The Rubber Research Institute of India (RRII), under the Rubber Board, has discovered that high quality, eco-friendly paint can be produced from natural rubber latex.

According to RRII authority, the newly developed formula, using natural latex, sea shells, natural clay and plant extracts will surpass the performance standards of conventional emulsion paints. The innovation is the result of nearly 18 months of systematic research and trials. The paint is health-friendly, VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) free, and water based, posing no known health hazards.

"Since natural plant extracts can also be incorporated for coloration, all commonly used interior shades can be produced without relying on synthetic chemicals. The fact that natural latex forms the principal raw material adds further significance to the development, especially from a sustainability and farmer-centric standpoint", noted Shera Mathew, officer in charge of RRII, in a statement.

For rubber growers, the prospect of manufacturing paint from natural rubber latex offers renewed optimism, as it opens up a promising new avenue for value addition and enhanced income generation, it added".