COAT Paints
COAT Paints, the UK's first Climate Positive paint company, is revolutionizing the traditional paint industry through its innovative approach to sustainable manufacturing and distribution.
Founded in 2020 by Rob Abrahams and Rob Green, COAT emerged from a six-month intensive analysis of the paint industry's shortcomings. The company's inception was driven by Rob Green's experience at one of the world's largest paint manufacturers, where he witnessed firsthand the inefficiencies of mass production and wasteful distribution models.
"Traditional paint companies produce pre-colored paint in large quantities for DIY stores, creating significant potential for waste," explains Green. "The industry generates approximately 55 million litres of waste paint annually in the UK alone.”
Breaking away from conventional industry practices, COAT operates on a made-to-order basis, eliminating overproduction and waste at the source. Each tin is mixed fresh to order, complete with a personalized label indicating the production date and maker.
The company's sustainability credentials are substantiated by its B Corp certification. Its environmental strategy is built on five key principles: zero-waste production, light footprint operations, conscious product development, hyper-local focus, and regenerative business practices.
COAT's product innovation extends to their testing system. Their Peel & Stick samples represent a significant advancement in color testing, using 95% less waste than traditional tester pots. These samples are made with 100% real COAT paint, ensuring color accuracy unlike screen-printed alternatives.
COAT Paints offers six distinct finishes, each engineered for specific applications. The company's signature Flat Matt paint delivers a chalky finish for walls and ceilings, combining premium aesthetics with practical durability. Their Eggshell variant, developed for woodwork and trim, provides enhanced resilience against daily wear, while the Soft Sheen finish addresses the specific demands of high-moisture environments like kitchens and bathrooms.
The brand's exterior range maintains the qualities of their interior Eggshell while incorporating weather-resistant properties. In 2024, COAT expanded their collection with Flat Matt Claypaint, their most environmentally conscious offering to date. This breathable formula, crafted from natural minerals, caters specifically to period properties. Completing the range is their Floor Paint, an eggshell finish that combines deep pigmentation with exceptional durability and low VOC content.
The COAT x House Nine collection showcases nine thoughtfully curated shades for creating timeless interiors. From nature-inspired neutrals and dusky greens to playful yet grounding colors, this collaboration reflects House Nine and COAT’s shared appreciation for nature while embracing innovative, sustainable design.
The same year saw the launch of "The Polite Palette," a carefully curated collection that challenges conventional color trends. Rather than following the industry's typical "Colour of the Year" approach, these shades are designed to act as sophisticated backdrops, reflecting COAT's philosophy of paint as an understated element in contemporary living spaces.
The company's influence extends beyond its own operations. The company operates on a regenerative business model, aiming to give back more to the environment than it takes. This approach combines zero-waste production with a closed-loop recycling system. "Our goal isn't just to minimize environmental impact – it's to actively contribute to positive change," says Abrahams. "We've seen major industry players begin to follow our lead, which validates our approach to sustainable manufacturing." The company's success – serving over 20,000 customers monthly – demonstrates growing consumer demand for environmentally conscious home improvement products. With 81% of customers now requiring validated sustainability credentials from their suppliers, COAT's transparent and sustainable approach appears well-positioned for continued growth.
A distinct six-colour paint palette, designed and used by Stacey Dooley, that perfectly captures her unique style and appreciation for home design.
Photography by Joey Kendall Brown (COAT x House Nine Design Collaboration) | Photographs courtesy of COAT Paints
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