Paint made from flowers used to restore temple art

Sri Lankan paint company created a symbolic temple paint using waste from Buddhist flower offerings.

As sustainability gains increasing traction, it is unsurprising to see a rise in the use of natural building materials. For example, engineers can strengthen traditional concrete using extracts from root waste vegetables. We have also seen materials inspired by the natural world, such as the invention of an ultra-white paint inspired by beetles. Researchers studied beetle scales to develop the paint, which is also edible and environmentally-friendly. Following this trend of creating materials from and inspired by the natural world, JAT Holdings have developed paint from petals.

Using the petals from flowers discarded across Buddhist temples, this Petal Paint is a key tool in restoring temple art. The creators make the paint through collecting and drying flowers to use the pigments to create a liquid paint. There are five available colours: Lotus Red, Pigeonwing Blue, Trumpet Yellow, Marigold Orange and Temple Flower White. This cyclical process was a campaign study created by Leo Burnett Sri Lanka. Leo Burnett Worldwide’s executive chairman and chief officer Mark Tutssel said: “This revolutionary idea harnesses the power of creativity to positively impact the world. It’s a wonderful example of a brand giving something back to Sri Lanka’s heritage and culture. This innovative work not only invites people to engage in a truly unique way, it also ensures the very important preservation and restoration of sacred temple art.”