Ethical Materials

Michael Harding Art Formulas is part of a global effort that ensures raw materials are sourced and obtained in an ethical manner. We focus on sourcing materials from parts of the world and from companies that align with our global environmental ethos and commit to the following:

• Reducing the impact art materials have on the global environment;
• Ensuring suppliers and their supply chains don’t source DRC conflict minerals;
• Securing confirmed statements from raw material suppliers that their products don’t support conflict, slave labour, child labour, environmental or human rights violations;
• and Sourcing alternative raw materials if a supplier is unwilling to comply.

  Some of our formulations includes gum Arabic, a traditional binder derived from acacia trees.

  We typically source our gum Arabic from the Sahel region of Africa, where it is a long-standing and sustainable natural product. The exact origin may vary between batches. We work only with established suppliers who are expected to meet our quality and ethical sourcing standards, and we carry out reasonable due diligence to help ensure materials are responsibly obtained.

  Our policy is to avoid sourcing from areas associated with conflict or exploitation, and we regularly review supplier information and documentation to align with this commitment. Gum Arabic production in the Sahel can play an important role in supporting local communities and promoting sustainable land management.

  We remain committed to transparency, responsible sourcing, and continual improvement across our supply chains.

Vegan Products

We use no shellacs, dairy products, or insects in our products. We’ve heard artists’ growing concern that art materials should be cruelty-free and made without animal products. For this reason, the items listed below are free from animal-derived ingredients.

Click the paint swatch to discover each colour’s pigment and other important details about the colour.