Help protect the environment with Resene

When it comes time to undergo renovations in your home, environmental concerns may not be at the top of your list of things to worry about. However, all it takes is choosing the right products and using them properly to help make a difference to the planet around you.

A history of helping

Resene has focused on developing waterborne paints and sustainable product solutions for many years, introducing the first waterborne paints in Australasia to reduce the level of toxic solvents in paint products. It was also one of the first brands to remove lead from its products in the 1960s.

The right products

The first Resene waterborne enamels were launched in 1995, by way of Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss waterborne enamel and Resene Enamacryl. Both of these products are still popular choices for painters today, with durable enamel-like finishes featuring all the benefits of waterborne paints. These products are non-yellowing, have low odours and can easily be cleaned up in water.

Five years after their release, these two products easily outsold solventborne equivalents. Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen and Resene SpaceCote Flat have since been added to the waterborne enamel range, best suited for use on broadwall, wet areas, trim and joinery.

Low-odour product Resene Zylone Sheen was updated to be released in a VOC-free version – Resene Zylone Sheen VOC Free. This product is low in odours and has an attractive low-sheen finish, plus it has no volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOC emissions have been found to have a detrimental effect on our environment.

These days, less than 8 per cent of Resene's decorative paint is solventborne.

Environmental Choice program

Resene joined the prestigious Environmental Choice program in 1996 and has the only comprehensive range of Environmental Choice-approved paints in New Zealand.

The program is endorsed by the Ministry for the Environment. It aims to improve the quality of our environment by minimising the impacts generated by the production, use and disposal of certain products.

Along with protecting the environment, paints in the program also help to protect the health of sensitive customers. Resene Zylone Sheen and Resene Ceiling Paint were stripped of their odorous material, resulting in high quality paint products without strong smelling solvents. Reducing solvents has been shown to reduce headaches, asthma, nausea and allergic reactions caused by using odorous paints.

Eco.Decorator program

Resene's Eco.Decorator program aims to recognise environmentally responsible, quality-focussed painters. Contractors undergo assessment for the program, including waste management strategies, project plans and sustainable work practices. If painters successfully meet all the standards they can then promote their business as a Resene Eco.Decorator, allowing interior decorators and designers to request their services in order to complete a sustainable job.

PaintWise

When it comes to disposing paint in a safe and environmentally friendly manner, Resene PaintWise has you covered. The program is focused on collecting and recycling or treating unwanted paint and paint packaging to reduce the impact of paint waste on the environment.

The program took five years to develop and in its first year of trial, thousands of unwanted paint cans were returned to the PaintWise service. Much of this was donated to community groups, and metal cans were recycled.

Since its 2004 trial, the program has really kicked off across New Zealand. Residents can bring in unwanted paint and paint packaging, no matter what the brand, to most Resene ColorShops. The program sends solvent-based products to solvent recovery systems, and waterborne paint is often used to cover graffiti in the community.

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