Eco wallpaperWhy buy eco wallpaper? This article looks at the environmental and health problems associated with conventional wallpaper - going on to explore eco friendly, non toxic and healthy wallpaper for your home.
Conventional wallpaperConventional wallpaper choices that you buy in your local DIY store contain chemicals and synthetic substances. The majority are printed with toxic inks and typically give off strong odours - this is a sign of off gassing hazardous VOCs. These invisible emissions cause indoor air pollution and are considered a risk to your health in your own home. Again as with all environmental claims on labels that say they are organic, natural and eco, be careful of greenwashed products that are not what they appear.
Eco friendly wallpaper - the alternativesNatural glass clothsA good eco wallpaper alternative. Typically grown overseas and handmade, grasscloth wallpaper is made from woven natural grasses. The appearance is warm with a textured weave ranging from fine to chunky. This type of textured wallpaper is suitable for covering walls that have imperfections as the textured surface covers most minor defects. Avoid areas with high levels of moisture. This type of wallpaper is difficult to clean as it is not washable, dust can be removed with a hoover or a dusting brush. Avoid synthetic imitation glass cloth wallpaper which is made with plastic. The amount of embodied energy created through transportation and distribution of these materials must be considered. Natural glass cloths are sustainable and renewable resources which are harvested either biyearly or yearly and typically backed with recycled paper. The following paragraphs look at each type of glass cloth.
Bamboo and arrowroot wallpaper - A combination of natural materials originating in China.
Bamboo and seagrass wallpaper - A combination of natural materials for a textured wallpaper effect.
Jute wallpaper - Available in a fine weave with the appearance of soft silk and a limited number of natural tones.
Seagrass wallpaper - A rugged textured natural weave.
Sisal wallpaper - This natural material is available in a very fine weave with a variety of colourways and designs. The effect is a silk like wallpaper.
Hemp wallpaper - Hemp is a good alternative to conventional wallpaper as the plant is abundant and is easy to grow without chemical pesticides and fertilisers.
Other eco alternative types of wallpaperAs with grass cloth wallpaper, manufacturing processes, location of raw materials and transportation will add significantly to the amount of embodied energy. It is better to source wallpaper which is made from materials that are sourced locally as well as being manufactured locally.
Sustainable wallpaper - Wood based wallpaper sourced from timber forests that have been sustainably managed e.g. Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified.
Vinyl / PVC free wallpaper - Wallpaper which does not contain synthetic vinyl / PVC. These types of wallpaper do not create toxic offgassing into your home.
Chlorine free wallpaper - Wallpaper which has not been treated with chlorine chemicals.
Glass fibre wallpaper - Fibres have a diameter more than 5 micrometres are non irritant to the respiratory system. Fibres are only released during manufacture and trimming, which can cause some people a temporary minor skin irritation. Manufacture, transportation and distribution create higher embodied energy levels than with other types of wallpaper. Chemicals can be used during the manufacturing process.
Barkskin wallpaper - A handmade textured wallpaper made from organic bark material. Gives the appearance of leather, parchment or stone.
Silk screened cotton wallpaper – Silk screen printing on cotton backing with water based, non-toxic inks and water based glazes.
Environmentally friendly wallpaper - Some manufacturers have an environmental policy in place during the manufacturing process which focuses on lower levels of embodied energy including energy, waste, recycling, packaging and distribution.
Wallpaper adhesiveConventional wallpaper hanging pastes may contain polymers, chemicals and oils. For eco friendly alternatives source: fungicide free wallpaper paste, water based wallpaper paste, water soluble wallpaper paste or solvent free wallpaper paste.
If you have enjoyed reading my eco wallpaper article, read on to discover part 1 of my 'eco paint' guide. For more details on each material featured on my eco wallpaper page please read the articles in the eco materials section. If you need help sourcing eco wallpaper please send an enquiry through my material and product 'sourcing and selection' contact form.
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The manufacturing process creates high levels of emissions, ink waste and uses a large amount of chemicals and toxic solvents. These all have a negative effect on the environment by increasing the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere and by polluting water and land. The health of manufacturing operatives is also at risk as they work within this process. 
Arrowroot wallpaper -A plant that is grown in Caribbean and Asian regions, produced with a fine weave. 
