Although most people paint their walls these days, millions of people still use wallpaper. Use a good quality ladder that is safe and stable. You are not likely going to find wallpaper made from 100% post-consumer recycled waste as yet, but there are still much better options available, if you are replacing or adding wallpaper to your home, office, restaurant or hotel. If you are painting skirting boards and ceilings, see the best brands of natural house paint.
Non-Toxic Wallpaper Strippers
Conventional paint strippers often contain solvents that have health and planetary hazards, some may even trigger heart attacks, due to methylyne chloride metabolising to carbon monoxide in the bloodstream. For suspected asbestos, contact your council for recommended expert removal.
- SimpleStrip is a blend of biodegradable detergents and enzymes that can be used up to 50 times.
- Eco Solutions sells nontoxic stripper and wall preppers.
- Home Strip uses science over solvents to remove paint and varnish. Just paint on, leave to work and remove with a scraper or wire wool. It also makes toxic Artex remover.
Non-Toxic Wallpaper Paste
Earthborn Wallpaper Paste is made with methyl cellulose of various fibre lengths, and guaranteed free from fungicides, preserguncid (also works with fabric wall coverings).
Good Brands of Non-toxic Wallpaper
Conventional wallpaper is covered in toxic glues, and cannot be recycled. Choose brands made from sustainable FSC-certified paper, that use water-based inks. Read how to measure walls and how to hang wallpaper.
Bobbi Beck is a design and print studio that produces premium wallpapers, all certified from FSC-certified origins (so no rainforests are destroyed), and sold in plastic-free packaging. Almond Blossom is based on Van Gogh’s painting, to bring a contemporary feel to a room, while adding an element of culture and elegance. Each roll is crafted and packed by hand in Cornwall, in a setting run on renewable energy. The wallpapers are wipe-clean with excellent durability. The paper is 50% wider than industry standard, allowing for better designs and easier installation. Decorators can apply for a trade account.
Vibrant Tropical has a leafy pattern with a naive illustration style, to look both retro and contemporary, at the same time.
Subtle Textured is a neutral and versatile design, with a brushed effect. Add a touch of luxury to any room.
Ethed floral has elaborate design with wildflowers
Abstract botanical is a floral design with a twist
Children’s starry wallpaper adds charm, without overpowering
Wallpaper Made from Flax Plants
Veruso Lino is the world’s first compostable wallpaper. In neutral colours, it features partly visible plant fibres for a delicate structure). It’s made from flax (linen) grown in northern France, combined with sustainably-sourced wood-based viscose to help it adhere to the wall. Designed to insulate against sound and trap heat, it’s not suitable for wet rooms or basements (and complies with European fire safety standards so is suitable for public premises, offices and hotels). It can be removed in a dry state or by soaking with a damp sponge, then it can be composted (as long as you use their organic cellulose wallpaper paste). They recommend tearing the wallpaper into smaller pieces, where it will break down in 6 to 12 months.
Alternative to PVC for Wallpapers
Ecodeco is a new eco material used by non-toxic wallpaper brands that replaces traditional PVC (polyvinyl chlorine) with a polymer compound without harmful components. Free from odour, it also has no liquid to evaporate into the surrounding area, hence no fumes (responsible for the smell from hanging new wallpaper). It’s also free of plasticizers (which can be absorbed by the skin and enter the body, simply from touching conventional wallpaper). It looks and costs the same as major brands, and is easily recycled after use.
