Dulux New Zealand believes in a future without harm. This means managing all activities with concern for people and the environment; conducting business to benefit society and not compromising the quality of life of future generations.

With all aspects of the product life cycle in the psyche of its product development, the business is continually developing new ways to reduce the environmental impact of its products and activities, with environmental sustainability forming a core element of Dulux's business.

In a climate where architects and designers are increasingly conscious of and requiring that the products they specify are sustainably managed, Dulux has a number of methods in ensuring the environment remains protected for future generations.

As James Solari, Managing Director of Solari Architects in Wellington summates, “As some of our key clients, such as Housing New Zealand, are supporting their values of providing warm, dry and comfortable new homes with Homestar ratings, product selection is really important. The environmental benefits Dulux brings supports the notion of responsibility when bringing quality new homes to the market.”

So what initiatives have Dulux New Zealand undertaken thus far to reduce its environmental impact?

Product packaging

Metal pails used by Dulux are 100% recyclable right here in New Zealand.

Dulux also adds recycled material from used plastic pails back into its packaging in its largest lines. The company is pleased to increase the amount of recycled material in its pails to 10% from October 2019.

As the technology in recycling and mingling of new vs. recycled content improves, the company hopes to increase its percentage of recycled content to new plastic in the near future.

Paint take-back service

Since 2009, Dulux Trade stores across the country have been collecting unused paint and packaging for safe and more environmentally responsible disposal. The good, still usable water-based paint is then donated and reused for community projects such as graffiti remediation, while the packaging is responsibly recycled. This year, Dulux expanded the number of pick up points to include selected Guthrie Bowron stores.

With thousands of litres of paint and packaging collected so far, they want to further encourage people to continue to return their pails to these collection points so the scheme can continue to grow.

Environmental Choice New Zealand

Dulux NZ has been a proud ECNZ license holder for over a decade. Its customers have access to a wide range of ECNZ approved products to meet their requirements. A full list of these products is provided on the ECNZ website. Having ECNZ approved products allows its trade customers and specifiers to meet the requirements of New Zealand Green Building Council rating tools and earn credits that promote better buildings and healthier people. It also allows consumers to be more conscious of the environment when purchasing Dulux products.

Environmental Product Declarations

The three Dulux EPDs encompass Wall Paints, Ceiling Paints, and Preparation Paints, providing comprehensive data on selected products within each paint range.

Dulux’s Environmental Product Declarations have been prepared in accordance with international standards and independently verified. The EPDs are available on the Australasian and International Environmental Product Declaration websites.

Waste management

Dulux believes that correct waste disposal is an essential part of safe and sustainable working practice. This is why they offer trade painters the Dulux EnviroWash System and Dulux Envirosolutions Paint Waste Hardener. The EnviroWash system turns paint wash-out into treated water and solid waste. This provides a responsible alternative to traditional methods of washing out painting tools such as brushes and rollers. Dulux Envirosolutions Waste Paint Hardener converts unwanted paint into solid waste in all water-based paints and timber coatings. This can then be safely disposed of.

Protecting our place: DOC partnership (est. 2013)

DOC's huts have long provided essential shelter for Kiwi outdoor enthusiasts and international visitors. Situated in a variety of landscapes from alpine to coastal settings, these huts are often exposed to New Zealand’s harshest and most extreme weather conditions. They protect visitors who seek shelter, and this partnership helps to protect the huts themselves. The partnership also supports projects that protect and restore recreational and historic assets. Many of these assets require specialist support and technical expertise to restore them, and this is where Dulux is able to support them.