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Project title

Enhancing the circulaR Economy of PAINT integrating added value through technology

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

Dublin City University (DCU)

Lead Applicant

Aoife Morrin

Project Abstract

In recent years the paint industry has gone some ways to address the development of products, technologies, and packaging to build conditions to improve environmental performances. However, although the role of reused paint is well understood to improve the sustainability of paint in a life cycle thinking approach, technical innovation in terms of processes and scaling models for this waste stream is limited and processes implemented by public bodies and social enterprises only mitigate against a small fraction of waste paint being produced today (ca 5%). This project will aim to build upon existing life cycle assessments of reused paint, developing new applications of technology to support characterising donated and reused paint in terms of microbial activity, formulation stability, and other characteristics. Technologies developed will be tested at strategic intervention points in the life cycle of reused paint in order to facilitate reuse and remanufacture of the material. Advanced technologies including a cold plasma approach to decontamination and polymer and raw material recovery methods will also be assessed for viability and feasibility to support paint reuse. To complete the Life Cycle of reused paint, i.e. product resale in social enterprises, we also aim to enhance the reputation of reused paint in Ireland through further development of product standards and labelling, collect and analyse data on social impact of growing paint reuse initiatives, provide education on the value proposition of reused paint as a sustainable product, and enhance communications and messaging around product quality. rePAINT is a multidisciplinary project bringing together University academics and researchers, policy researchers and staff at the social enterprise The Rediscovery Centre, with industry support from Allergy Standards. The programme will train two PhD students in areas of physical and analytical chemistry, as well as microbiology and plasma physics to develop new and viable ways to technically assess paint for reuse and enhance the market for this sustainable product through driving social change.

Grant Approved

620817.95

Research Hub

Facilitating a Green and Circular Economy

Research Theme

Enhancing the assessment of materials, products and value chains in the Circular Economy in Ireland

Start Date

01/09/2025

Initial Projected Completion Date

31/08/2029