Paint is an important but often overlooked source of microplastic pollution. A 2022 global assessment by EA – Environmental Action estimated that paint-related plastic leakage into oceans and waterways could reach 1.9 million tonnes per year. That is a modelled estimate from one study—not a universal measured total—but later European Commission analysis also identifies paint as a significant source of microplastic releases.
Why does paint contain plastic?
Modern paints often use synthetic polymers as binders. These binders help the coating adhere, form a durable film and protect the painted surface. The European Commission reports that paints are, on average, 37% plastic-polymer-based.
Paint performs valuable protective and decorative functions. The environmental issue arises when polymer-containing paint material is released during application, wear, maintenance, removal or end-of-life handling.
How much paint-related plastic reaches the environment?
The EA report Plastic Paints the Environment used 2019 as its baseline and modelled paint’s global contribution to plastic leakage. It estimated total paint-related plastic leakage at 5.2–9.8 million tonnes per year, with a central estimate of 7.4 million tonnes. Within that model, approximately 1.9 million tonnes per year were estimated to enter oceans and waterways.
On this basis, the report described paint as potentially the largest source of microplastic leakage into oceans and waterways. This conclusion should be presented as the result of that assessment, rather than as an undisputed measurement of all global releases.
At EU level, a 2023 European Commission impact assessment estimated releases from paints at 231,000–863,000 tonnes in 2019. The Commission also highlighted uncertainties and data gaps and called for further analysis of release patterns and suitable interventions.
Where do paint microplastics come from?
Paint-related releases can occur across several very different activities:
- weathering and wear of painted buildings, infrastructure, ships and vehicles;
- road-marking abrasion;
- sanding, blasting and other surface-preparation or maintenance work;
- overspray, spills and poor handling during application;
- cleaning painting tools and disposing of paint-contaminated wash water.
These sources should not be conflated. The global estimates cover many paint sectors and release pathways. Brush washing represents only one specific, preventable part of the wider issue.
What can professional painters do?
Good paint management starts before washing. Use as much paint as possible on the intended surface, remove excess paint from tools in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and avoid sending paint-contaminated water directly into a sink, sewer or storm drain. Follow the paint label, safety data sheet and local waste-handling requirements.
For more detail, read our guidance on washing paint brushes in the sink.
What part of the problem does Lavabrush address?
Lavabrush is a professional paint brush cleaner for brushes used with water-based paint. It keeps brush-washing water contained in the unit instead of sending it directly down an open drain.
In Lavabrush comparative testing, one 1.5-litre fill cleans 7–15 brushes, each in around 30 seconds. Compared with cleaning a brush under a running tap using 15–30 litres per brush, this represents up to 99% less water under the tested comparison. Results can vary with brush size, paint load, tap flow and cleaning technique.
Lavabrush does not prevent every form of paint-related microplastic release. Its role is specific: reducing water use during brush cleaning and giving the user control over paint-contaminated wash water so it can be handled according to applicable instructions and local rules.
See the operating instructions and professional paint brush cleaning FAQ for practical guidance.
Sources and further reading
- EA – Environmental Action: Plastic Paints the Environment (2022)
- European Commission: impact assessment on unintentional microplastic releases (2023)
- Lavabrush water-use, capacity and cleaning-time figures are supported by Lavabrush controlled performance testing.