Coatings World USA (July/August 2023 Issue)
The company provides a cradle-to-cradle approach for all paint and raw material manufacturers, saving over a billion dollars for the paint industry globally.
Released by GDB International | David Savastano, Contributing Editor | 07.31.23
We live in a world where the importance of reducing and reusing resources is of ever-greater importance. This is particularly true for the paint and coatings industry, where a significant amount of paint goes unused and ends up in landfills. Recognizing the need for a more sustainable approach, GDB Paint & Coatings has pioneered the recycling of paint, transforming it into new high-quality paint while making a positive impact on the environment.
GDB’s Operations: Leading The Way in Paint Recycling
GDB, founded in 1994, has established itself as one of the leading producers of recycled latex paints globally. GDB’s paint recycling capacity stands at an impressive 150 million pounds, enabling them to handle vast amounts of post-consumer waste paint as well as distressed, obsolete, and non-productive inventories, servicing major paint and chemical companies. With operations spanning across multiple locations, including their centralized paint recycling facility plant in Nashville, Illinois, and facilities in South Brunswick (NJ), Las Vegas (NV), Mt. Vernon (IL), Seattle (WA), Mcallan (TX), Monterrey (Mexico), Achimota (Ghana), India, Dubai (UAE), Strijbeek (Netherlands) Australia, NZ and China, GDB has over 2 million square feet and 250+ employees dedicated to paint recycling in the US alone!
Creating Recycled Paints: A Complex and Innovative Process
The recycling process at GDB International involves meticulous testing and formulation to ensure the manufacture of the highest quality of recycled paints. By collaborating with major paint producers, GDB receives off-spec or discontinued paints, which are reutilized, reprocessed, repackaged, and marketed globally. This comprehensive approach helps GDB protect brands and build trust within the industry.
In addition to post-consumer waste, GDB also utilizes other recycling streams, such as paint washwater and powder coatings. The company recognizes the value of these materials and invests in innovative processes to maximize their recycling potential, inching closer to zero waste. Through GDB’s R&D over the years has developed a process to ensure millions of gallons of washwater, a byproduct of the paint production process, is utilized in its paint recycling process. This landmark process reduces water consumption and minimizing waste. Furthermore, GDB has successfully recycled millions of pounds of distressed powder coatings, wood stains and aerosols which require dedicated recycling processes.
GDB’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond recycling paint. Their eco-friendly practices in packaging, using recycled plastic and metal for their paint cans, ensures a green manufacturing process. Used and old machinery and equipment are given a new lease on life through recycling and repurposing, by GDB’s Technical team. These machines are given to GDB’s customers with manufacturing capabilities, to help them increase production.
The Evolve Brand: Redefining Sustainable Paint Solutions
One of the shining examples of GDB’s commitment to sustainable paint solutions is their Evolve brand. Designed for both interiors and exteriors, Evolve offers a range of base colors, along with customized blends, applicators, deck and wood stains, porch & floor, and primers. Every batch of Evolve paint undergoes rigorous quality control measures to ensure it meets the highest standards.
GDB’s focus on color variety and quality ensures that customers can find the perfect shade for their projects while supporting sustainable practices. By choosing Evolve, customers contribute to the circular economy by embracing recycled paint that performs exceptionally well.
GDB’s Contribution: Paint is their Passion.
The impact of GDB’s recycling efforts is truly remarkable. Over the last 25+ years, they have recycled a staggering 1.5 billion pounds of paint and paint raw materials. This passionate effort has helped in saving millions of dollars for the paint industry. The magnitude of their recycling capacity is evident as they process thousands shipments annually from suppliers that are destined to otherwise go to landfills. GDB’s commitment to waste reduction has resulted in significant environmental benefits, including reduced landfill waste, and minimized reliance on virgin resources.
Furthermore, GDB’s dedication to sustainability has garnered widespread recognition. They have received several prestigious awards, including the SEAL Innovation Award for Sustainable Product of the Year 2023, which highlights the groundbreaking nature of their recycling process. These accolades serve as a testament to GDB’s leadership and innovation within the coatings industry.
A Quote from Sanjeev Bagaria, CEO of GDB Paint & Coatings
Sanjeev Bagaria, CEO of GDB Paint & Coatings, emphasizes the importance of paint recycling and its impact on the environment, stating, “Paint recycling is not just about saving costs for the paint industry; it’s about making a positive impact on the environment. By recycling paint, we are reducing waste, conserving resources, and creating a more sustainable future.”
With their commitment to research and development, GDB has established the world’s first Post-consumer R&D Center, equipped with a team of dedicated professionals, including chemists who have years of real-time experience. This investment in innovation and expertise ensures that GDB continues to lead the way in developing sustainable paint solutions.
In Conclusion: A Sustainable Future with GDB Paint & Coatings
GDB Paint & Coatings is revolutionizing the coatings industry through its unwavering commitment to recycling and sustainability. By turning discarded paint into new high-quality products, they are not only reducing waste but also creating a more sustainable future for generations to come.
Their extensive operations, innovative recycling processes, and the success of their Evolve brand are testaments to their dedication to the circular economy and environmental responsibility. With numerous awards and recognition for their contributions, GDB is at the forefront of paint recycling, paving the way for a greener and more sustainable coatings industry.
As the world continues to prioritize sustainability, GDB Paint & Coatings will remain a trusted partner, offering eco-friendly paint solutions and leading the charge towards a more environmentally conscious future. In the words of Team GDB, “It is our passion for paint, that keeps us going – Less in the landfills, more on the walls!”
