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Sherwin Talks up Color, Green Initiatives

Thursday, March 5, 2009

The Sherwin-Williams Company says its recently unveiled “EcoVision” initiative embraces the development of sustainable processes, products, and initiatives that help preserve natural resources, protect the environment, and contribute to social improvement.

The EcoVision initiative and the company’s colormix ’09 color-trend forecast, along with a number of product enhancements, were given top billing by the company during the recent PACE 2009 (Paint and Coatings Expo) in New Orleans.

Company representatives said the EcoVision initiative spans a range of measures, including actions to reduce waste and conserve energy in its manufacturing facilities; minimizing fuel consumption on distribution routes; implementing recycling programs at its facilities; and pursuing the use of sustainable raw materials in some of its paint formulations. The company said it is also partnering with the U.S. EPA in its SmartWay® and ClimateLeaders® programs.

The company also said many of its coatings products carry the company’s GreenSure® designation, as well as third-party certification, indicating reduced environmental impact. Four products currently carry the company’s GreenSure mark for a “green” profile and strong performance properties: Duration Home™, Harmony®, ProGreen™ 200, and Builders Solution®. Products that are GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified® and certified under GREENGUARD for Children & SchoolsSM by the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute include Harmony, ProGreen 200, Pro Industrial™ 0 VOC Acrylic, Pro Industrial Pro-Cryl® Universal Primer, PrepRite Block Filler, and Pro Select Stampede Polyurethane Sealant.

The four Sherwin-Williams GreenSure designated products are packaged in plastic containers that are 100% recycled from post-consumer resin. The labels, printed with soy ink, contain 75% recovered fiber and 25% post-consumer waste.

More information: swgreenspecs.com.

Dynamic influences evident in color forecast

The company said its goal with the colormix ‘09 color forecast “is to empower designers to use the forecast colors in their own unique and creative way,” said Jackie Jordan, director of color marketing. “Organized by color families rather than trends, the collection speaks to the dynamics behind several key market insights and how they influence the 2009 color forecast.”

The 24 colors selected in the forecast represent four trends: Techno-Color, Conscious Luxury, Local Momentum, and Global Tapestry, the company said.

“Techno-Color is inspired in part by new materials and manufacturing ideas,” Jordan said, suggesting that new fiber technologies are on the rise—such as soya and casein—and recycled fibers including cotton and wool have become more prevalent.

The emergence of consumers choosing to make “eco-statements” through upscale purchases inspired the Conscious Luxury trend, the company says; this is reflected in botanical hues evoking the exotic destinations of eco-tourism and the sheen of brilliant, conflict-free gemstones.

“In some cases, environmental awareness is becoming a status symbol,” Jordan said. “Conscious Luxury shows how being ‘green’ can translate into being chic.”

Eco-friendly, urban green rooftops and farmers’ markets are the look of the Local Momentum trend. Recycled materials and handmade items are in evidence in the form of ceramics and wooden sculptures, along with locally inspired color palettes.

“Local Momentum is about our personal surroundings,” Jordan said. “The colors in our neighborhood landscape and architecture define our unique definitions of local.”

In contrast, hues from far-flung outposts provide the inspiration to craft the Global Tapestry trend. Shades from Russia and East Asia continue to be dominant threads, melding with those of a new hot zone, Latin America, Jordan said.

The colors in the forecast include shades of blue, purple, red, orange, yellow, green, gray, and neutrals. More information: www.sherwin-williams.com.