A Positive Mark

Sustainability & social responsibility

We believe in the power of creative expression to create a better world where artists and communities can thrive. A world that gives back more than it takes. That generates social and environmental value.

 
Change can be a challenge, but we’re taking immediate steps in three areas. We're empowering our communities. Innovating our products and packaging. Creating better business practices. By working collectively we can continue to create the highest quality acrylic materials and put a positive mark on our future.

EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES

We're working with all our communities - artists, staff, local communities - to help to make a more positive world. Prioritizing safe spaces for artistic creativity, we want everyone, everywhere to be able to express themselves with confidence and freedom. 

 

SUPPORTING EMERGING ARTISTS 

We make opportunities for creators. Our residency programs give artists studio space, materials, time and mentorship to help them progress, backed up by marketing to promote their work and grow their audience.

PROMOTING INCLUSIVITY

Inclusivity is at the heart of our culture. From our progressive policies, to annual team diversity, equality and inclusion workshops, to the people we choose to work with, we strive to lift every voice equally. 

POSITIVE PARTNERSHIPS 

We raise up and support global groups that serve the wider community. Partnerships, including the Fire Island Residency, BLM and Sing for Hope, help each to amplify the positive power of art in the world.

INNOVATING PRODUCTS & PACKAGING

From packaging to product composition, we’re committed to sustainable alternatives that retain the same high quality and performance. We work towards a world when we leave nothing but our handprints behind. 

 

SAFETY FIRST

All Liquitex products - from gesso and color, to varnish - are certified with the Art and Creative Materials Institute, Inc. in an effort to keep all users as safe as possible.

ETHICAL MATERIALS

Origins matter. From canvas frames and brush handles, 80% of our wood and paper products are now Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified. 20% to go.

SUBSTANCES OF CONCERN

We have removed 28 substances of very high concern (SVHC) from our products since 2017, voluntarily and ahead of legal deadlines, as part of our parent company, Colart.

PLASTIC USE

Minimizing plastics in our packaging is a priority. We're working to remove plastic vacforms from our sets and our Liquitex Basics 60 × 22ml set has been certified for Amazon Tier 1 Frustration-Free Packaging.

SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION

We are committed to sustainable innovation that retains quality and performance. The first in our SUSTAIN range is Recycled Canvas made from 100% recycled plastic bottles and fastened to FSC-certified wood.

ALTERNATIVE CHOICES

Innovation brings choice. We spent three years developing our cadmium-free colors, giving true alternatives to those made with cadmium - a heavy metal pigment with health concerns in some areas.

CREATING BETTER BUSINESS PRACTICES

We’re making changes to every part of our organization. From our sourcing of raw materials, to manufacturing processes, we aim to safeguard human rights and create a positive impact throughout our supply chain. 

 

ACCOUNTABILITY

It's all about transparency. As a member of Sedex (Supplier Ethical Data Exchange), we and our parent company Colart, share emissions and sustainability data with our business counterparts. Working transparently and collectively helps everyone.

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

Our two main factories, in France and China, have been awarded the ISO 14001 Environmental management and ISO 9001 Quality management systems certifications, demonstrating that they meet the highest standards of environmental performance.

SUPPLY CHAIN EVALUATION 

We look at the end to end journey. From sourcing raw materials, to transportation and waste management, we work with suppliers and distributors every step to learn, evaluate and improve in our efforts to minimize our environmental impact.

CARBON FOOTPRINT

We've been reducing our total net CO2 emissions since 2019 and aim to be fully carbon neutral by 2030. As members of the European Council of the Paint, Printing Ink and Artists’ Colours Industry, we evaluate the full lifecycle of our products.

WASTE REDUCTION

We are committed to recycling 50% of our total waste and reducing 50% of all hazardous waste by 2025 with our parent company. To ensure this carries through at every level, we educate artists with upcycling and disposal tips.

TREATING EVERYONE WELL

It starts at home. We help our teams shape a healthy work–life balance by creating a positive culture. Flexi hours, enhanced sick pay and hybrid working, alongside activities to promote health and a sense of belonging, arranged by our wellbeing ambassadors.