The Factory and Process

LIVOS was founded in 1974. Just one year later, the first products based on plant colors were developed. This made LIVOS the world's first manufacturer of natural paints on an industrial scale. 

LIVOS has its headquarters in the idyllic Lüneburg Heath, surrounded by meadows and forests. In 1990, an old furniture factory was rebuilt and modernized in Emern, a village between Hamburg and Hanover.

Also since 1990, LIVOS has been using its own linseed oil press, in which the linseed oil – a main component of our products – is cold-pressed and then processed.

Entrance hall with Architecture Prize

No one expects this unique atmosphere in a paint factory.

An architect from Munich, who normally planned cathedrals, was found for the demanding construction. Based on a Celtic cross, the intermediate ceiling was removed, and a lighter structure has been realized over 2 floors.

Recently the hall floor got a major renovation. The formerly painted “water course” and the circles were changed with a spatula technique and glass stones, the surrounding with crushed sandstone.

Own linseed oil press

The base of most LIVOS products is linseed - one of the oldest cultivated plants. Tons of the seeds are processed in our own linseed press without extracting chemicals and cold-pressed.

Known through the high content of unsaturated fatty acids, linseed oil is appreciated as valuable food. Precisely these fatty acids have the property to react strongly with oxygen and to connect the molecules. Combined with other raw materials they create natural surfaces, which last long, remain elastic and are able to “breath”.

Biodiversity is lived nature protection. As by shopping in the supermarket, you influence which vegetables are grown, so you support by purchasing LIVOS products the cultivation of safflower, madder, flax etc. 

And we do not stop to research - always in search of native plants that improve our products and bring the potential for innovation.