Modern Artwork and Sustainability, Materials, Making, and Responsible Collecting

Modern artwork can delight, challenge, and shape public conversations. It also uses energy, materials, and travel. Paints contain plastics and solvents, stretchers and frames use timber and metals, shipping burns fuel, and packaging becomes waste. The good news is that artists, studios, galleries, and collectors now have clear, workable steps to cut impact while keeping quality high. This guide explains the most effective actions for UK readers, from choosing safer materials and disposing of waste correctly, to shipping art with lower emissions and collecting responsibly with solid provenance.

Gallery Climate Coalition targets and why they matter
https://galleryclimatecoalition.org/coalition-commitments/

Tate climate strategy overview
https://www.tate.org.uk/about-us/tate-and-climate-change

Part 1, studio materials with lower impact

Paints and binders, what to choose and what to avoid

Acrylics. Acrylic is versatile and durable, yet the binder is a plastic. Wet rinse water can shed microplastics and additives into drains, which wastewater plants struggle to catch. If you use acrylics, adopt a simple capture routine, explained below.
Oils. Traditional oils offer depth and repairability. The main risks come from solvents and some driers. Water-mixable oils reduce solvent use and still handle well for glazing and blending.
Gouache and watercolour. Low odour and easy to clean, with fewer harsh chemicals. Choose reputable brands that disclose pigment codes.
Sprays and two-part coatings. Many contain isocyanates or strong solvents. Avoid indoors. If you must use them for a specific effect, follow HSE controls, use professional PPE, and work outdoors or in properly ventilated booths.

HSE on hazardous chemical disposal and responsibilities
https://www.hse.gov.uk/chemicals/dispose.htm

HSE on isocyanates in coatings and UK REACH restrictions
https://www.hse.gov.uk/mvr/bodyshop/isocyanates.htm

HSE on solvents and restricted uses such as DCM paint strippers
https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/hazardous-substances/solvents.htm

Acrylic rinse water, how to keep microplastics out of drains

Wipe excess paint from brushes with paper towel before any rinsing.
Use two settling jars. Let solids drop overnight and pour off the clarified top into a third jar. Repeat until clear.
Dry the sludge on cardboard, then dispose of the dried mass as general waste, not down the sink.
Fit a cheap sink trap or fine paint filter for any final rinse.
This simple routine prevents most paint particles reaching wastewater.

Background on paints and microplastics
https://coatings.org.uk/page/Microplastic-Paint-in-the-Ocean

Practical studio advice on acrylic rinse water capture
https://www.jacksonsart.com/blog/2023/09/28/acrylic-painting-rinse-water-microplastics/

Solvents, resins, and skin protection

If you work with epoxies, alkyds, or strong solvents, treat skin protection as seriously as eye and lung protection. Wear nitrile gloves rated for the chemical, use sleeves or barrier creams, and keep exposure times short. Never use disposable thin vinyl gloves with solvent work. For epoxies and hardeners, avoid skin contact completely to reduce the risk of sensitisation.

HSE on skin exposure and controls
https://www.hse.gov.uk/skin/professional/managerisk.htm

HSE guidance and examples of sensitisers, including epoxies
https://www.hse.gov.uk/skin/professional/agents.htm

HSE handbook on managing skin exposure risks
https://books.hse.gov.uk/gempdf/hsg262.pdf

Safer pigments and what the labels mean

Learn basic pigment codes, avoid unnecessary heavy metals when alternatives exist, and keep dust down when handling dry pigments. Store in sealed containers, label clearly, and date everything. If you grind your own pigments, use a P3 mask and wet methods to control airborne particles.

Part 2, supports, paper, framing, and packaging

Timber, canvas, and paper that stand up to scrutiny

Timber. Pick FSC or PEFC certified timber for stretchers and frames, ideally from UK or EU sources to shorten transport. Ask your framer for certification codes on invoices.
Canvas and linen. Cotton has water and land impacts, linen is durable and long lasting. If you use polyester canvases, balance the benefit of strength with plastic content.
Paper. For prints and drawing choose named fine art papers. Recycled and fast-growing fibres like bamboo and hemp can lower impact without sacrificing quality.

