsibility
We want to grow with our suppliers and customers so building productive and long-term relationships is essential to the growth and success of our business. We work hard to maintain our network of partners to maintain a sustainable supply chain.
- No Isocyanates
- Water Based
- Recycled Packaging
- Ultra Low VOC
- Ultra Low Odour
To contact Smarter Surfaces™, please email support@smartersurfaces.co.uk
Why Whiteboard Paint reduces Waste
Whiteboard paint is often used as a way to turn a regular wall or surface into a writable and erasable whiteboard. While it may not directly reduce waste in the traditional sense of waste reduction, there are a few ways in which whiteboard paint can contribute to a reduction in waste:
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Paper Reduction: One of the primary benefits of using whiteboard paint is that it eliminates the need for using paper for writing or drawing. Traditional whiteboards or chalkboards require markers, chalk, and erasers, which generate waste over time. With whiteboard paint, you can write and erase directly on the painted surface, reducing the consumption of paper and associated waste.
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Longevity: Whiteboard paint creates a durable and long-lasting writable surface. Traditional paper-based materials or temporary writing surfaces may need to be replaced frequently, contributing to waste. Whiteboard paint, when properly applied and maintained, can last for a long time, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
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Versatility: Whiteboard paint allows you to transform a variety of surfaces into writable spaces, such as walls, tables, doors, and more. This versatility means that existing structures and surfaces can be repurposed for communication and brainstorming, rather than requiring additional materials to be produced.
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Reduced Consumable Usage: Traditional whiteboards often require markers and erasers that need to be replaced as they run out or wear down. Whiteboard paint reduces the need for such consumables, leading to less frequent purchases and waste generated from these products.
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Flexibility and Collaboration: With whiteboard paint, collaborative work and brainstorming can take place directly on the painted surface. This can lead to more efficient and effective communication, potentially reducing the need for excessive printed materials or wasteful communication practices.
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Customization: Whiteboard paint allows you to create customized writable areas in various sizes and shapes, tailored to your needs. This reduces the need for standardized, pre-made whiteboards that might not perfectly fit the available space.
While whiteboard paint itself requires materials for its application, such as paint, rollers, and brushes, the potential reduction in paper waste, consumable usage, and the increased lifespan of the writable surface can contribute to an overall reduction in waste over time. However, it's important to consider the environmental impact of the production, application, and eventual disposal of the paint materials themselves. Proper maintenance and responsible disposal practices should be taken into account to ensure that the potential waste reduction benefits are maximized.
Why Magnetic Paint reduces Waste
Magnetic paint, also known as magnetic primer or magnetic receptive paint, is a type of paint that contains iron particles, allowing magnets to stick to the painted surface. While magnetic paint itself may not directly reduce waste, there are several ways in which it can contribute to waste reduction in certain contexts:
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Elimination of Hanging Hardware: Magnetic paint provides an alternative way to hang items on walls without the need for nails, screws, or other hardware. This can reduce the waste generated from packaging materials and hardware components, as well as minimize the damage to walls caused by traditional hanging methods.
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Reduced Need for Frames: With magnetic paint, artwork, posters, and other flat items can be easily displayed on the wall using magnets. This eliminates the need for frames, which can be resource-intensive to produce and may generate waste over time as frames become worn or outdated.
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Reusable Displays: Magnetic paint allows for flexible and reusable displays. Items can be easily moved and rearranged on the magnetic surface without causing damage or generating waste. This is particularly beneficial in environments where displays change frequently, such as classrooms, offices, or retail spaces.
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Minimized Tape and Adhesives: In spaces like offices, classrooms, or homes, magnetic paint can be used to attach notes, schedules, and other informational materials using magnets instead of adhesive tape. This reduces the consumption of tape and adhesive materials, which can contribute to waste when removed.
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Creative and Interactive Spaces: Magnetic paint can encourage creative and interactive use of spaces. Users can attach, arrange, and organize materials in innovative ways, reducing the need for disposable materials used in traditional presentation methods.
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Versatility: Magnetic paint can be applied to a variety of surfaces, turning them into magnetic receptive spaces. This versatility means that existing surfaces and structures can be repurposed for display and organization, potentially reducing the need for additional display units or storage solutions.
It's important to note that the production and disposal of magnetic paint itself may have environmental impacts. Additionally, while magnetic paint can reduce waste in certain contexts, its effectiveness in waste reduction depends on how it is used and whether it replaces wasteful practices with more sustainable ones. Careful consideration of the environmental aspects, proper application, and maintenance practices are essential to maximizing the waste reduction potential of magnetic paint.
Why Whiteboard Wallpaper Reduces Waste
Whiteboard wallpaper, also known as dry-erase wallpaper or whiteboard wall covering, is a type of wall covering that can transform a regular wall into a writable and erasable whiteboard surface. While whiteboard wallpaper itself requires materials for production and installation, it can contribute to waste reduction in several ways:
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Paper Reduction: Whiteboard wallpaper eliminates the need for using paper for writing, drawing, and note-taking. Traditional paper-based methods can result in the consumption of a significant amount of paper, contributing to waste. By using whiteboard wallpaper, you can write, erase, and reuse the surface without the need for disposable paper.
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Longevity: Whiteboard wallpaper is designed to be durable and long-lasting. Unlike traditional paper notes or disposable surfaces, whiteboard wallpaper can withstand repeated use and erasure, reducing the need for constant replacement and the waste generated from discarded paper.
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Reusable Surface: The erasable nature of whiteboard wallpaper means that the same surface can be used repeatedly for various purposes. This reusability reduces the need to continually produce and dispose of paper materials used for temporary writing or displays.
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Flexible and Customizable: Whiteboard wallpaper can be cut and customized to fit specific areas, accommodating different sizes and shapes. This flexibility allows for the creation of personalized writing and display spaces, reducing the need for standardized paper-based materials.
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Collaboration and Communication: Whiteboard wallpaper provides a versatile platform for collaborative work, brainstorming sessions, and presentations. By using the wallpaper surface for group discussions and visual aids, you can reduce the need for printed materials, handouts, and other disposable communication tools.
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Versatility: Whiteboard wallpaper can be applied to various surfaces, including walls, tables, doors, and more. This versatility allows for the repurposing of existing structures and surfaces, minimizing the need for additional materials to be produced.
While the installation of whiteboard wallpaper requires adhesive and other materials, the potential reduction in paper waste, increased surface lifespan, and the elimination of disposable communication tools can contribute to an overall reduction in waste over time. As with any product, it's important to consider the environmental impact of production, installation, and eventual disposal. Responsible usage, maintenance, and proper disposal practices can further enhance the waste reduction benefits of whiteboard wallpaper.