EMU Polymers and Coatings program enters a strategic partnership with GDB International
The Polymers & Coatings Technology program within the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology of EMU has entered a strategic partnership with GDB International, Inc., a multinational conglomerate and global leader specializing in the paint recycling industry in producing a diverse range of recycled paints.
As a part of this partnership, GDB International Inc has established a $10K Scholarship for Polymers and Coatings students – GDB International Expendable Scholarship in Polymers and Coating. GDB has also committed to accepting two Polymers and Coatings graduate students for a summer internship starting the summer of 2022. Additionally, joint research programs at Coatings Research Institute are also being worked out.
“I am very excited about this partnership as the GDB Scholarship will support students in their experimental research that will develop advanced solutions for sustainable recycling of a wide variety of paints and coatings. The summer internship will provide a unique and unparalleled learning experience to our students in exploring emerging paint recycling processes,” said Vijay Mannari, Distinguished professor of Polymers and Coatings and Director for Coatings Research Institute (CRI) at EMU, who is instrumental in cementing this partnership. Mannari said that his visit to GDB operations in the summer of 2021 was beneficial in understanding technical issues associated with the paint recycling industry. EMU Coatings Research Institute is in an excellent position to leverage its strength and develop solutions by joint research projects with GDB under this partnership.
GDB international’s mission is to reduce the carbon footprint of paints and coating products and preserve our land and water resources by developing responsible and sustainable recycling solutions.
Over the last 25 years, GDB’s team of highly skilled professionals have worked to reduce the environmental degradation caused by the paint industry by recycling over 1.8 billion lbs. of various paint and raw materials and over 25,000 tonnes of packaging plastics, paper, and cardboard. GDB’s focus on being a technology-first company has helped the multinational turn its zero-waste circular economy model into a reality. Reusing and effectively repurposing the left-over post-consumer paint for various schools, community centers, and homes spread across the Americas, Asia and Africa give the paint a new lease of life.
Sanjeev Bagaria, CEO of GDB International Inc said, “We strive to constantly innovate by investing in the paint recycling industry, tirelessly paving the way for a leaner, cleaner, and greener paint industry worldwide. Radical ideas have always been encouraged at GDB, giving the students a chance to put their theories to practice. By bringing young, enthusiastic, and passionate talent on board, we are not only fuelling our innovation with newer, contemporary ideas but are giving the youth a chance to invest in and better their own future. Being a founding and the presiding member of the IPRA, this partnership shall pave the way for numerous collaborative projects in the future, providing students with a more holistic learning experience. We look forward to bringing this fresh wave of energy to our team of experienced recyclers.“
