Research, Innovation & Quality
Benjamin Moore has eight research and development laboratories at our 80,000 square-foot facility in Flanders, NJ. At this research and development hub, more than 100 chemists, chemical engineers, technicians and support staff develop new products and ensure our formulations remain best-in-class. Each lab focuses on a different area of expertise, from evaluating color standards to enhancing high-performance coatings designed specifically for industrial facilities.
We continually test and improve our products, while researching and developing new coatings to meet the evolving needs of our customers. Many Benjamin Moore paints within various product lines are zero or low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including AURA®, Regal® Select, ben®, Eco Spec® WB, and Ultra Spec® 500, among others. A majority of our architectural coating formulations range from 0-100 grams per liter (g/L) VOC, compared to previous formulations ranging from 100-250 g/L VOC.
Product Stewardship
Third Party Certifications
In addition to Benjamin Moore's efforts to reduce VOC emissions, certifying select products to third-party standards is a cornerstone of our commitment to product stewardship.
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United States
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54
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International
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125+
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Certifications Include:
- Green Seal®
- Eco Spec® WB Interior Latex (primer and all finishes)
- Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
- Eco Spec® WB Interior Latex (all finishes)
- Ultra Spec® 500 Interior Latex (all finishes)
- Ultra Spec® EXT (all finishes)
- U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) LEED® v4.1
- Applicable to most Benjamin Moore interior paints (please refer to the Technical Data Sheet of each product for how our products qualify under various LEED® v4.1 categories; the following are examples for the low emitting category)
- Aura® Waterborne Interior Paint (all finishes)
- Aura® Bath & Spa Waterborne Interior Paint
- Regal® Select Interior Paint & Primer (all finishes)
- ben® Interior Latex Paint & Primer (all finishes)
- Eco Spec® WB Interior Latex (primer and all finishes)
- Ultra Spec® 500 Interior Latex (primer and all finishes)
- Ultra Spec® HP Acrylic Metal Primer HP04
- Declare Label/The Living Building Challenge Imperative 11
- Ultra Spec HP® Acrylic Metal Primer HP04
- Ultra Spec® 500 Interior Latex (primer and all finishes)
- Ultra Spec® Exterior Flat Finish N447
- Ultra Spec® Exterior Satin Finish N448
- Ultra Spec® Exterior Gloss Finish N449
- Master Painters Institute (MPI) Green Performance® Standard
- Applicable to various Benjamin Moore products
(Refer to Technical Data Sheets or the Master Painters Institute website for details)
Commitment to Responsible Sourcing
We are committed to responsible sourcing, continuously seeking opportunities to improve our procurement procedures and increase our work with minority, women, small disadvantaged, veteran, service-disabled and LGBTQIA- owned businesses. In 2022, engagement with businesses owned by members of underrepresented groups grew — with spend increasing by 22%.
Supplier Qualification and Auditing
Benjamin Moore maintains a robust supplier auditing program focused on financial stability, supply risk, reputation, safety, quality, and corporate social responsibility. All key suppliers receive an initial audit before first use and are periodically selected for audit based on a risk analysis that encompasses the criteria above, among others. Audit findings are reviewed with the supplier at a closeout meeting. Areas for improvement are noted, and a corrective action plan is implemented if necessary. Plans are reviewed at least quarterly until corrective actions are complete. If an audit finding is high risk and cannot be corrected to Benjamin Moore’s satisfaction, we begin the process to move that business to a new supplier or put preventive actions in place to mitigate risk.
Conflict Minerals
We also comply with Berkshire’s Conflict Mineral Policy Statement. The policy statement commits Berkshire and its subsidiaries to comply with the Conflict Minerals Rule issued by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and work with our suppliers to ensure the responsible sourcing of materials containing “conflict minerals”—the ores of tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold.
Reducing Carbon Emissions Through Sourcing
Benjamin Moore continues to look for alternative transportation to receive materials and offset our emissions. Last year, more than 44,000,000 lbs. of material were received via vessel shipments, a 16% increase from 2021. These shipments equate to 31 railcars drawn from the rails or 138 trucks removed from the roadways.
Sustainable Packaging
As a best practice, our teams constantly research alternative packaging to deliver our products in more sustainable cans, cartons and wrapping. Our primary packaging consists of up to 100% recycled content, and our secondary packaging contains an average of 75% recycled content.
PaintCare®
We regularly seek new ways to improve the management of unused paint. Benjamin Moore partners with the American Coatings Association (ACA) and the Canadian Paint and Coatings Association (CPCA).
The ACA’s nonprofit entity, PaintCare, operates in states with paint stewardship laws and manages an industry-wide program to collect leftover paint for reuse, recycling or safe disposal. Product Care oversees product stewardship programs for household hazardous and special waste products on behalf of its members across Canada. As a contributing board member for both organizations, our shared goal is to expand the breadth of these models so post-consumer paint is handled effectively and environmentally responsibly.
Learn more about how to dispose of unused paint properly.