VIEWPOINT
IMPROVING SUSTAINABILITY IN THE DECORATING INDUSTRY Guy Butterworth, managing director of Dulux Decorator Centre.
THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY accounts for approximately 36% of worldwide energy usage and 40% of CO2 emissions, which are generated from activities such as manufacturing, transportation, and mining for raw materials. To reduce this impact, the whole supply chain has a role to play. Merchants in the decorating trade should lean on advice from industry bodies like the British Coatings Federation (BCF), to identify areas for improvement. BCF’s ‘Net Zero Roadmap’ and ‘Quick Start Guide’ are useful tools that outline the importance of using more sustainable products, reducing waste and cutting carbon emissions.
Sustainable paint options
Research shows 71% of professional decorators say their clients now regularly request sustainable paint options . To help meet this demand, merchants need to ensure they have a wide range of water-based, low VOC and durable solutions available.
Low VOC content Volatile organic compounds (VOC) are chemical vapours that are found in higher quantities in solvent-based paints. They are released into the air as the product is used and contribute to the formation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, adding to ground level pollution and global warming.
Stocking water-based products that are much lower in VOC content and can deliver the benefits of solvent-based alternatives – including quick drying times, easy application, durability and professional finishes – will make it easy for decorators to select more environmentally
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friendly products without compromising quality. To limit impact on the
environment and indoor air quality as much as possible, there are now paints available that are 99.9% VOC free. Providing decorators with a full suite of quality options to suit any project - like the recently reformulated Dulux Trade Vinyl Matt, Dulux Trade Diamond Matt and Dulux Trade Stain Block Matt – will ensure they can meet client briefs and deliver sustainability benefits too.
Durability
Paints and coatings play a vital role in protecting surfaces and reducing the need for regular, emission inducing, redecoration work, resulting in a greater negative environmental impact. Stocking quality paints that deliver durability and long-lasting professional results, such as Dulux Trade Diamond Matt, will help decorators to extend maintenance cycles and cut down carbon emissions over a building’s lifespan.
Reducing waste Another way that merchants can support their customers and improve the industry’s circularity is by offering ways to responsibly dispose of waste. Nearly all (98%) of the UK’s waste paint is either burnt or sent to landfill , and only 2% of leftover paint is reused or remanufactured.
To help combat this, merchants should consider offering easy to use recycling services. For example, partnering with initiatives like Community RePaint will ensure that leftover paint can be utilised rather than wasted. Paint tins can also be recycled and given a new life if they are disposed of properly. For example, Dulux Decorator Centre customers can drop off, empty paint cans (from any manufacturer) in store or arrange a collection from site during a scheduled delivery. Since its launch, the free service has stopped over one million cans from being sent to landfill and this number is ever increasing. Packaging innovation is also a key consideration for merchants. Providing products in recyclable or reusable packaging – including caulk foils and re-usable bulk paint containers - will help to reduce waste.
Every eventuality Merchants should also carefully think about the impact of their delivery services. Whilst it is paramount to ensure that decorators get the products they need, when they need, it is also important to ensure this is achieved with minimal impact.
To reduce emissions, many merchants are updating their fleet with electric vehicles and looking at more efficient delivery routes. Although vans are suitable for most deliveries, Dulux Decorator
Centre recognised that providing speed and efficiency in busy hubs and major cities required an alternative option. It recently launched a new ultra-rapid delivery service in London in partnership with Absolutely, a same day courier service. The new delivery option uses e-cargo bikes, which are are ideal for high-density and short-distance jobs, to provide a practical solution for London-based professionals that are looking for speedy deliveries. The e-cargo bikes also don’t release pollutants into the air, making them a more sustainable choice.
Putting people first Merchants should also consider CSR as part of their sustainability policies, and ensure they are giving back to the local community as much as possible. Donating product to community projects, supporting local charities and helping customers to give back are all ways that merchants can make a difference.
Merchants have a crucial role to play in helping decorators make more sustainable choices. Stocking low VOC, water-based paints and durable solutions; providing services to support recycling; and offering a range of delivery options, are just some of the ways that merchants can help make a difference. As a merchant itself, Dulux Decorator Centre is dedicated to investing in these areas and working with its customers to provide the support and services they need to help their businesses to thrive. It is proud to offer a wide selection of durable and water- based paints, a free can recycling scheme, paint redistribution via Community RePaint, and a wide range of fast and reliable delivery options. It also supports community projects and has partnered with Voluntewer it Yourself (ViY). BMJ
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net August 2024
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