FSC buyer guidance, what the labels mean
https://uk.fsc.org/choosing-fsc-certified-products
https://fsc.org/en/label

PEFC overview and UK information
https://pefc.co.uk/sectors/construction/
https://pefc.org/what-we-do/our-collective-impact/our-campaigns/designing-the-future-with-sustainable-timber

A note on certification and due diligence

Certification helps, yet it is not perfect. Recent research raised concerns about sanctioned birch wood apparently entering UK supply chains through mislabelling. Keep purchase trails and ask suppliers for origin assurance in addition to certification marks.

News report on misidentified certified timber entering the UK
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/apr/23/russia-belarus-sanctions-wood-smuggling-uk-illegal-imports-laundering-certification-fsc-pefc-research-aoe

Framing, glazing, and mounts

Choose FSC certified timber frames or recycled aluminium profiles. For glazing, standard glass has a low footprint and can be recycled. Acrylic is lighter for large works and safer in public spaces, so weigh transport and breakage risk against recyclability. Use acid-free mounts and backboards for longevity.

Packaging that is easy to recycle in the UK

Use plain cardboard, paper tape, and recycled paper wrap. Avoid mixed materials such as plastic bubble laminated to paper. If you need protection, choose cardboard corner blocks and reusable foam edge strips. Check WRAP design guidance when specifying packaging or buying shipping supplies.

WRAP recyclability design guidance
https://www.wrap.ngo/resources/guide/design-guidance-recyclability-household-rigid-plastic-packaging

UK Plastics Pact context, why reuse and design matter
https://www.wrap.ngo/take-action/the-uk-plastics-pact/plastics-and-packaging-beyond-2025

Part 3, waste, reuse, and the circular studio

Paint and chemical waste, follow the rules

Artists are classed as businesses when producing waste from commercial activity. That means a legal duty of care. Keep hazardous waste separate, label it, store it securely, and use licensed carriers. Keep consignment notes. For household paint in community projects, use UK reuse schemes.

Gov.uk, hazardous waste duty of care
https://www.gov.uk/dispose-hazardous-waste

HSE, safe disposal of chemicals
https://www.hse.gov.uk/chemicals/dispose.htm

Where to donate or source materials in the UK

Community RePaint. Donate usable leftover paint in original tins, or buy low-cost remanufactured paint for studios and community murals.
Scrapstores. Creative reuse centres accept offcuts, packaging, tubes, boards, and textiles. Great for schools, workshops, and set builds.
Reuse charities. Frames, plinths, tools, and storage can often be sourced via UK reuse networks.

Community RePaint network and drop-offs
https://communityrepaint.org.uk
https://communityrepaint.org.uk/need-paint/find-your-nearest-scheme/
https://communityrepaint.org.uk/how-to-donate-leftover-paint/

Reuseful UK, national scrapstore directory
https://www.reusefuluk.org/
https://www.reusefuluk.org/directory

Work and Play Scrapstore, London example
https://www.workandplayscrapstore.org.uk/

Reuse Network, UK reuse charities
https://reuse-network.org.uk/

Part 4, energy, travel, and shipping without the guilt

Studio energy and lighting

Switch to a renewable tariff, seal draughts, and use LED task lights with high CRI for colour accuracy. Set thermostats sensibly and use timers on extract and dehumidifiers. If you manage a shared studio, track energy and set reduction targets.

Julie’s Bicycle tools for measuring energy and environmental data
https://juliesbicycle.com/our-work/creative-green/creative-climate-tools/

Shipping, the single biggest footprint for many galleries

Air freight is the main problem. Sea and consolidated road freight cut emissions dramatically. Plan further ahead, ship fewer times, and build tours that reduce back-and-forth movement. Use modular crates that can be reused or adapted. For private sales inside the UK, consider art courier networks that group loads by region.

