pastel floral wallpaper

Wallpaper has long been a favourite choice for those wanting to add personality and character to their homes. It’s more than just a decorative layer; it’s a reflection of style. But as the world leans towards sustainability, there’s an increasing demand for eco-friendly options in interior design, including wallpaper.

How does traditional wallpaper stack up against its sustainable counterpart? Let’s explore.

Belle Impressions offers self-adhesive wallpapers that are easy to use and free from PVC. These wallpapers use a water-based chemical-free printing technology for colour consistency and scratch resistance, and are free from solvent inks.

Materials Used in Traditional Wallpaper

Traditional wallpaper is usually made from materials like vinyl and paper. Vinyl is praised for its durability and moisture resistance, making it ideal for areas like kitchens and bathrooms. However, its production relies heavily on PVC, which isn’t biodegradable and can release harmful chemicals over time.

Paper-based wallpaper, though more eco-friendly than vinyl, often involves heavy use of dyes and adhesives that aren’t necessarily good for the planet. Both options bring their advantages but come with significant environmental drawbacks.

Manufacturing traditional wallpaper involves various processes, such as printing intricate designs and applying protective coatings. The inks and coatings used are often chemical-laden, potentially releasing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air.

Moreover, the production process itself is energy intensive, requiring large amounts of water and electricity. If disposed of improperly, these wallpapers can linger in landfills for years.

Exploring Sustainable Wallpaper

made of Sundays wallpaper

Sustainable wallpaper often uses materials like recycled paper, natural fibres such as grasscloth or bamboo, and non-toxic inks. These materials are not only kinder to the environment but also emit fewer harmful pollutants. Recycled paper helps reduce deforestation, while natural fibres are biodegradable, leading to less waste.

When it comes to manufacturing, sustainable wallpaper prioritises minimal environmental impact. Water-based adhesives replace solvent-heavy ones, reducing the emission of VOCs. Energy-efficient processes, along with smaller carbon footprints, make these production methods a win for the planet.

Made of Sundays is a Finnish company that offers plastic-free wallpaper, sold on Etsy in a wide range of colours and designs. With fast shipping and a happiness guarantee, this wallpaper uses thick peel-and-stick non-woven paper, so is as easy to use, as it is kind to the planet

A portion of sales are also donated to organisations that are planting yet more trees in Finland which due to high forestry, has the cleanest air in the world.

Costs: Sustainable vs Traditional Wallpaper

At first glance, sustainable wallpaper might be pricier than traditional options. The eco-friendly materials and production processes contribute to higher upfront costs. However, as demand rises and production scales, these costs could decrease over time.

While you might pay more initially, sustainable wallpaper often offers greater long-term value. Its durability means fewer replacements and repairs, saving money in the long run. Additionally, its positive impact on indoor air quality can contribute to a healthier home, potentially reducing healthcare costs.

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