A social media comment questioning whether a “chemical-free paint” could be made using milk instead of chemicals has led to the development of an eco-friendly paint derived from natural rubber latex in Kerala.

The idea was conceived by Mithun Pullumettil and Joseph Lijo after they announced plans on social media to produce a natural, chemical-free paint. A sarcastic response to the post sparked a discussion that ultimately led them to explore the potential of rubber latex as a raw material.

With the guidance of renowned organic farming expert K. V. Dayal and technical support from the Rubber Research Institute of India (RRII), the concept was transformed into a viable product. The paint, branded ‘Bhadram’, will be marketed under their company, Kerala Paints, and is expected to be launched commercially within a month.

Mithun Pullumettil, a chemical engineering and MBA graduate from Bison Valley, and Joseph Lijo, a former journalist from Thrissur, are the directors of Kerala Paints.

The journey towards the innovation began in 2017, when the duo enrolled in an organic farming programme at Mahatma Gandhi University’s Lifelong Learning Department under the mentorship of K. V. Dayal. During their association with organic farming initiatives, they observed that a significant number of patients seeking treatment at an alternative wellness centre in Tripunithura—run by Dayal’s students—were painters suffering from fatty liver disease.

“Through this, we realised that prolonged exposure to certain paints could be a major contributing factor,” Dayal said.

This revelation prompted the team to pursue a natural paint that could purify indoor air, unlike conventional paints containing antifungal additives. They approached RRII senior scientist Dr Shera Mathew with a specific request for a bedroom-safe paint made from rubber latex without harmful chemical emissions.

After extensive research and experimentation, scientists at RRII successfully developed the paint using rubber latex along with sea shell powder, clay, plant extracts and other natural compounds. Several technical and scientific staff members contributed to the project.

Minister V. N. Vasavan, inaugurated the technology transfer and product launch, stating that the innovation offers renewed hope for rubber farmers. The technology was formally handed over to Kerala Paints at a function held at RRII.