GCC on shipping impacts and targets
https://galleryclimatecoalition.org/shipping/
https://galleryclimatecoalition.org/ssc/environmental-considerations/
https://galleryclimatecoalition.org/ssc/targets/

Tate carbon footprint work on art movement
https://www.tate.org.uk/documents/1673/tate_carbon_footprint_executive_summary_final_1.pdf

Fairs and events are changing too

Major fairs and partners collaborating with GCC have pledged to halve emissions by 2030. Expect more slow shipping, lighter stands, and reuse of structures.

News on fairs pledging reductions
https://www.ft.com/content/af92810d-2410-413a-bd64-db8cce0a1bec

Part 5, responsible collecting that stands the test of time

Buy for longevity, not churn

Choose works that hold up physically and emotionally. Fewer, better pieces mean fewer shipments, fewer frames, and less waste. Ask for materials details in invoices, especially for plastics, resins, or fugitive dyes. Choose conservation framing from the start.

Provenance, compliance, and the law, a UK checklist

Provenance trail. Ask for a documented chain of ownership, past exhibitions, and literature references.
Theft checks. Use due diligence databases when buying secondary market works.
AML rules. If you are buying or selling through dealers and totals exceed thresholds, expect identity checks and proof of funds. It is the law.
Cultural property. Do not buy tainted objects. Be wary of antiquities and items from conflict zones.
Ivory. The UK Ivory Act 2018 prohibits dealing in most ivory, with narrow exemptions that require registration or certification.

Art Loss Register due diligence info
https://www.artloss.com/
https://www.artloss.com/faqs/

HMRC guidance for art market participants on
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/money-laundering-supervision-for-art-market-participants
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/art-market-participants-guidance-on-anti-money-laundering-supervision

UK legislation on tainted cultural objects
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/27
https://collectionstrust.org.uk/cultural-property-advice/legal-contexts/uk-cultural-property-legislation/

Ivory Act guidance
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/dealing-in-items-containing-ivory-or-made-of-ivory
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/buy-or-hire-an-ivory-item
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ivory-act-2018-enforcement-and-civil-sanctions/ivory-act-2018-enforcement-and-civil-sanctions

Recent AML enforcement context in the UK art market
https://www.ft.com/content/97cfdeb8-929a-4b53-9281-9f01798b3b17

Insurance, storage, and care with a climate lens

Store at stable temperatures and humidity using simple controls, not always energy intensive HVAC. Use LED lighting and timers in storage. Insure works during transit and storage, then review cover when you change how you ship.

British Museum guidance on collections care
https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/collection-care

Part 6, sustainable printmaking and editions

Fine art prints that balance quality and footprint

Giclée editions. Pigment inks on acid-free papers offer long life and accurate colour. Choose papers from mills with FSC certification and ask for OBA-free options if longevity matters.
Screen print and relief. Water-based inks reduce solvent use. Clean screens with minimal chemicals and capture residue before washing out.
Photography. Fibre-based papers with responsible sourcing plus careful chemistry handling make darkroom printing compatible with an eco studio.

Tate on giclée as a process term
https://www.tate.org.uk/art/art-terms/g/giclee

V&A on collecting prints and photographs
https://www.vam.ac.uk/articles/collecting-prints-and-photographs

Editions and frames, sustainable defaults

Use FSC frames or recycled aluminium, museum boards with recycled content, and glass where safe. Reuse frames across shows when possible, design prints to common sizes, and standardise fixings to reduce bespoke waste.

Part 7, a practical UK action plan

For artists and studio managers

Switch to a renewable energy tariff and track usage monthly.
Prioritise water-mixable oils, gouache, and water-based print inks where they suit the work.
Capture acrylic rinse water, filter, and bin dried solids.
Replace strong solvents with citrus or low-odour alternatives where safe and suitable.
Specify FSC or PEFC timber, recycled aluminium, and recycled paper. Keep supplier documentation.
Donate surplus paint to Community RePaint and offcuts to scrapstores.
Build a crate and packaging library for reuse.
Plan exhibitions with fewer shipments, slower routes, and shared transport.
Publish a simple studio environmental statement and targets.

For galleries and curators

Set a baseline year and commit to the GCC 50 percent reduction by 2030.
Use consolidated road and sea, avoid air where timing allows.
Adopt a shipping policy that defaults to reusable crates and recyclable packaging.
Publish materials lists in labels and catalogues.
Train teams on AML checks, provenance, and cultural property law.
Offer greener framing options as standard and charge less for them.

