AkzoNobel is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Community RePaint Network, originally launched through funding provided by Dulux in 1993 and subsequently solely sponsored by the brand. Since its inception, the network has collected 7.8 million litres of paint and distributed 5.4 million litres of paint to those who need it.
According to the British Coatings Federation an estimated 55 million litres of paint are wasted in the UK each year. Community RePaint was established to tackle these challenges and encourage greater re-use of leftover paint and is now a growing network of 75 schemes across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, with new schemes in the pipeline.
Through the network, staff and volunteers collect paint that would otherwise have gone for disposal and redistribute it to individuals, charities, and community groups at affordable prices to brighten homes and community spaces. As a result, the equivalent of over 14.5 million kilos of CO2 has been saved by reusing paint – equivalent to taking over 70,000 flights from Heathrow to Madrid. This year alone, 261,521 litres of paint have been collected with 213,977 litres reused, helping 1,578 organisations and 25,810 individuals add colour to their lives.
Peter Howard, Sustainability and CSR Lead at AkzoNobel, commented: “With over 55 million litres of paint wasted each year, it’s clear we have to help more consumers to re-use and recycle their leftover paint wherever possible. We have been working with Community RePaint since its inception to put as much leftover paint as possible to its best use colouring lives and communities. Over the past 30 years we have worked to grow the network to 75 different schemes, helping to re-use over 5.4 million litres of paint.
“It’s inspiring to see the amazing milestones the network has achieved, and we remain committed to supporting this hugely important initiative, whilst also working more widely with industry to increase the re-use and re-manufacture rate of decorative paint.”
Martin Pearse, Network Manager at Community RePaint, commented: “We’re so proud to be celebrating this significant anniversary. It is truly amazing to see the results of the work during this time and growth we have achieved to now having 75 schemes up and down the UK. We’re very grateful to Dulux, and AkzoNobel for the continued support and we are excited to continue our partnership in helping our surrounding communities.”
How to use Community RePaint
If you have surplus or leftover paint or need paint to redecorate your home, or if you are a charity or community group in need of paint for a project, visit the Community RePaint website at the link below to find your nearest scheme. If you are a trader, manufacturer, or retailer with leftover paint you can contact the scheme to find out how they can help you.