KEIM Wins Europe's Largest Sustainability Award 2026 for Eco-Friendly Building Paints & Solutions.

This year kicks off with an exciting victory for Keim Paints! Recognised as one of the most prestigious awards in Europe, it honours companies that set industry standards and develop innovative, future-proof solutions for a more sustainable world.

Following last year's Germany Sustainability Award win by Auro Paints, we're proud that the paint brands with which we work closely receive the recognition they deserve.

KEIM are the winner of the German Sustainability Award 2026, the largest European award for ecological and social commitment.

Keim’s award-winning commitment to the environment

The German Sustainability Award 2026 is a top honour recognising companies that make significant contributions to sustainable development. Keim Paints was named the winner in the Paints and Coatings category by a jury of around 240 experts—no small feat! This award is Europe's leading sustainability accolade, celebrating businesses that prioritise resource efficiency, circular economy practices, healthy indoor air, green chemistry, and reducing ecological impact throughout their entire value chain. Companies like Keim Paints stand out for their industry leadership, holding certifications such as Cradle to Cradle and investing in innovative, future-proof products that help drive industry change. As a result, Keim Paints exemplifies how economic success can be harmoniously combined with environmental protection and social responsibility.

Keim Paints was recognised for several key reasons:

• Keim mineral paints are water-based, odourless, non-toxic, and virtually VOC-free, manufactured with natural ingredients using a low-energy process.
• Keim excels at balancing economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility.
• Praised for Cradle to Cradle Certified® silver products, gold Material Health Certificates, and the use of post-consumer recycled packaging (PCR)*.
• NaturePlus certifications for interior and facade paints. These are awarded only to products that do not contain any substances from the list of banned chemicals and do not pose a risk to health or the environment.
• IUG Seal of approval – awarded to paints that are low in emissions and contain no allergenic or irritant ingredients, making the paints suitable for bedrooms, nurseries, and healthcare facilities.

Rüdiger Lugert, Managing Director of Keim, on achieving the award:

"For us, sustainability means care and provision and is much more than an economic principle. It is the most valuable connection between generations. Being the winner of the German Sustainability Award confirms that we fulfil our responsibility for a future worth living - not only with our products and system solutions, but also with our ecological and social commitment within and outside our company."

Discover the Keim Colours range—mineral, ecological colours renowned for their exceptional colour stability. To ensure a healthy indoor environment and durable facades, request a colour card or sample today.

Learn more by exploring additional articles here: 

• Keim Case Study: Blaenffos Baptist Chapel
• ​Keim Paints – Cradle to Cradle Certified Products
• What are the advantages of using Keim Mineral paints compared to conventional paint coatings?

All these excellent, environmentally friendly factors combine to create an aesthetically pleasing finish you'll love. We're proud that Keim received Europe’s top sustainability award for ecological and social responsibility. If you're interested in learning more about Keim and their products, don't hesitate to reach out to us.

* Did you know that over 80% of Keim’s iconic red plastic buckets are now made from recycled plastic?

The recycled plastic used to make Keim paint buckets comes from household and commercial recycling collections. After collection, the plastic waste is carefully sorted, cleaned, and processed into small plastic granules. These granules are then used as the raw material for new packaging.

Because the recycled plastic comes from many different sources and contains a mix of colours, the buckets themselves are produced in grey. To support sustainability and the principles of the circular economy, Keim deliberately avoids adding colours to the recycled plastic to make it red. Instead, to keep Keim’s iconic brand identity clearly visible, most of the bucket surface, except for the rim, is covered with a high-quality, brand-specific in-mould label. Keim’s recycled buckets can be easily recognised by their grey rim.

With these recycled containers, Keim offers a sustainable packaging solution that performs just as well as buckets made from new plastic. At the same time, it sends a strong message about conserving resources and protecting the environment.