GCC targets and approach
https://galleryclimatecoalition.org/about-us/

Arts Council England environmental responsibility
https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/developing-creativity-and-culture/environmental-responsibility

For collectors

Buy fewer, better works that you want to live with for years.
Ask dealers for materials, framing, and care details to avoid early replacements.
Choose sea or road shipping for international buys where possible.
Keep provenance and condition records in one folder, plus certificates for editions.
Learn the basics of AML, ivory law, and cultural property law if you transact at scale or across borders.

AML and cultural property links
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/money-laundering-supervision-for-art-market-participants
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/27
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/dealing-in-items-containing-ivory-or-made-of-ivory

Part 8, frequently asked questions

What is the single biggest change I can make as an artist
Ship less by air. Plan earlier, share consignments, and build slow tours that cut back-and-forth movement. The emissions saving is large and immediate.
Shipping impact context and factors
https://galleryclimatecoalition.org/shipping/

Are “compostable” packaging options always better
Not necessarily. Many need industrial composting that most UK households cannot access, and wrong sorting can cause problems. Prioritise reduction and reuse, then choose packaging that UK systems actually recycle.
Compostable packaging pitfalls
https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/comment-why-compostable-packaging-cant-absolve-us-our-single-use-sins-2024-08-22/
WRAP guidance on design and recyclability
https://www.wrap.ngo/resources/guide/design-guidance-recyclability-household-rigid-plastic-packaging

What can I do with leftover household paint from a mural project
If it is still usable and in original tins, donate to Community RePaint. They redistribute paint to schools, charities, and community projects.
Community RePaint info and locations
https://communityrepaint.org.uk
https://communityrepaint.org.uk/need-paint/find-your-nearest-scheme/

Do certificates like FSC and PEFC guarantee perfect sourcing
They improve traceability and set standards. Keep documentation and ask suppliers about origin too, since investigations have found weaknesses in some supply chains.
Certification info and recent concerns
https://uk.fsc.org/choosing-fsc-certified-products

How do I avoid greenwashing when I talk about my progress
Report the actions you have taken and the numbers you can measure, like shipments by mode or percentage of packaging that is recyclable. Avoid vague claims.
Julie’s Bicycle communication guide
https://juliesbicycle.com/resource/communicating-your-climate-action-guide/

Part 9, templates you can use today

Studio environmental statement, one page starter

We commit to reduce studio emissions and waste year on year.
We prioritise materials with lower toxicity and verified sourcing.
We capture acrylic rinse water and dispose of dried solids responsibly.
We donate usable surplus to UK reuse networks and publish what we give.
We specify FSC or PEFC timber, recycled aluminium, and UK made papers.
We book consolidated road or sea freight where timelines permit.
We publish an annual one page summary of actions and next steps.

Sustainable exhibition brief for artists and fabricators

Build to reuse, not to skip.
Use screws and fixings that can be removed and reused.
Avoid PVC and mixed laminates.
Finish surfaces with low VOC paints and water-based coatings where possible.
Provide a bill of materials and a disassembly plan at handover.

Collector due diligence checklist

Invoice shows artist, title, year, medium, dimensions, and materials.
Provenance and any export or CITES rules checked if relevant.
Transport mode chosen to minimise emissions where timelines allow.
Frame and glazing specified for conservation.
Certificate of authenticity included for editions.

A culture of care

Modern artwork will always use materials and travel, yet each decision in the chain can reduce harm. Choose safer paints and papers, filter rinse water, frame for longevity, design packaging that recyclers can actually process, and ship by sea or road whenever you can. If you are a gallery, adopt published targets and share your progress with your audience. If you are a collector, ask for details and buy works you plan to live with for decades. Culture moves people. It can also move us toward better habits.

Tate on climate action in museums and galleries
https://www.tate.org.uk/about-us/tate-and-climate-change Tate
Gallery Climate Coalition overview
https://galleryclimatecoalition.org/about-us/